Overall, the importance of vaginal and vulvar health cannot be overemphasized. Infections and conditions of the vagina and vulva are common and are not restricted to any specific age group. They affect women from all walks of life and all over the world. It is important for a woman to recognize these infections and conditions so that she is able to consult healthcare providers for proper diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and health maintenance.
Vulva is the general name given to the external parts of the female genitals. All women have vaginal discharge to some extent, which is a normal and healthy part of the menstrual cycle. It is produced by glands in the cervix and vagina and carries away dead cells and bacteria. This helps to keep the vagina clean and prevent infection. Usually, the discharge is clear or white and does not have an unpleasant odor. The color and thickness can change during the menstrual cycle. Any infection or disease affecting the vulva may cause discomfort and alter the appearance or function of the vulva. This may affect self-esteem and/or sexual relations with a partner. So, like vaginal health, it is equally important to maintain vulvar health. Any change in skin color or a new skin growth can be a sign of a benign condition such as lichen sclerosus or vulva cancer. Any damage to vulvar skin can lead to chronic vulvar pain.
The vagina is a hollow muscular canal with a flexible lining that provides a passage from the uterus to the outside of the body. It is an important aspect of the female body, and any infection or disease may lead to severe health problems. Vaginal health is important because it affects the overall health of a woman. Any vaginal infection left untreated can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, increased risk of Cervical Cancer, complications during pregnancy, and in worst cases, damage to the uterus, tubes, and ovaries. Bacterial or yeast overgrowth, inflammation, or any persistent symptom experienced in the vagina can change the normal vaginal flora, which can lead to infection and disease. Any change in the type of vaginal discharge from what is normal for a woman may be a symptom of a vaginal infection.
Importance of Vaginal and Vulvar Health
Understanding women’s anatomy and how to maintain a healthy environment are essential components of preventive health care. While many young girls are taught basic hygiene practices, such as wiping from front to back after using the restroom, they are usually not taught the reasons behind these practices. Discussions of female anatomy and hygiene can prevent problems from occurring and can help women recognize symptoms of infections or other issues. With the proper information, women can learn how to take an active and empowered role in their health care.
It can be helpful to dispel popular myths about vaginal and vulvar health. For instance, using soap to clean the vaginal area can lead to irritation and itching, while douching can actually lead to infections and other problems by upsetting the delicate balance of organisms naturally present in the vagina. It is typically best to clean the vulva area with warm water and mild soap, and to avoid using any scented products in the genital area. No special products are needed for vaginal cleanliness; in fact, the vagina is “self-cleaning” and using any special products in the vaginal area can upset the natural environment and lead to infections.
Vaginal and vulvar health are important elements of a woman’s overall health. These often overlooked areas are quite deserving of care and have a significant impact on a woman’s comfort, sexual satisfaction, and general quality of life. Given the generally taboo nature of discussing women’s anatomy and sexual health, it is not uncommon for women to lack information about the care of these areas.
Common Infections and Conditions
A number of general characteristics are shared by pelvic inflammatory disease, trichomoniasis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infections. All are sexually transmitted diseases. All have the potential to produce chronic infection. None of these diseases is confined to the lower genital tract. Infection often ascends to the upper genital tract where it may result in infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious complications. Infection at either the upper or lower genital tract sites caused by these organisms can involve damage to tissue through immunologic response to the infection. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a nonspecific term used to designate infection in the female upper genital tract associated with inflammation. While it is often difficult to specify an etiologic agent, it is clear that most cases of acute salpingitis and its complications, particularly chronic pelvic pain and infertility, commonly result from chlamydial and gonococcal infections. A continuum of reproductive tract infection exists for these organisms, ranging in severity from mild, with perhaps minimal signs or symptoms, to acute PID with severe clinical manifestations. Chlamydial and gonococcal infections are identified as the cause of PID in up to 70% of cases. Chlamydial infection is the single most important preventable cause of infertility in the United States.
Preventive Measures
What you wear can also affect vaginal health. Wearing cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch is a good alternative in comparison to other materials. Cotton allows for better air flow and decreases the amount of moisture. Moist warm conditions are ideal for the growth of yeast, one of the causative agents for a vaginal infection. If you are sweating a lot or working out, make sure you change out of wet exercise clothes, as soon as possible. Lastly, avoid wearing tight fitting pants or shorts, especially if they are made of synthetic materials.
