Believe it or not, vaginas can get depressed and even sick. Well, think about it in a figurative way. While we make sure to take our flu shots and visit our doctor for a general check-up, sometimes our private areas don't get the same type of attention. The fact is that there are many glaring sympthoms that could be pointing to your vagina needing extra medical TLC. Here are three signs that your vagina might need therapy.
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Vaginal discharge with extreme odor: This could be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis. According to the CDC, BV isn't totally understood, but flare-ups can be caused by a change in sex partner, having multiple partners, douching or lack of condom use. In most cases, therapy is recommended. A gynecologist can prescribe an intravaginal gel known as metronidazole. Contact your doctor right away if you suspect you may have BV.
Pelvic heaviness or involuntary release of urine: These signs could be pointing to a vaginal vault prolapse. The condition occurs when the vagina loses its normal shape and sags, which is caused by a weakness of muscles and tissues. Women who have given birth are most commonly diagnosed with vaginal vault prolapse. Meghan Z. Markowski, a physical therapist, explains between 16-20% of women will experience pelvic pain in some capacity in their lifetime. Although surgery is an option, a non-invasive option is a series of electrical stimulation therapy sessions, which force the body to experience contractions and tighten the vaginal muscles.
Vaginal dryness: Women experience vaginal dryness for a variety of reasons, but ultimately it is caused when levels of estrogen drop. This can be caused during breastfeeding or menopause. Certain medications and stress can also cause vaginal dryness. Once tested, doctors will prescribe vaginal estrogen cream (or in ring and tablet form) to promote a healthy estrogen balance. Don't hesitate to contact your doctor and ask about treatment options.
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