Women’s health is crucial to living a fulfilling and productive life. Therefore, it’s vital that regular healthcare visits from providers who specialize in women’s issues take place.
Vulvovaginal (vul-VOH-gin-ul) health refers to the state of your external genitalia, including your pubic mound, clitoris and inner and outer lips known as labia. Your vulva connects directly with your urethra which carries urine out of the body through the urethra.
Menstruation
Women usually experience their first period by the age of 12, with menstruation occurring between twelve and seventeen times annually until menopause sets in. Menstruation happens when the uterine thick lining sheds due to declining progesterone levels.
Women employ feminine hygiene products to absorb blood and prevent leakage during periods. These may include pads, tampons or menstrual cups – each designed for specific tasks – such as long strips of cloth that adhere to underwear; thin cotton cylinders called tampons featuring an applicator which goes into vagina; menstrual cups can be inserted similar to tampons into vagina.
Regular periods are an indication of healthy reproductive systems. If periods become abnormal, health care professionals should investigate. Menstrual pain and bleeding should also be addressed promptly as this could lead to infection or limit activities for girls. Gender equality education about menstruation may help girls recognize that it’s normal.
Menopause
Menopause transition brings many changes for women, with symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, sexual issues, vaginal pain, moodiness and irritability being experienced by each.
Women experiencing symptoms during their perimenopausal and postmenopausal transition should seek health care services, particularly if these symptoms become disrupting. Based on individual needs, possible solutions may include lifestyle modifications, nonhormonal medication therapy or hormone replacement therapy as treatment options.
Women experiencing perimenopausal stages can also benefit from taking some time for themselves during this stressful stage, as caring for elderly parents and supporting a family income are common stresses during this stage. Making time just for you can ease emotional strain caused by menopausal symptoms while supporting long-term well-being through mature years. Resting up, eating healthily, exercising regularly and managing stress are also great ways to ease discomfort associated with menopausal symptoms.
Sexual Health
Sexual health encompasses more than simply avoiding STDs and unintended pregnancies; it includes having a healthy relationship with both yourself and others in meaningful ways, expressing affection and love freely, and having an enjoyable sexual life without coercion, discrimination or other health risks.
Studies show that female sexual functioning and satisfaction (FSF) is tied to psychological well-being, such as increased self-esteem and life satisfaction; yet many women don’t feel comfortable discussing such topics with healthcare providers or are given tools necessary for discussing them.
Enhancing HCP training to better identify female sexual health (FSF), and patient education to build confidence when discussing it are both key steps toward improving female sexual health outcomes. More broadly, elevating these discussions to a societal level by creating policies, programs, messaging and resources is also necessary; this may involve overcoming cultural, regulatory/policy and organizational barriers which may impede progress; however there may also be immediate actions available which can help overcome them.
