For the vagina to function perfectly,
couples must understand that the normal vagina is a self-cleaning organ.
It discharges which is a normal function of that process. This ensures
that the vagina is in the right condition. Most women have some amount
of clear or milky odourless discharge that will be noticeable on their
underwear during their entire lifetime but some women produce more
discharge than others. The colour and thickness of the discharge changes
with a woman’s monthly cycle. For instance, it is thicker after
ovulation, when breastfeeding and when a woman is sexually excited.
Vaginal discharge is generally heavier when ladies are younger and it
becomes less as they age. In fact, many women will have dryness problems
as they grow older, particularly during menopause. During pregnancy,
vaginal discharge often increases.
For the vagina to be serviceable at all
times, it is advisable to.....
keep it from unbalanced environment and keep
the vagina area clean and dry. This lessens the onset of infections. For
instance, after using the toilet, wipe from front to back; never back
to front. Wiping from back to front can bring bacteria from the anus
into the vagina and urethra which can cause infection. Wear cotton
panties during the day as this allows air to freely get to the vagina
area. Avoid wearing tight pants for a long period especially because we
are in the tropical region. Make sure that the laundry detergents are
not the types that easily irritate the genital areas. Long period of
soaking in the bathtub may change the environment of the vagina.
Instead, shower-bathe often. It is better to avoid feminine hygiene
sprays, coloured or perfumed toilet paper and deodorant pads. If you
notice any discharge that appears unusual in colour or smelly, it is
advisable to see your doctor, because vaginal health affects more than
just the couple’s sex life. It is an important part of a woman’s overall
health. Vaginal problems can affect fertility, desire for sex and
ability to reach orgasm. It can also affect other areas of marriage and
impacts a wife’s self-confidence.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of vaginal
problems and what you can do to protect against such is important. The
vagina is a closed muscular canal that extends from the vulva — the
outside of the female genital area — to the neck of the uterus (cervix).
Various factors can affect it. For instance, forceful sex or an injury
to the pelvic area can result in vaginal trauma. Diabetes can cause
vaginal dryness and prolonged use of antibiotics does increase the risk
of a vaginal yeast infection. Certain antihistamines can cause vaginal
dryness. Some birth control products can cause vaginal irritation.
Some conditions that might affect the
vagina are persistent or recurrent genital pain just before, during or
after sex (dyspareunia). Pain during penetration might be caused by
involuntary spasms of the muscles of the vaginal wall.
An infection or change in the normal
balance of vaginal bacteria can cause inflammation of the vagina such as
discharge, odour, itching and pain. Common types yeast infections,
which are usually caused by a naturally occurring fungus called Candida
albicans; and trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite is commonly
transmitted by sex. Sometimes when the supporting ligaments and
connective tissues that hold the uterus in place become weak, the
uterus, bladder or rectum might slip down into the vagina (uterine
prolapse). As a result, the vagina also is pulled down.
It is very important to be managed by a
well-trained midwife during normal vaginal delivery as vaginal tears are
relatively common during childbirth. In some cases, an episiotomy which
is an incision made in the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus
during childbirth may be needed, and when not well handled, such vaginal
delivery can decrease the muscle tone of the vagina. This can affect
the sexual function of the vagina. Anxiety and depression can contribute
to a low level of arousal and result in discomfort or pain during sex.
Trauma — such as sexual abuse or an initial painful sexual experience —
also can lead to pain associated with sex.
Changes in a woman’s hormone levels can
affect the vagina. For example, estrogen production declines after
menopause, after childbirth and during breast-feeding. Loss of estrogen
can cause the vaginal lining to thin (vaginal atrophy) — making sex
painful. The vagina loses elasticity after menopause; that is the end of
menstruation and fertility.
So when a wife or husband notices the
following, it is good to seek for help: a change in the colour, odour or
amount of vaginal discharge — especially when accompanied by a fever,
vaginal redness, itching or irritation, vaginal bleeding between
periods, after sex or after menopause, a mass or bulge in the vagina, a
sensation of pressure or heaviness in the vagina.
Culled - Funmi Akingbade/Punch
Share your thoughts...thanks!
No comments:
Post a Comment