Let’s talk about vaginas
Vaginal and urinary symptoms are some of the most common symptoms of menopause. These are also classed as some of the long-term symptoms. It is important that even if you’re not experiencing symptoms ‘down there’ now, it’s better to be prepared. Let’s talk about vaginas!
People often talk about ‘loving your vagina’, make sure you pay it as much attention as other areas of your body! Just because we can’t easily see it (unless we contort ourselves into awkward positions using mirrors) that doesn’t mean to say we don’t need to keep an eye on it (and the vulva). At the end of the day, you only get one, so you may as well look after it. So, do have a look every now and then! Like any part of your body, as you age, it will change in appearance. But it’s important to look out for changes that may indicate that a little attention is required.
How to identify the vulva
Which bits are the vulva in the vagina? Some women we talk to are a little (how shall I put it?) hazy when it comes to the Vulva! Your vulva includes the outer bits of your genitals. These include the opening of your vagina, your labia (commonly known as lips), the clitoris. Plus there are two glands on either side of the vagina which provide lubrication. These are otherwise known as the Bartholin glands (before you start looking, most of the time you can’t see or feel them)!
A good starting point would be to talk about vaginal dryness and soreness. If you are experiencing this, you should use a vaginal, moisturizing lubricant. This helps to moisturize the area internally and externally. It can really help if it’s becoming uncomfortable to have sex. The only problem is that there is an enormous range on the market, so you will need to decide which one to use. It’s a case of finding one that suits your individual physiology which might require a bit of trial and error. What suits one woman, might not suit another. Try to find one that is paraben-free and hormonal-free and you can use it as often or as little as needed. Do persevere though it might just take a while to find one you like.
Normally people don’t talk about the fact that declining levels of estrogen can also affect the ph levels in your vagina. This means you might become more prone to infections. Always find out if it’s a bacterial infection or a fungal infection rather than immediately self-medicating.
Let’s talk about common vaginal symptoms
When you feel you are having problems with vaginal symptoms please go and see your GP/Health Care Provider and think about having vaginal estrogen prescribed. This is localized treatment so, goes directly to the area where it is needed. This has very good results in the majority of cases and is a simple way of replenishing those diminishing levels of estrogen. It helps not only the vaginal symptoms but can have beneficial effects with urinary leakage and frequency as well. We will have more on those problems later on.
Vaginal estrogen is available in different forms as in pessaries, cream or a vagina ring so make sure you have a discussion with your HCP as to which way you would prefer trying it.
We talk about our top tips for a healthy vagina & vulva
Firstly the vagina is self-cleaning so please don’t start popping things like douches up there!
- Avoid heavily perfumed shower gels and if having problems try using an emollient shower gel-like dermal 200. Emollients hydrate and soothe damaged skin and help to trap moisture.
- Always wear natural fibers
- Avoid wearing tight clothing
- Make sure you have the odd look to check everything looks healthy. Look out for discolored patches, if anything looks odd or you’re having abnormal/different discharge or bleeding then go and get it checked out.
- Find a moisturizing lubricant that suits you. This helps not only to moisturize and hydrate but is obviously lubricating which is essential if it’s uncomfortable having sex.
- Consider having vaginal estrogen prescribed.
Let’s talk about urinary problems
Whenever we can, we like to touch on this subject as so many women have problems in this area. Again it’s one of those topics we generally don’t talk about over a coffee with friends.
Because we don’t talk about it, most women think it’s normal that after having children, and as we age we will experience urinary leakage and frequency. That is not entirely true!
We all have a pelvic floor (men included) and without getting too technical it’s a group of muscles that forms the floor of your pelvis. These are muscles which a vast amount of the population forget to exercise, but, maybe that’s because we can’t see them?
Pelvic floor exercises
Firstly everyone should learn how to do a proper pelvic floor exercise and should do exercises once a day.
You can find a fabulous App which is called ‘Squeezy’, this not only tells you all about the pelvic floor but gives you timed exercises and reminders. It’s been created by physiotherapists specializing in women’s health so they really know what they are talking about.
When you have a problem in this area, you should be doing these exercises three times a day. If you continue to have problems with leakage or frequency then please go and see your GP/Doctor. Ask for a referral to a physiotherapist who specializes in women’s health as they will be able to help you.
What is good to know is that it’s never too late to start. As with exercising any muscle of your body, it needs a bit of attention and work.
There you have it, a whistle-stop tour for a healthy vagina. Perhaps now you might feel more able to go and take a look!
‘As with any information provided by Menopause Experts Group the information in this post is accurate at time of posting and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace or substitute the judgement of any medical professional you may come in contact with. You should always seek advice from your health care professional regarding a medical condition’
