Vagina

With the increased awareness of breast cancer, examining your breasts on a daily basis must have become a habit. However, there are several other forms of cancer that show common and subtle signs which may be often ignored. Whether it is stomach ache or a cough, it is not meant[.....]

Most of us have a list of questions that we are too embarrassed to ask our ob-gyn. Some of us even believe it’s probably not right to ask certain questions to the doctor. That’s what friends are for! But sometimes the info you’ve heard from your best bud is really not[.....]

Vaginal atrophy is dryness, inflammation, and thinning of the vaginal walls which accompanies a drop in estrogen levels, usually at the time of menopause. It is usually treated with estrogen which can cause serious side effects like increased risk of cancer, strokes, and heart attacks. Natural alternatives include supplements of sea buckthorn oil, probiotics vitamin E and D, black cohosh, and St, John's wort.

Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis, also known as atrophic vaginitis, is an inflammation of the vagina, mainly brought on by a decrease in estrogen in a woman's body and is common in menopausal women. Accompanied by symptoms like vaginal itching, pain during intercourse, and urinary tract infections, this condition may be treated using topical estrogen application methods, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, and sometimes, even hormone replacement therapy, depending on the symptoms.

Leucorrhea, or vaginal discharge, may or may not be normal. If the amount or color changes, visit the doctor ASAP. Foul odor and itching are tell-tale signs of an infection. You can also try herbal remedies to reduce discharge. Traditional medicine has used spices like sumac, anise, and sorrel to treat leucorrhea. Additional natural remedies include amla berry, one of the top ayurvedic treatments, and olive. Even when using these treatments, be sure to get a potential infection checked out.

During pregnancy, your body goes through drastic hormonal changes. These can sometimes make your vagina prone to infection. Some of the infections you can develop include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, group B strep, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. To prevent these infections, practice good hygiene and get tested regularly along with your partner.

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection where the bad bacteria in your vagina outnumber the good bacteria. Including garlic and yogurt in your diet, using a garlic or boric acid suppository, and rinsing with yogurt, diluted tea tree oil, or a goldenseal solution can be helpful. Meanwhile, not using soap to clean your vagina, wearing cotton underwear, and practicing safe sex may help prevent this infection.

Vaginal itching and burning can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, a parasitic attack, or dryness of vaginal tissues due to a drop in estrogen. Yogurt, garlic, tea tree oil, boric acid, myrrh, and goldenseal have beneficial properties that can be useful in treating infections. You can also have soy, flax seeds, or licorice tea, use ashwagandha, or apply coconut or almond oil to tackle vaginal dryness.

Vaginal tightening creams and gels are full of chemicals. They put you at a risk of irritation, allergic reactions, and discomfort. If the chemicals change your vagina’s bacterial balance, you might develop bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. Feminine products also pose the risk of hormonal disruption. Plus, if you have an STD, tightening creams might mask the symptoms. It can be passed on to your partner if left untreated.

Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that may begin in the vagina or spread from the cervix, womb, or ovaries. This is why a history of cervical or uterine cancer is a major risk factor. Infection by the human papilloma virus, drinking alcohol, and smoking are significant causes. Smoking can raise the risk by 2 times. Other rare causes are pelvic radiotherapy, abnormalities in the vagina, and the use of the pregnancy drug DES by the patient's mother.

Myrtle oil can be used to repel mosquitos and other insects. In the body, myrtle’s anti-microbial properties will fight bacterial vaginosis and protect wounds from infection. You can also use it on the skin to soothe skin irritation and joint inflammation. In aromatherapy, myrtle essential oil is respected for its sedative benefits. Inhaling this oil will also improve symptoms of respiratory problems like bronchitis or asthma. Because of these diverse benefits, myrtle doubles as a great multi-tasking oil.

In a low-risk pregnancy, sex during pregnancy is safe. It doesn't induce labor or miscarriage or hurt the baby. Just find the time, position, and type of activity, barring anal sex, that suits you best. But if you have a prematurely dilated cervix, a low-lying placenta, heavy bleeding while pregnant, and a history of miscarriages or premature births, avoid sex as much as you can.

When the vaginal steam bath catapulted into mainstream media a few years ago, believers said it could help cleanse the uterus, improve hormonal balance, and ease period cramps. But these claims remain unproven and health risks are many. Steam baths may upset the vaginal pH balance, making it vulnerable to infections, sexual and otherwise, trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions, and cause burns. Also, v-steams are not FDA approved.

Vaginal infections could be caused due to bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. Antibiotics, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and stress can trigger yeast infections. Pregnancy, douching, and intrauterine devices might cause bacterial infections. Sexual intercourse might pass on viral and parasitic infections. Symptoms of these infections include itching, burning, and pain during sex. Tea tree oil, garlic, yogurt, fenugreek seeds, neem, and coconut oil can relieve symptoms.

Vaginitis or swelling and soreness of the vaginal region is often caused by an infection with bacteria or yeast, STDs, or irritation from spermicides, douches or vaginal sprays. It can be avoided with the right preventive care to keep the area clean by changing undergarments often, washing up properly after using the toilet, or using barrier protection during intercourse.