Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Episode 2
Episode 2: Robin meets Dr. Litrel on her journey to Vaginal Rejuvenation and feels hope for the first time. Episode 1 of Robin’s VR Journey
Robin’s Vaginal Rejuvenation Journey – Episode 1
Episode 1: Robin decides to get a ‘vagina facelift’.
Great Sex After Menopause?
Yes, it’s possible to have great sex after menopause! One of the most common complaints among menopausal women is a low sex drive, so if this is you, you are not alone. These changes are normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them. There are a lot of reasons for a reduced sex drive so it’s important to be open and honest with your doctor about how you’re feeling. Based on your symptoms, your doctor can help determine what’s causing these changes. And the good news is that there are a variety of treatment options available to help increase your libido. Common Reasons for Low Sex Drive Age – Women are 2-3 times more likely as men to experience reduced desire as they age. Hormone Changes – Changing hormones can wreak havoc on a woman. Around the time of menopause, estrogen levels begin to drop, which can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, lethargy, vaginal dryness, and more. And of course, a dip in desire. After all, if you are dealing with all those other issues, romance may not be high on your list of priorities. Other Health Problems – Issues like depression, anxiety, bladder control problems, chronic illness, and medications may also cause lack of desire. Relationship Troubles – Sometimes your lack of desire may not just be physical. If you are having relationship problems, it can certainly stall your sex drive. Stress – The daily grind of work, kids, family, friends, chores – and, and, and – can be enough to make anyone’s libido dip. Women are busy juggling a million things a day so it’s not surprising that sexy time often takes a back seat. So, now that we know some of the causes, let’s look at some of the things that can be done to increase your libido. Treatment Options Hormones– Your doctor may recommend using an oral or topical estrogen which can greatly help with symptoms discussed earlier, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Estrogen also thickens the vaginal tissue which can help make sex feel better. Again, as all women are different, discussing these options with your doctor is the best thing to do. Consider Changing Medicines – While some medicines can help with one issue, they can cause another. An example is how medicines for blood pressure and depression have been known to affect your sex drive. Talk to your doctor about other options. Lubrication – With vaginal tissue thinning during menopause, sex can be more painful, and that can certainly make you want to avoid sex. Lubrications can help. Products like KY jelly help add moisture and make sex more pleasurable. Retrain Your Brain Sometimes it’s not a pill or a cream or a lotion that’s needed to kick start a waning libido. Oftentimes, it can be as simple as making small changes at home – and rethinking how you think about intimacy. So, changing your approach to how you view sex and intimacy with your partner can make a big difference. Here are some things to try: Make Time For Each Other – In the midst of our busy lives, sex can end up on the back burner. If you and your partner are intentional about spending time together, (without the kids), you can begin to reconnect, which can help you in the bedroom. Get a sitter, have date nights, enjoy each other’s company. Focus on Your #1 Sex Organ: Your Brain – The brain is the first thing to get turned on, and new things help with that. Try changing where you have sex, the positions, the roles, etc. Believe it or not, the more you have sex, the more you’ll want to have. It’s Okay to Put Yourself First – Focus on yourself during sex. What feels good to you? What pace do you like? Putting your pleasure first is not only okay, it may help you relax and enjoy the moment more. And that will probably make it more enjoyable for your partner as well. Remember Foreplay –- Foreplay is even more important with age since you may take longer to respond. Make sure you give yourself enough time to cuddle and kiss like you used to. By not making climaxing the goal, you might be surprised that it happens anyway. Look Beyond Your Bed Things that happen out of your bed can affect what goes on in it. Try these tips: Talk to Your Partner – If your lack of desire really has nothing to do with how you feel about your partner, tell him. He may think it’s about him and feel rejected. Talking about what you’re going through and your likes and dislikes, will bring you closer and help to improve your sexual experience. Take a Look in the Mirror – Are you feeling good about yourself? Many women feel their sexiest when they feel good about their bodies. If this is you, think about what will make you feel better. Whether it’s buying a new outfit, getting your hair done or hitting the gym, sometimes these small changes can make all the difference. Just remember, this is for you – not him – because when you feel better about yourself first, you’ll feel better about everything. Reach Out – Sometimes your feelings may run much deeper so you may need to turn to a counselor for help. Either go by yourself or as a couple. Either way this may be the extra support you need. We Can Help As we have seen, there are many causes for lack of sexual desire once menopause approaches, but there are a lot of things you can do to get past this phase and start enjoying sex again. Call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an Appointment today to discuss with your doctor. Menopause and HRT Articles
Cystoscopy: Taking a Look Inside the Bladder
Urogynecologist Dr. Litel demonstrates a cystoscopy procedure and explains how it’s used to diagnose bladder issues. Watch more Urogynecology videos below.