The daily steps you take can help prevent some common vaginal infections and conditions. Avoid douching, as this can change the conditions in the vagina and can lead to an infection. There is no evidence that douching gives you a health benefit. Also avoid feminine deodorant sprays, scented tampons, and scented pads which can sometimes lead to irritations and allergic reactions. Try to avoid using hot tubs and whirlpools, as the warm moist conditions can sometimes lead to the overgrowth of bacteria, yeast, etc.
Maintaining Proper Hygiene
The skin surrounding the vulva is much like skin on the rest of the body, although it is specifically designed to protect the internal organs. For this reason, the skin in the vulva area needs to be kept clean and dry, to avoid any irritation or infection. The vagina is self-cleansing in that it possesses many small glands that produce a fluid that can carry away dead cells and other waste. However, this does not negate the need for general hygiene upkeep, particularly when medical states are considered. Wash the vulva area (including clitoris and labia) with a small amount of mild, unscented soap and warm water. Harsh cleansers or cleansers with fragrances can cause irritation to the delicate skin, and sometimes an allergic reaction. Likewise, it is important to wear clean, dry underwear. If the skin is kept wet or moist for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to maceration, or pruned skin, which in turn makes the skin more susceptible to infection. Change out of clothes wet from swimming or workout as soon as possible, and avoid staying in wet swimsuits or workout clothes for extended periods of time. When you do laundry, use unscented, mild detergent, and run clothes through an extra rinse cycle to remove all the soap. This is especially important for undergarments. It is best to dry laundry in the dryer, as hanging clothes outside may collect pollen and other allergens.
Wearing Breathable Fabrics
Clothing made with synthetic fibers, such as nylon or polyester, can lead to increased moisture and heat in the vulvar area, which can cause irritation. Wearing breathable cotton underwear or at least cotton-lined crotch underwear will help minimize moisture. You should avoid tight-fitting pants or shorts and instead wear loose fitting clothing. This will keep the vulvar area from becoming too hot and will increase air flow. In general, wearing loose fitting clothes that allow the skin to breathe can promote vulvar health. If retention of moisture and heat is the main source of discomfort you experience, simply changing the type of clothing you wear could help alleviate symptoms. Aside from clothing, wearing nylon pantyhose can also lead to increased moisture and heat. You should avoid or minimize the use of pantyhose, opting to wear thigh high stockings when possible. If you must wear pantyhose, purchasing those with a cotton lined crotch can help to minimize the degree of irritation.
Avoiding Irritants
Chemical irritants can take the form of feminine hygiene products such as douches, powders, deodorant sanitary pads, or tampons. These products contain chemicals and perfumes that are abrasive and can trigger allergic reactions in many women, causing redness, itching, or swelling. Though many women use these products to feel fresher, these substances can actually disrupt the natural balance and health of the vulva and vagina. It is best to use mild unscented soap and water for cleansing. If you want to feel fresher, focus your efforts on washing the anal area as well as the labia majora and minora. It is important to rinse this area well and pat dry. This can be done by using unscented baby wipes and unscented toilet tissue after urination. This cleansing routine, done one to two times a day, is good hygiene for the vulva and can help lessen the incidence of irritation or infection.
Irritants can be found in various forms, from chemical to synthetic materials. These factors can potentially cause inflammatory responses or infection, poor healing, and discomfort. Learning to identify potential irritants allows for prevention and promotes optimal health.
Recognizing and Managing Infections
Common symptoms or signs include itching, burning, irritation, painful urination, or change in the color or odor of the discharge. Apart from other symptoms, many women have some sort of discharge from the vagina. Vaginal discharge is normal, it varies throughout the woman’s menstrual cycle. Some discharges are clear and watery, while others are thick and white, or yellowish. It is also important to note that a change in the discharge color may be indicative of an infection. Typically, an abnormal or unhealthy vaginal discharge is either an indication of an infection inside the vagina, or an infection within the cervix. If any signs of vaginal and/or vulval infection appear, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Usually, healthcare management may consist of the healthcare provider making an assessment on the type of infection/condition you have. This involves assessing what the best course of treatment will be for the patient. This will then lead to the healthcare provider either treating the infection/condition, or if the infection/condition isn’t severe, then the provider will guide the patient in treating it themselves. It is best to avoid any form of self-treatment or over-the-counter products before consulting a healthcare provider, as this will confuse the signs and symptoms and can ultimately make the infection more severe. Self-treatment can mask symptoms, and therefore the healthcare provider may have difficulty diagnosing the infection/condition. Over-the-counter products often irritate the vagina and vulva and can make the infection more severe due to the chemicals present in these products.
