Being proactive about vaginal health can prevent problems and promote overall wellness
Vaginal health can affect so many aspects of life, including your overall health, fertility, intimate relationships and even self-esteem. The good news is that proactively taking care of your vagina can help prevent many vaginal problems. Part of this proactive care involves understanding your body, including what’s normal and what isn’t.
Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology is home to San Antonio OBGYNs who specialize in educating and caring for women. This includes discussing what affects the health of your vagina and how to know when there is a problem.
What affects vaginal health?
Contrary to popular belief, the vagina isn’t the outside of the female genitals. Unlike the vulva on the outside, the vagina is a muscular tube inside the body. It starts at an opening outside the body and extends to the bottom of the uterus (cervix).
The vagina has a naturally balanced, acidic environment. It is also self-cleaning, thanks to vaginal discharge. However, certain factors can throw off this natural balance, which can lead to vaginal problems.
- Unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Using certain so-called feminine hygiene products, such as sprays, deodorants or douches, can irritate the vagina and throw off the PH balance.
- Vaginal tears can happen during vaginal childbirth or during forceful sex.
- Wearing underwear made from materials like polyester, nylon or spandex can keep moisture against the skin. This can lead to bacterial and yeast infections.
- Hormonal changes during menopause can cause estrogen to drop, causing the vaginal lining to get thinner.
Even psychological issues can influence vaginal health. For example, anxiety and depression can decrease sexual arousal and cause pain during sex.
What are signs of vaginal problems?
A healthy vagina should not be painful or itchy, and it should produce small amounts of discharge. This discharge shouldn’t have a strong or distinctive odor. It also should typically be clear or white in color.
If you have new vaginal discharge or discomfort, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong. The following issues can be signs of vaginal problems.
- Changes in the color, texture or amount of vaginal discharge
- Strong or abnormal smells in the vaginal area
- Itching and/or rashes
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between your normal periods
If you have one or more of these symptoms, we recommend seeing our San Antonio OBGYNs outside of your normal wellness exam. They can diagnose what’s wrong and create a treatment plan to help you feel better. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more.