Everyone tries to take care of their body, either with diet or with our fitness regimens.
While they are important for overall health, experts say that paying attention to the vagina is also key.
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A health expert has said that there are four things to keep in mind when it comes to the vagina. Credit: Getty
The vagina is located inside the body, with the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The vulva (the piece you see) is on the outside.
The vagina is a tube about 8 cm long that runs from the cervix to the cervix and down to the vulva.
They help us with everything from sex to menstruation, but there are some telltale signs that appear when your private party tries to point out something.
Speaking to The Sun, BioKult’s women’s health expert, Dr. Shahzadi Harper revealed the four things to keep in mind.
1. A change in download
Vaginal discharge begins around the time of puberty, which is due to the female hormones that are produced from the ovaries.
Dr. Harper said it varies throughout the menstrual cycle due to changes in hormone levels.
In the first half of the cycle, it can be thin, sticky and elastic and become thicker later in the cycle.
He explained: “Some women may have more discharge than others, but changes in color, odor, texture, and noticing blood can mean infections such as bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis.
“Vaginal discharge also helps fight and prevent infection by eliminating dead cells and bacteria, keeping the vagina clean.”
2. Redness or itching
Vaginal redness, itching, and sometimes a burning sensation may be due to hormonal changes, such as a drop in estrogen that can cause the vaginal walls to become thin and dry.
This, the guru explained, can also tend to happen during breastfeeding.
She said: “External factors, such as chemical irritants, can also cause changes in redness, itching and burning, so I recommend avoiding certain soaps, chemicals, etc., which can affect the microbiome of the vagina and the level of pH.
“For those who find that they suffer from excessive redness and / or itching, I recommend taking a supplement such as Bio-Kult S.Boulardii.”
He said products like this are beneficial as they include vitamin D3, which is a dual source of fiber that helps nourish and stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
3. Pain or bleeding
Depending on the type of contraception you use, it may sometimes bleed between periods.
Dr. Harper said that most of the time, bleeding between periods can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, for example, chlamydia or something more serious, which should always be checked by a professional.
“Unexplained pain may be due to STIs or pelvic inflammatory disease and should be investigated.
“It’s important to make sure you’re up to date with your cervical smear test and that you always carry a condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections,” he said.
4. Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness is very common and can occur at different times in our lives.
From estrogen falls, anxiety, irritants, childbirth, breastfeeding, and just aging, Dr. Harper said there are a myriad of causes.
He added: “Due to the drop in the hormone estrogen at perimenopause and menopause, it means less lubrication, which again can cause pain during intercourse and be more prone to infections.
“Eating certain foods, wearing softer, more comfortable underwear, and using moisturizers and lubricants are different ways to relieve dryness.
“It is very important to know, protect and care for your vagina and be aware of all the telltale signs that can cause health complications,” she added.
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