Symptoms and Signs
Even if you don’t see sores, the virus may still be transmissible. Any visible sores are simply the virus making its way to the skin surface. When the virus is on the surface, it can be transmitted through skin contact. On the other hand, there may be no sores. This makes it hard to know when the virus is active and being transmitted. Herpes can be active without symptoms or visible sores. Herpes shedding occurs when the virus is making its way to the skin surface. The virus can still be transmitted to others during this phase. Symptoms of herpes usually develop within 2 to 20 days after contact with the virus. During this time, the virus is multiplying. The first time the virus is picked up is called the “Primary Infection.” The symptoms can be severe and can include: viral type symptoms, fever, swollen glands, pain when passing urine, painful irritations in the genital area and skin infection. Recurrent episodes are usually milder and while there may still be some viral type symptoms, irritations in the skin are the most common symptom of herpes. They usually last around 8-10 days, localized to the area of primary infection. Sufferers can expect around 4-5 recurrences in the first 2 years following the primary infection. After that, the number of recurrences usually decreases and they are milder.
Seeking Medical Assistance
When vaginal or vulvar symptoms indicate infection or an underlying problem, you should see a qualified medical professional. There are a wide variety of conditions that manifest with symptoms resembling yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. So it is important to be properly diagnosed so that the correct treatment can be undertaken. Step one is choosing whether to go to a general practitioner or a specialist such as a gynecologist. If you have access to a gynecologist, going directly to a specialist is recommended. Gynecologists have extra training and may be more familiar with the latest treatments for various conditions. In addition, although general practitioners are able to prescribe many treatments, sometimes they will consult a gynecologist for advice. This is because some treatments may have side effects or are unsuitable for certain health conditions, and a gynecologist is most familiar with these. Step two is to know what to expect from your medical consultation. You will be asked questions about your symptoms and history. It is important to give detailed information and to be honest. Sometimes it helps to write down your symptoms with approximate dates of onset. You may also be asked about over the counter treatments that you have tried. It is important to tell your doctor about these, as they sometimes affect diagnostic test results. You will then have a physical examination. This may include a visual inspection of the vulva, a vaginal swab, or a pap smear. A vaginal swab is the ultimate way to determine what kind of infection you have, and most often a diagnosis can be made based on the swab results. If you have recurrent infections, it is a good idea to wait until you have symptoms before seeking medical help. This greatly increases the chances of detecting the infection.
Treatment Options
The treatment method of course depends on the type of specific infection – whether it is bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, trichomoniasis or cervicitis. Non-infectious causes such as atrophic vaginitis and some forms of vaginismus require alternative forms of treatment. But the majority of treatments involve some form of drug. In order to minimise confusion, information on the drugs will be ordered by infection. This section contains a summary of treatment options that can be used to complement the above mentioned self-help strategies, lifestyle changes and psychological techniques. The aim of the self-help strategies and lifestyle changes is to improve the symptoms experienced by the patient. This can involve relieving vulval discomfort or treating disorders which may contribute to the problem such as obesity or poorly controlled diabetes. Psychological techniques such as cognitive therapy aim to uncover and correct negative thought patterns and reduce anxiety that can prevent normal sexual function. These techniques are often an important part of management for chronic problems such as dyspareunia or vestibulodynia.
Promoting Overall Vaginal and Vulvar Health
A balanced diet is just as important for your vaginal and vulvar health as it is for your general health. A healthy diet can help prevent infections and conditions such as thrush and vaginal dryness. Foods high in refined sugars and artificial ingredients should be limited, as they can increase the acidity of urine, which can cause burning and stinging on the vulva. High-fiber foods are also good for preventing constipation, which can cause or worsen hemorrhoids. It is important to drink plenty of water, as this will help keep the vulva moist and the vagina well lubricated. This is helpful in preventing skin irritation on the vulva and vaginal dryness.
Regular health screenings and check-ups are beneficial, particularly in preventing long-term effects of infections and conditions. It is recommended that every woman sees a healthcare professional for a complete check-up, which includes an examination of the vagina and vulva, every year. The annual check-up should also include a Pap smear test, which checks for abnormalities in the cervix. The frequency of these check-ups may need to increase if you have an infection or condition such as herpes; some healthcare professionals recommend check-ups as often as every 3 months. Seeing a healthcare professional whom you are comfortable with and feel you can talk openly to is important. This allows for a better understanding of your health and a higher likelihood of asking for advice and mentioning something out of the ordinary.
