Vaginal health is an integral component of women’s overall wellness. Many factors can compromise it, from hormonal issues to bacteria imbalance.
However, many simple habits can help. Consume probiotic-rich foods (such as yogurt with live cultures, kefir and kimchi) and omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish as well as drinking plenty of water and scheduling regular pelvic exams and Pap smears.
Vaginal Discharge
Your body naturally releases a small amount of vaginal discharge (also called leukorrhea) throughout each day to clean your vulva and protect against infections or irritation, this discharge may be white-colored, sticky or clear and watery in consistency – and the volume increases during pregnancy or sexual stimulation.
Any sudden changes in your vaginal discharge must be evaluated by a physician immediately, as these could indicate infections such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis, as well as sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Your doctor will conduct a pelvic exam and ask about your symptoms and menstrual cycle, likely including taking samples from both vulva and cervix for acid level tests to check for yeast or bacterial infections or to detect possible cases of Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Furthermore, samples could be sent off to laboratories to be tested for Human Papillomavirus or cervical cancer testing.
Vulva Bumps
Many women become alarmed when they notice lumps or bumps near their vulva, yet these do not necessarily indicate cancer. Cysts, infected hair follicles or even pimples could be present – it is therefore crucial that consultation be sought with a gynecologist so he/she can evaluate them to assess whether they pose any threat.
Doctors typically collect a sample from a vulva growth and send it for testing at a lab, looking for harmful cells or viruses that could potentially harm it. They may also suggest imaging tests in order to accurately diagnose this growth.
Sometimes bumps may be the result of an infection such as bacterial vaginosis, which produces white discharge with an unpleasant fishy scent and may irritate labia causing them to become itchy, painful or even bleed. While a gynecologist can prescribe medication to treat this infection, home remedies like taking sitz baths — filling your tub up to your hips when sitting — may provide temporary relief while you await an appointment with their gynecologist.
Vulva Darkness
Over time, the genital area can become darker due to friction from wearing tight underwear or using sanitary napkins. Pigmentation may also result from natural skin aging processes, hormonal fluctuations and some health conditions like PCOS.
Women living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could experience dark patches in their intimate areas due to an excess of male hormones, known as anabolism. Additionally, this could result in anoccurrence of Acanthosis Nigricans; an uncommon form of hyperpigmentation where thickened patches appear near folds or crevasses like armpits or groins.
Diabetes and obesity may also contribute to darkened spots on the vulva. People who are diabetic or overweight often develop a skin condition known as Acanthosis Nigricans which involves darkened and thickened patches that appear near skin folds and creases.
Vulva Ridges
Probiotic-rich diets like yogurt can help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and keep bacteria at bay in your urinary tract, as can drinking plenty of water, getting sufficient sleep and exercise and not using harsh cleansers.
Some common vaginal health concerns include bacterial vaginosis, caused by a decrease in beneficial bacteria naturally present there and leading to itchy discharge that resembles cottage cheese, yeast infections that result in thick, smelly discharge, herpes or any sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
To avoid these conditions, practice regular vulva self-exams and consult your Moreland OB-GYN provider about scheduling regular pelvic exams to detect any health issues early. Indulge in warm showers with mild soaps rather than harsh cleansers; avoid hot showers, harsh cleansers and douching as these practices can throw off your natural pH balance, increasing chances of infection and leading to infections in general. Instead opt for cotton underwear which provides breathability as it reduces odor-causing bacteria build-up; change it frequently after exercising for best results.
