There are a few common health issues that almost every person will experience in her lifetime.
Burning during urination, changes in vaginal discharge for women and certain smells are usually associated with STDs, but the following issues can occur without sexual activity occurring.
And during your regular brushing you may see things that may cause alarm, but are not as serious. Here’s what you need to know about these common issues and how to cure them.
BV or bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occurs commonly in women between the ages of 15-44. Many women overlook this type of infection when they do have it, mistaking the symptoms for normal vaginal characteristics, but the most distinct symptom of BV is a fishy odor.
Every woman’s vagina has a natural smell due to pheromones and natural body odor, but a fishy odor is an indication that something is off within the vaginal ecosystem.
Doctors aren’t clear on how exactly bacterial vaginosis occurs, but what is understood is that this infection happens when there is an imbalance in the good and bad bacteria within the vagina.
The vaginal ecosystem consists of many different bacteria that protect the cervix, uterus and vaginal walls, but when the “bad” bacteria grows out of control, it throws off the healthy pH level of the vagina, causing a thin, whitish discharge and a fishy smell.
Douching, having sex without protection or with certain lubricants, and using bubble baths or bath additives all have an affect on the pH of the vagina that can lead to BV. Women can also sometimes experience BV after the menstrual cycle ends.
Treatment: Curing BV is as simple as using a course of antibiotics for a period of time either in the form of pills that are taken orally or by inserting the antibiotic in a gel form vaginally.
Avoiding the use of bubble baths and washes that contain
perfumes and scents and avoiding douching completely will help with keeping BV away.
Taking a probiotic such as acidophilus or eating yogurt three times a week will help to keep the good bacteria at a healthy level and will promote a healthy pH level.
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This is something that can affect both men and women. Periodically, the body changes in order to overcompensate for other things that it may need to fight off.
During this time, sometimes those changes occur in the mouth in the form of bumps or excess on your gums or bottom of your teeth.
Treatment: Before you get all up in arms about it, check with your dentist, it may just be plaque build-up or a teeth problem. Also, it could be something like a blockage in a salivary duct.
Also NOT an STD. Make sure you are practicing a good oral hygiene routine daily, then see your dentist for any issues.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen commonly for women because of the shortened urethra that can become exposed to harmful bacteria. When bacteria enter the urethra, it travels to the bladder causing an infection that can create symptoms such as burning and pain during urination, cloudy or smelly urine, frequent urination and lower back pain.
Commonly, many women end up with bladder infections after sex due to the bladder being full during sex and because of the bacteria that have now been introduced to the vulva during sex.
It is always recommended that women empty their bladders before having sex and urinate after sex to kill off any bacteria that may have collected around the urethra.
Treatment: Bladder infections are cured by the use of antibiotics over the course of five to seven days and must be prescribed by a physician after getting a formal diagnosis.
Products such as 100% all-natural cranberry juice are great to use to keep the bladder balanced and free of bacterial buildup.
Over-the-counter products made of cranberry extract can
help with this issue as well. Drinking lots of water daily will also help to keep the bladder in check and free of harmful germs.
Yeast is a fungus that naturally occurs within the vagina in small amounts, but when the yeast cells multiply and grow to great numbers, a yeast infection is contracted causing symptoms such as itching or soreness, a thick, clumpy white discharge that has no odor, burning during urination and burning during sex.
A healthy vagina contains several different types of bacteria and a small number of yeast cells, and it is the common bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus that keeps other organisms-like yeast-under control.
Common causes of yeast infections include high levels of estrogen caused by pregnancy or the use of hormone therapy, certain antibiotic treatments, a diet high in sugar, lack of airflow to the vagina and also issues such as diabetes or HIV.
Treatment: This type of infection is easy to cure by using over the counter antifungal creams that are inserted vaginally at night over the course of one to seven days.
A doctor can also prescribe an antifungal medication to be taken orally in the dose of one pill.
Preventing infection is simple, including the use of wiping correctly (from front to back), keeping the vaginal area clean by using a mild, unscented soap with water making sure to rinse well, wearing full cotton underwear to allow the vagina to breathe and avoiding tight-fitting clothing.
Changing tampons and pads frequently during menstruation is recommended and avoiding the use of douches and scented feminine products is critical.
Women: Keep Your Lady Parts Healthy (And Happy)
Vaginal odor can occur because of an imbalance of good and bad bacteria within the vagina and because of the pH balance being thrown off.
Certain medications, foods and drinks can cause the vaginal ecosystem to be thrown off, which in turn can cause certain odors.
The most common reason why the vagina may have an odor is because of a buildup of bacteria that needs to be cleansed away.
Treatment: The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, however, when bad bacteria has been allowed to fester and grow, antibiotics or natural substances known for bringing the ecosystem back into balance are needed.
Using feminine deodorant sprays will only mask the problem, however, sometimes the vulva does need a cleansing in between showers because of sweat and bacteria that can collect within the folds of the labia (lips).
Using baby wipes or feminine wipes to clean the area during bathroom breaks is a great way to control vaginal/vulva odor, and taking a bath at least once a week is an excellent way to help facilitate the vagina in keeping its ecosystem in perfect balanced harmony.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Womens Health center for more articles.
Glamazon Tyomi is a freelance writer, model and sex educator with a deeply rooted passion for spreading the message of sex positivity and encouraging the masses to embrace their sexuality. Her website, www.sexperttyomi.com, reaches internationally as a source for advice and information for the sexually active/curious. Follow her on Twitter at @glamazontyomi.
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