7 things to look out for when it comes to vaginal health, according to gynaecologists
Caring for your vaginal health is not just a physical thing; it's also about feeling confident and knowledgeable about your own body. Sometimes, there are misunderstandings and incorrect information floating around, but it's always important to only listen to the experts when it comes to anything medical.
Annual exams and screenings
According to OB-GYN Dr. Christine Greves, skipping annual exams is not advisable, even if you feel healthy. These routine check-ups serve as an opportunity to screen for various health concerns, including domestic violence and mental health issues. Annual pelvic exams, Pap smears, and HPV tests are essential in detecting conditions such as cervical cancer and genital warts. Dr Greves told Today.com: "The annual exam is how we screen for domestic violence, we screen for depression, we screen for making sure people are healthy during the breast exam, during the pelvic exam."
Douching: A harmful practice
Medical experts unanimously discourage the practice of douching, a procedure involving the rinsing of the vagina and vulva. Dr. Adi Katz warns that douching can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina, potentially leading to severe infections. The vagina possesses its own self-cleaning mechanism, making external cleaning with mild soap and water sufficient. Dr Katz said: "It’s amazing actually. We have different bacteria in there and the microbiome, and if you douche regularly, you could mess them up."
Safe sexual practices: Testing for STIs
Prior to engaging in sexual activities with a new partner, doctors recommend open communication and mutual testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like HIV and hepatitis. Overcoming the stigma surrounding STIs is crucial, fostering trust and ensuring both partners' health and well-being. Dr Greves said: "Before having sex with someone, it is important to have that discussion about labs and ask if they have a history of warts or herpes."
Professional diagnosis over self-treatment
Self-diagnosis and treatment of vaginal symptoms can often worsen the condition. OB-GYNs advise against relying on over-the-counter medications without professional consultation. Accurate diagnosis by a healthcare provider is essential for effective and safe treatment. Dr Katz said: "You can make it worse by taking the incorrect medication. You’re just suffering longer."
Cautiousness against supplements
The experts caution against the widespread use of supplements claiming to enhance vaginal health. Dr. Katz emphasises the importance of consulting healthcare providers for hormone-related issues, highlighting that pharmaceutical treatments are often necessary. She noted: "(Patients are) spending money that they could have spent on something else."
Painful or heavy periods
Painful or heavy periods are not always normal. These symptoms could indicate underlying conditions that need medical attention, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids. Don't ignore persistent menstrual issues. "I wouldn’t tolerate painful periods," Dr Greves adds. "We have medicines, we have surgeries, procedures to figure things out. We don’t have to tolerate it."
Fertility planning: Expert guidance
Finally, the OB-GYNs stress the significance of considering fertility planning in one's 20s and early 30s. Dr. Katz advocates for discussions about fertility becoming a societal norm, encouraging women to explore options like egg freezing for future family planning. Dr Katz said: "I wish that more women would ask about it or we would discuss it as a society."
- Scientists have finally discovered the cause of morning sickness
- What young children need
- Breakthrough menopause drug that targets key symptom given approval for use in UK
- Keeping your children safe online: All you need to know
- Dear Exhausted and Burnt Out Parents, We’re Here to Help
- How to talk to your kids about death
- Use of menopausal hormone therapy beyond age 65 years and its effects on women's health outcomes by types, routes, and doses
- Scientists debunk myth that human brains are 'underdeveloped' at birth
- What are the health risks to children who vape?
- Changes to skin during menopause explained by experts, including dry skin and acne
- Acting Tips for Kids: How to Engage Your Child Through Theater
- How to nurture creativity in your kids
- Nine things you must consider before adopting a child
- An Overview of Psoriasis in Children
- DIY Fertility Tests Are On The Rise, But How Reliable Are They?
- Dentist shares when children should stop using dummies - or risk bite issues
- Top 10 benefits of breastfeeding
- Reye's syndrome: The illness that affects children
- Diphtheria symptoms: Everything you need to know after case confirmed at UK school
- Children with 'prominent' forehead may in fact be suffering from a dangerous illness
- Study assesses links between early negative life events, orbitofrontal cortical thickness and depression in young adults
- Placenta tumour: My miracle baby gave me cancer
- 7 things to look out for when it comes to vaginal health, according to gynaecologists
- What is the vaginal microbiome?
- What every woman should know about hormones, the pill and cancer
- Home
- Aches and Pains
- Children - Insomnia
- New Born Babies
- Babies From 2-12 months
- Spina Bifida
- Equipment Used
- Drug Abuse
- Other Ingredients
- The Handicapped Child
- Videos
- BALANITIS - Aromachildhood
- Worms
- Corona virus and pregnancy
- Contact Us
- Essential Oils for General Purposes
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children-2
- Hydrolats, Essential Oil Waters, and infused Oils
- Ringworm
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children- 3
- Basic Care Kit - Children - Essential Oils
- Web Links
- Acne
- Adolescent Acne
- The A - Z of Conditions
- Arthritis (juvenile Rheumatoid)
- Herbal Healing Infused Oils
- Things To Make For Your First Aid Cabinet
- The Cave Man Eating Plan
- The Basic Care Kit For Children
- Verrucas and Warts
- Caring Touch Massage
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children
- The Methods - Aromatherapy - Children - 4
- Athlete's Foot - 2
We have 95 guests and no members online