Your vagina, just like any part of your body needs regular care, hygiene, and attention. Unfortunately, a lot of women are much too embarrassed to seek help when it comes to their sexual health. Regardless of the level of sexual activity, all women should get regular check-ups with a gynecologist. For starters, here are some signs that tell you that your vagina is feeling under the weather.
1. When It Starts Itching
Itching can be a sign of infection or an STD. The likely cause is a yeast infection which can result from taking antibiotics, having an unbalanced pH, wearing tight non-breathable underwear or clothing, douching, or an unhealthy diet too high in sugars. It may also be itchy due to excess dryness. Drink enough water to hydrate yourself and promote lubrication.
2. When There’s A Strange Odor
Most vaginas don’t smell like a bed of roses but they shouldn’t smell too unpleasant either. Normal vaginas have a musty, earthy, pungent smell. If you experience an unpleasant, vaguely fishy odor along with more discharge than usual it’s possible you have a bacterial infection
3. When You Notice A Discolored Discharge
Some amount of clear discharge every now and then, especially before and after your period, is completely normal. It is important however to pay attention to the color, regularity, amount, and texture of discharge. Abnormal colors such as yellow, green, gray, white, or brown are reasons for concern. If any of these colors are accompanied by discharge with a cottage cheese like texture, it’s time for a visit to the doctor.
4. When You Have Abnormal Bleeding
Any kind of spotting or bleeding in between your period is worth getting checked out. It’s common for women to experience some bleeding following their first experience of sexual intercourse but if this happens regularly, make sure to visit your doctor as it may be a symptom of cervical cancer. Unusual heavy bleeding is also a cause for concern.1
5. When You Have Painful Sex
Painful sex can be caused by a number of causes. It can be because of infections, a UTI, skin infections, irritation etc. It may also be a sign of some underlying condition like endometriosis, a condition where the uterine lining or tissue forms outside of the uterine wall. It can become serious if left untreated.
6. When It Feels Very Dry
Most women complain of dryness after menopause when their estrogen levels drop. In some cases, women may experience flaking and itching of the skin on their labia. This may even cause discomfort during intercourse. Your doctor will help you find a solution that will make ease irritation and make intercourse less uncomfortable.
7. When You Develop Skin Lesions
Keep an eye out for unusual sores or bumps on the skin around the labia and vaginal opening. These may be signs of an untreated STD. In any case, book an appointment with your doctor right away.
8. When You Have Burning Pee
Having a burning sensation while urinating is the most common symptom of a urinary tract infection. A UTI can be easy to contract and is just as easily treated. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. In the meantime, drink lots of water to help flush the bacteria out of your system.
How To Keep Your Vagina Happy And Healthy
Your vagina has a delicate pH balance that helps keep itself clean. The discharge is meant to flush out any harmful bacteria. However, some things we do can upset this balance and result in some of the symptoms we just listed. The good news with most of these signs or symptoms is that they almost always preventable. Here are some simple things you can do to keep your vagina healthy.
- Don’t use douches, vaginal washes, or harsh soaps around your vaginal opening. It can wash out the beneficial bacteria that keep your vagina healthy. If you need to use a soap, use it near the outer labia.
- Eat a healthy diet with less sugar, as excess sugar in the diet can result in recurring yeast infections.
- Always pee right after sex. When using toilet paper always wipe front to back to avoid spreading any fecal bacteria to the vaginal canal. These practices reduce the likelihood of contracting a UTI.
- Use a mirror sitting down to see if there are any abnormalities in the skin. The more familiar you are with your vulva, the easier it will be to spot anything out of the ordinary.
- After the age of 20, it is recommended that all women get an annual checkup with a gynecologist specifically for their sexual health, regardless of sexual activity.
Don’t be afraid to have open conversations with your doctor about vaginal health. Afterall, that’s what they’re here for. Now that you know what to look out for, you’re ready and armed with the information to responsibly take care of your sexual health.
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