Let’s talk lady parts, and what the heck they’re trying to tell us.
Let’s talk lady parts, and what the heck they’re trying to tell us.
Chances are that you’ve had a brush with yeast infection, suffered the agony of a UTI or even been slapped with an STI – so you’re all over what they are and how to avoid them. But even though we’re familiar with these usual suspects, there are other conditions that can affect your nether regions. Before you go into panic mode, we consulted family planning experts Dr Deborah Bateson and Dr Julia Menzies to let us know what to look out for.
VAGINISMUS
WHAT ON EARTH IS IT?
Vaginismus occurs when the vaginal muscles tighten during sex, making intercourse difficult or impossible.
THE NASTY STUFF:
Women who suffer from vaginismus experience tightness and pain around the vagina at the time of penetration. Often, this pain is so severe nothing can be inserted into the vaginal passage – tampons included.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
“Some studies estimate that between 1 and 17 percent of women are affected. The causes are not fully understood, but it may be related to an adverse experience when having sex, or a gynaecological examination. It can also be caused by conditions like endometriosis, and skin problems affecting the vulva and vagina,” our experts explained.
CAN YOU KICK IT?
The root is often psychological, and there is no magic pill. “It is important to be assessed by a doctor, to see if there are any medical conditions,” the doctors advise. “The next VAGINA s step involves referral to a specialised pelvic floor physiotherapist, or a sex therapist. Treatment is effective, and includes pelvic floor muscle and sensate focus exercises.”
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
WHAT ON EARTH IS IT?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when the bad bacteria takes over, leaving you susceptible to other vaginal infections.
THE NASTY STUFF:
BV causes yucky “fishy” odours and an increase in discharge from the vagina – often a greyish colour – while some women don’t show any symptoms at all.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
“BV results from a disturbance in the normal healthy vaginal fl ora with the overgrowth of certain bacteria, which leads to a more alkaline environment,” our experts explain. “While it is not considered to be sexually transmitted, many cases of BV are associated with sexual activity.”
CAN YOU KICK IT?
If you have BV, don’t stress as there are medical measures that can fix it. “Women who have symptoms can be treated with antibiotics either taken orally or inserted into the vagina, although recurrences within six or 12 months are quite common and a longer course of treatment may be advised.”
VAGINITIS
WHAT ON EARTH IS IT?
Inflammation of the vaginal region, often teamed with a bad infection.
THE NASTY STUFF:
Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, discharge, a foul odour, and pain while urinating.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
“There are many conditions which cause vaginitis, but most are related to a change in the balance of your vaginal flora leading to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria,” the doctors say. In fact, other vaginal offenders can cause vaginitis. “Candidiasis (thrush), bacterial vaginosis and the less common STI trichomoniasis [can lead to vaginitis].”
CAN YOU KICK IT?
It’s a grey area. As the doctors point out: “treatment depends on the cause”.
FIBROIDS (UTERUS)
WHAT ON EARTH IS IT?
Benign growths that occur inside the uterine walls can sometimes creep out into the inner or outer parts of the uterus.
THE NASTY STUFF:
Fibroids can often be associated with heavy, prolonged periods. In rare cases, they can cause infertility, miscarriage, pelvic pain and premature labour.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
No one knows. “The female hormones play an important role. This is because fibroids rarely grow in girls before puberty and women after menopause. Pre-existing fibroids stop growing and can shrink after menopause.”
CAN YOU KICK IT?
“If they’re not causing symptoms, fi broids can generally be left alone, but if they are causing problems, they can be removed by surgery or alternative medical techniques.”
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
WHAT ON EARTH IS IT?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the vagina that moves up into the uterus, fallopian tubes and surrounding tissue.
THE NASTY STUFF:
PID can cause abnormal discharge and bleeding, abdominal pain and fevers.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
“Most cases of PID occur in women aged 20 to 29, and around 60 to 80 percent of cases in this age group are related to a sexually transmitted infection, usually chlamydia,” the experts say. “PID can also occur after a gynaecological procedure like a curette, abortion or, rarely, insertion of an IUD.”
CAN YOU KICK IT?
Yes – and act quickly. “Treat PID early with antibiotics, which will usually include an injection as well as oral tablets. This will help prevent long-term complications such as blocked tubes, infertility, ectopic pregnancies and pelvic pain. Complications are more common with repeated episodes of PID, so it’s pivotal to treat sexual partners with antibiotics, have regular STI checks and use condoms in new relationships.”
HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA
WHAT ON EARTH IS IT?
A chronic skin condition that causes itchy, hard lumps, cysts and boils. This can happen in the armpits, around the breasts and groin.
THE NASTY STUFF:
The recurring cysts get sore and red ifirritated, and can result in the discharge of pus, the development of infection and even cause scarring on the skin.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
The inflammation is caused by blocked hair follicles, but this remains a mystery. “The cause is unclear, but hormones, genetics, smoking and excess weight all play a role,” the experts say.
CAN YOU KICK IT?
There’s no cure but symptoms can be treated. “Wearing loose clothing, applying warm compresses and keeping the area clean helps but antibiotics or steroid medications can also be important. For severe cases surgical drainage may be required.”
DOUCHE & DONT’S
We bust myths of keeping clean “down there”.
Use a wash to avoid infections
OUR EXPERTS SAY: NO
“The vagina has a natural cleansing mechanism so washing with plain unperfumed soap and water, or substituting with a mild unperfumed moisturiser which can be lathered up, is the way to go.” Some feminine washes, vaginal deodorants and sprays may cause skin irritation and disrupt the natural vaginal flora so are best avoided.
G-strings increase bacteria
OUR EXPERTS SAY: NO
“Cotton undies are best, and avoiding undies at night can be helpful since this encourages natural ventilation and stability of the vagina’s pH level, preventing thrush and bacterial vaginosis. As for G-strings, as long as they’re comfy, there’s no evidence they spread bacteria; wearing them is a matter of personal preference.”
Go to the loo after sex
OUR EXPERTS SAY: YES
“Urinating after sex is a useful strategy to help prevent urinary tract infections as is wiping from front to back, drinking plenty of water and urinating frequently. During your period, tampons should be changed regularly and tampons with added perfumes should be avoided.”
Take vitamins for vaginal health
OUR EXPERTS SAY: NO
“Eating a healthy, balanced diet is best. There’s no evidence of benefit from vitamins or probiotics in maintaining the health of the vagina, nor from changes to your diet.”
