Vaginal
health is an important part of a woman’s overall health. Vaginal
problems can affect your fertility, desire for s*x and ability to reach
climax. Ongoing vaginal health issues can also affect other areas of
your life, causing stress or marital problems and impacting your
self-confidence.
What affects vaginal health?
The v**ina is a closed muscular canal that extends from the vulva — the outside of the female private part area — to the neck of the uterus (cervix). Various factors can affect your v**ina, some modifiable and some not. They include -
The v**ina is a closed muscular canal that extends from the vulva — the outside of the female private part area — to the neck of the uterus (cervix). Various factors can affect your v**ina, some modifiable and some not. They include -
1. Unprotected s*x. You might contract a sexually transmitted infection if you have unprotected s*x.
2. Aggressive s*x or pelvic fracture. Forceful s*x or an injury to the pelvic area can result in vaginal trauma.
3. Certain health conditions. Diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome — an autoimmune disorder — can cause vaginal dryness.
4. Medications and feminine-hygiene products. Prolonged use of
antibiotics increases the risk of a vaginal yeast infection. Certain
antihistamines can cause vaginal dryness. Superabsorbent tampons can
lead to toxic shock syndrome — a rare, life-threatening complication of a
bacterial infection.
5. Birth control products. Spermicide and NuvaRing (vaginal ring) can
cause vaginal irritation. Using a diaphragm or contraceptive sponge
might pose a risk of toxic shock syndrome.
6. Pregnancy and childbirth. If you become pregnant, you’ll stop
menstruating until after your baby is born. During pregnancy, vaginal
discharge often increases. Vaginal tears are relatively common during
childbirth. In some cases, an episiotomy — an incision made in the
tissue between the vaginal opening and anus during childbirth — is
needed. A vaginal delivery can also decrease muscle tone in the v**ina.
7. Psychological issues. Anxiety and depression can contribute to a
low level of arousal and resulting discomfort or pain during s*x. Trauma
— such as s*xual abuse or an initial painful s*xual experience — also
can lead to pain associated with s*x.
8. Getting older. The v**ina loses elasticity after menopause — the end of menstruation and fertility.
9. Hormone levels. Changes in your hormone levels can affect your
v**ina. For example, estrogen production declines after menopause, after
childbirth and during chest-feeding. Loss of estrogen can cause the
vaginal lining to thin (vaginal atrophy) — making s*x painful.
where *-sex
** -vagina
