Painful sex? Constant UTI’s? Healthista called on 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 many questions often go unasked and unanswered.
That’s why Healthista has collated a few of the most pressing health concerns and queries that have popped into our inboxes, and asked a few experts we have been working with to answer them…
Intimate Health Question #1 Should I be worried about vaginal discharge and/or odour?
Dr Bailey, a Consultant Gynaecologist, who is working with new vaginal health brand VJJ Health answers this common question.
It’s pretty normal to have discharge, and this can sometimes change in colour due to menstruation or changes in the vaginal microbiome. If the vagina starts to have a ‘fishy smell’, this is likely to be due to bacterial vaginosis (BV).
BV is a common and recurring vaginal infection among women of reproductive age.
symptoms of BV besides the smell include pain, itching and burning
It occurs 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 keeping it healthy are Lactobacilli, which keeps the pH below 4.5 (acidic). You can check your pH numbers with an at-home test.
Other symptoms of BV besides the smell include pain, itching and burning. It’s important to treat BV, as Dr Bailey warns that it can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and preterm labour.
The standard treatment is an antibiotic used either by tablet or intravaginal gel. Some women will experience recurrent BV with a period or after sex,.
Reduce your risk of BV by avoiding perfumed soaps which can cause irritation and aim to wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic fabric.
Avoid using vaginal douches and spray too. Your vagina does not need these as it is self-cleaning.
Try supplementing with a clinically and well-researched vaginal-specific probiotic to help rebalance the vaginal microbiome, such as Perfect V (30 capsules, £26.00, available from VJJ Health and Amazon).
READ MORE: Why is my vagina dry during sex?
Intimate Health Question #2 Why do I always struggle to orgasm?
Dr Jo Bailey, Consultant Gynaecologist answers this question too.
Every woman’s body is unique. Some women may have different sensitivity levels in their erogenous zones, affecting their ability to reach orgasm. For example, clitoral stimulation is often key to orgasm for many women, but if it’s not adequately stimulated, 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 reach orgasm. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or hormonal imbalances, can affect sexual function.
Stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma can significantly impact sexual arousal and orgasm
Similarly, some medications, including antidepressants or hormonal therapies, can reduce libido or sensitivity.
Overall, physical health can also impact sexual function. Conditions like obesity or poor cardiovascular health might reduce energy or circulation, affecting sexual response.
Stress, anxiety, depression, or past trauma can significantly impact sexual arousal and orgasm. Emotional issues in a relationship or personal insecurities can also play a role.
Intimate Health Question #3 How do I get rid of these constant UTI’s?
Dr Jo Bailey, Consultant Gynaecologist has the answer.
The main bacteria causing UTIs is e-coli, which can hang onto the bladder’s lining. That is why many women get recurrent infections because they’re not getting rid of the e-coli itself.
Also, we are seeing antibiotic resistance in the treatment of UTIs. The vagina has its own microbiome system, and research shows that specific probiotic strains of bacteria can inhibit the growth of bad bacteria, which leads to UTIs.
A new women’s supplement for UTIs with clinically researched strains of lactobacillus to help support the health of the vagina microbiome and alleviate symptoms called Ultimate UT.
D-mannose is one of NICE’s self-care recommendations for women with recurrent UTIs
The formula of these supplements for UTIs also combines 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 containing a powerful combination of clinically researched strains of lactobacillus to help support the health of the vagina microbiome and alleviate symptoms of UTIs.
The formula of these supplements for UTIs also combines 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 inhibit the bacteria that cause UTIs. Available from £26 – vjjhealth.com
READ MORE: I’m a Gynae – here’s what nobody really tells you about your vaginal health
Intimate Health Question #4 How can I avoid vaginal infections without antibiotic help?
Dr Jo Bailey has the solution to her ‘antibiotic resistant’ statement above.
This is down to keeping the vaginal microbiome healthy. There is currently a great deal of research to show there is a clear correlation between the vaginal microbiome and vaginal health.
So, one of the key things to keep the vagina healthy is to look after the vaginal microbiome. Just like your gut, the vagina contains an ecosystem of microbes, including bacteria and yeasts, that make up the vaginal microbiome.
Unlike the gut, the vaginal microbiome is less diverse and only needs a very select range of microbes to keep it healthy.
Try supplementing with a clinically and well-researched vaginal-specific probiotic to help rebalance the vaginal microbiome, such as Perfect V (30 capsules, £26.00, available from VJJ Health and Amazon).
READ MORE: Low libido? 8 surprising reasons you might not want sex
Intimate Health Question #5 Why is sex sometimes painful?
Ms Tania Adib, a consultant Gynaecologist and Menopause Specialist at The Medical Chambers Kensington and The Lister Hospital suggests some possible reasons.
There is no quick answer to this question. Also, it very much depends on the age of the patient here, but if we are talking about younger women, then it could be an overactive pelvic floor.
So, this is known as hypertonicity of the pelvic floor. Or irritation of the vestibule, which we call more commonly refer to as Vulvodynia. All vulvodynia means is vulva pain.
Some women have dry vaginas due to oral contraceptive pills
For women who have vulvodynia, sadly, often don’t know what the trigger was that caused it. It can either have been caused by an episode of thrush or it could have been a UTI, and it can or also be due to being on the combined oral contraceptive pill which affects testosterone levels and causes hypersensitivity of the nerves of the vulva as they are mainly driven by testosterone.
If a woman is in her in her late 30s or early 40s, vaginal dryness can set due to a dip in oestrogen. Some women have dry vaginas due to oral contraceptive pills, which can make sex painful.
Plus, of course, there are other things like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, maybe large fibroids, or structural causes in the pelvis. Again, this can be down to many things, and they should consult their GP or arrange to see a gynaecologist.
Intimate Health Question #6 Does it matter if my period isn’t regular?
Ms Tania Adib again tackles this.
Yes, it does. A woman should be having a regular cycle, and if not, either your female hormones are not balanced, or it could be your thyroid or the adrenals are out of whack because of high levels of stress, which impact the pituitary hormones.
Or it could be down to over-exercising and being underweight. So, in summary, yes, several things can affect the menstrual cycle, which should be investigated.
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