Sex hurts? Persistent UTIs? Healthista called the experts to set the record straight on 6 intimate health questions Every woman wants to know the answers to
Getting a GP appointment is stressful at the best of times so ask lots of questions went unasked and unanswered.
That’s why Healthista has rounded up some of the most pressing health issues and questions that pop up in our inbox, and asked some of the experts we’ve worked with to answer them…
Intimate Health Question #1 Should I be concerned about discharge and/or odor?
Dr Bailey, Consultant Gynaecologist, who is working on new vaginal health brand VJJ Health answer these common questions.
It is quite normal to have discharge, and this can sometimes change color due to menstruation or changes in the stool microbiome. If the vagina starts to have a ‘fishy smell’, this is likely due to bacterial vaginosis (BV).
BV is a common and recurrent vaginal infection in women of reproductive age.
BV symptoms other than smell include pain, itching and burning
This happens when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. When there are more harmful bacteria than good bacteria in the vagina, bacterial vaginosis can occur. The main bacteria that maintain health are Lactobacilli, which maintain a pH below 4.5 (acidic). You can check your pH number with an at-home test.
Other symptoms of BV besides smell include pain, itching and burning. It is important to treat BV, as Dr. Bailey warns that it can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and premature birth.
The standard treatment is antibiotics used as tablets or intravaginal gel. Some women will experience recurrent BV with menstruation or after sex.
Reduce the risk of BV by avoiding scented soaps that can cause irritation and aiming for cotton underwear instead of synthetic fabrics.
Do not use douches and sprays. Your skin doesn’t need this because it cleans itself.
Consider supplementing with clinically proven and well-researched vaginal-specific probiotics to help balance the vaginal microbiome, such as Perfect V (30 capsules, £26.00, available from VJJ Health and Amazon).
READ MORE: Why are my temples dry during sex?
Intimate Health Question #2 Why do I always struggle to orgasm?
Dr Jo Bailey, Consultant Gynecologist also answers this question.
Every woman’s body is unique. Some women may have different levels of sensitivity in the erogenous zone, which affects their ability to reach orgasm. For example, clitoral stimulation is often the key to orgasm for many women, but if it is not stimulated enough, it can be difficult to climax.
Insufficient foreplay or a focus on penetrative sex without adequate clitoral stimulation can make it difficult for many women to achieve orgasm. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or hormonal imbalances, can affect sexual function.
Stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma can cause sexual arousal and orgasm
In addition, some medications, including antidepressants or hormonal therapy, can reduce libido or sensitivity.
Overall, physical health can also affect sexual function. Conditions like obesity or poor heart health can reduce energy or circulation, affecting sexual response.
Stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma can cause sexual arousal and orgasm. Emotional problems in relationships or personal insecurities can also play a role.
Intimate Health Question #3 How do I get rid of persistent UTIs?
Dr Jo Bailey, Consultant Gynecologist has the answer.
The main bacteria that causes UTIs is e-coli, which can attach to the lining of the bladder. That’s why many women get recurrent infections because they don’t get rid of e-coli themselves.
Also, we are seeing antibiotic resistance in UTI treatment. The vagina has its own microbiome system, and research shows that specific strains of probiotic bacteria can prevent the growth of bad bacteria, which lead to UTIs.
New women’s supplement for UTIs with lactobacillus strains clinically studied to help support the health of the vaginal microbiome and reduce symptoms called Ultimate UT.
D-mannose is one of NICE’s self-care recommendations for women with recurrent UTIs
This supplement formula for UTI also incorporates D-Mannose, a natural plant sugar. D-mannose is one of NICE’s self-care recommendations for women with recurrent UTIs.
VJJ Ultimate UT is a women’s supplement for UTIs that contains a powerful combination of lactobacillus strains clinically researched to help support the health of the vaginal microbiome and reduce UTI symptoms.
This supplement formula for UTI also incorporates D-Mannose, a natural plant sugar. D-mannose is one of NICE’s self-care recommendations for women with recurrent UTIs.
Research shows it can prevent bacteria that cause UTIs. Available from £26 – vjjhealth.com
READ MORE: I’m a Gynae – here’s what no one tells you about your vaginal health
Intimate Health Question #4 How can I prevent vaginal infections without the help of antibiotics?
Dr Jo Bailey has a solution to the ‘antibiotic resistance’ statement above.
This is to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. There is now a lot of research to show there is a clear correlation between the vaginal microbiome and vaginal health.
So, one of the most important things in maintaining vaginal health is maintaining the vaginal microbiome. Like the gut, the vagina contains a microbial ecosystem, including bacteria and yeast, that make up the vaginal microbiome.
Unlike the gut, the gut microbiome is less diverse and only needs a few select microbes to stay healthy.
Consider supplementing with clinically proven and well-researched vaginal-specific probiotics to help balance the vaginal microbiome, such as Perfect V (30 capsules, £26.00, available from VJJ Health and Amazon).
Read more: low libido? 8 surprising reasons why you don’t want sex
Intimate Health Question #5 Why does sex sometimes hurt?
Tania Adib, consultant Gynecologist and Menopause Specialist at The Medical Chambers Kensington and Lister Hospital suggest several possible reasons.
There is no quick answer to this question. Also, it depends a lot on the age of the patient here, but if we are talking about younger women, then it can be a very active pelvic floor.
So, this is known as hypertonicity of the pelvic floor. Or irritation of the vestibule, which is more commonly called Vulvodynia. All vulvodynia means vulva pain.
Some women have dry skin due to oral contraceptive pills
For women with vulvodynia, sadly, they often don’t know what triggers it. It could be caused by an episode of thrush or maybe a UTI, and it could be because of being on a combined oral contraceptive pill that affects testosterone levels and causes vulvar nerve hypersensitivity as it happens. mainly driven by testosterone.
If a woman is in her late 30s or early 40s, the dryness of the vagina can be adjusted due to the absorption of estrogen. Some women have dry clitoris due to oral contraceptive pills, which can cause sexual pain.
In addition, there are always other things such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, large fibroids, or structural causes in the pelvis. Again, this could be a number of things, and she should consult her GP or see a gynaecologist.
Intimate Health Question #6 Is it important to have irregular periods?
Ms. Tania Adib again handled this.
Yes, no. A woman must have a regular cycle, and if not, either the female hormones are not balanced, or maybe the thyroid or adrenals are out of whack because of the high level of stress, which impacts the pituitary hormones.
Or it could be due to over-exercise and underweight. So, in summary, yes, some things can affect the menstrual cycle, which should be investigated.
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