Regular Check-ups and Screenings
An annual pelvic examination is a good way to stay in tune with any changes in your vaginal and vulvar health. Also, if you are at risk for a certain condition or infection, more frequent check-ups may be a preventive measure to help catch and resolve the problem earlier. For instance, Pap tests are recommended every 1-2 years for sexually active women over 18. If you have had an abnormal Pap test, you may need to have more frequent Pap tests. If you are at low risk, an interval of 2-3 years may be appropriate. Always consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you and your individual health status. Regular check-ups are a fundamental step in remaining healthy and alleviating the anxiety and frustration that can accompany unresolved health problems.
Just like other parts of the body, the vagina and vulva also need regular check-ups. A part of gaining knowledge about your body includes understanding your normal vulvar and vaginal health. With this understanding, you will be more likely to notice any changes such as unusual discharge, irritation or pain. These changes may be the first signs of an infection, irritation, or a more serious problem. If you notice any of these warning signs that last more than a few days, it might be a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor.
Incorporating a Balanced Diet
To begin, a healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables which provide all-around health benefits. Yogurt has been shown to decrease yeast infections, so eating a serving per day is recommended. Limit consumption of sugar, salt, and caffeine, as they have been shown to aggravate vulvar and vaginal health problems. Drink plenty of water, up to 8 glasses per day. Spices such as turmeric, garlic, and cayenne pepper have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents, and can promote health. But most importantly, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Overweight women are at higher risk for bacterial infections, and obesity has been linked to increased cancer risks in the vulva and cervix. High body fat and internal fat can mimic estrogen, increasing the risk for estrogen-related cancers and infections.
Without a doubt, one of the most constructive lifestyle changes you can make to benefit your vaginal and vulvar health, and your overall health, is to eat a balanced diet. Healthy foods help to encourage good bodily functioning, while unhealthy foods can lead to a down-spiral of health problems. Maintaining a healthy weight prevents yeast infections and promotes healthy hormone functioning.
Practicing Safe Sex
Infections that are transmitted through unsafe sex can affect the vulva and the vagina in many ways. Some vaginal infections require an antibiotic to clear up the infection. Women who are taking antibiotics might notice an increase in the incidence of vaginal yeast infections. This is due to the fact that antibiotics kill the “healthy” bacteria that limits the growth of yeast. When there is less healthy bacteria, yeast can grow and cause infection. A change in the color, smell, and consistency of vaginal discharge is a sign of a vaginal infection. Any time there is redness, itching, swelling, or pain in the vagina and vulva, it is considered an inflammation that is usually caused by an infection. Some viruses can cause warts and ulcers on the vagina and vulva. Herpes is characterized by an outbreak of small, painful sores. These are just a few ways infections can affect the vulva and the vagina. Yeast infections are also more common in women who are not practicing safe sex. This may not be an STD risk factor, but it is important to mention that
Practicing safe sex means using a contraceptive technique and/or protection in order to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and unwanted pregnancies. This also includes discussing sexual histories openly and honestly with future or current sexual partners. Practicing safe sex is very important in maintaining good vaginal and vulvar health. The reason for this is that unsafe sex can lead to the transmission of viruses and diseases, such as Herpes, Genital Warts, Hepatitis B, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HIV/AIDS. All of these can affect a woman’s general health and emotional well-being. A lot of these infections can affect fertility, and 20-70% of them pose a risk to an infant during pregnancy. Having a sexually transmitted infection while pregnant can cause a spontaneous abortion, a stillbirth, a child with birth defects, and/or an infant who is born with the infection.
Maintaining Emotional Well-being
Often downplayed or overlooked, emotional well-being plays a significant and positive role in the health of vaginal and vulvar tissue. Supportive relationships, combined with a well-balanced emotional state, can lower the risk of infection or trauma to the area. On the other hand, constant or severe distress can weaken the immune system and pave the way for disease. Symptoms of emotional distress, such as headaches, digestive issues, muscle pain, or fatigue, can also wear on an individual and make her less likely to practice healthy lifestyle habits. Studies have linked chronic negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and depression to immune system impairment. Emotional distress is also one of the leading causes of doctor visits and missed days of work, and resolving the emotional issue/problem has been shown to eliminate related physical symptoms. Taking proactive steps to support and foster emotional well-being can prevent health problems and promote a healthy immune system.