A Mom’s Journey from Grief to Joy
“The darkest time of my life was after I lost my baby at 25 weeks. The grief was unbearable. My hopes and dreams of a perfect pregnancy and a healthy baby daughter were shattered,” explains Brielle. Brielle, a patient at Cherokee Women’s Health, lost her first baby when she was 25 weeks pregnant. She eventually went on to give birth to a healthy baby boy but the journey to get there was an emotional one. Here, she shares her journey. Getting Pregnant Within just a few days of missing her period, Brielle took a home pregnancy test, which tested positive. Excited, she quickly followed up with an appointment with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists and her doctor confirmed it — she was pregnant. Brielle was ecstatic as she and her husband Mark had been trying to conceive for five months. She had dreamed of becoming a mother and she shouted the good news from the rooftops. Everything seemed completely normal to her, and her doctor confirmed that the baby seemed to be growing as expected. But throughout the first trimester she experienced extreme nausea, loss of appetite, and even vomited multiple times. Then, as the second trimester started, she felt much better and she began to get her appetite back. At her next routine OB visit, her doctor shared that her baby was growing and looked healthy. The ultrasound revealed that she was carrying a baby girl. Brielle and Mark were beyond excited about their baby daughter and couldn’t wait to tell their extended families. They planned a gender reveal party with their family and friends for the next weekend. Brielle’s mom and sister popped the balloons together as the pink confetti exploded, revealing to everyone that a baby girl was on the way. They began the process of decorating the nursery and preparing for what she thought would be the happiest time of her life. Brielle went shopping with her mom and sisters and bought girly outfits, bows and soft blankets in anticipation of her baby girl’s arrival. She even had the names narrowed down to two top choices — Ella and Miranda. She couldn’t quite decide on which one but she knew she had a few months to decide. She kept tossing the names around in her head attempting to pick the perfect name for her daughter. Something’s Wrong And then it happened. Brielle woke up one morning and instantly felt something was wrong. She had been feeling the baby move for a couple of weeks, but that morning was different. She felt no movement at all. Nothing. Her heart sank and she said she felt a wave of panic. Luckily, Mark was still home so he called her doctor’s office. He was able to immediately get the triage nurse at Cherokee Women’s Health on the phone, who told him to bring his wife to the office for an ultrasound. “Julianna was as kind and compassionate as could be, but I could tell that something was not right by her facial expression,” Brielle recalls. Julianna, the ultrasound technician called in the doctor. Brielle was told the most devastating news imaginable — her baby had suddenly died. The Grieving Process Brielle shared that the following days were a blur and the saddest time of her life. She was put in the hospital, induced labor and had to give birth to a baby that had died. She and Mark’s hearts were broken as they held their baby and mourned the loss together. They named her Ella, which was ultimately what they decided was her name when they saw her for the first and last time. Tests were run, and nothing was ever confirmed about Ella’s cause of death. Brielle was told that it wasn’t her fault, and her doctor seemed to think that it was an extremely rare occurrence and she would be able to try to conceive again soon. For several months following, Brielle went through a deep personal struggle. There were many days where she couldn’t get out of bed. She had to seek counseling, and she credits God, her family and her counselor for pulling her out of a depression. Her faith in God was tested, but ultimately she decided she had to go on and trust that He had a plan for her future. Getting Pregnant Again is Emotional Brielle and Mark finally decided that they were emotionally healthy enough to try to get pregnant again. They knew that they would forever mourn their loss of Ella, but both felt a strong need to move forward. Staying in the depression and sadness was not an option, so trying to conceive again was at least a step in the right direction. After 4 months of trying, Brielle finally had a positive pregnancy test. She was relieved, scared, and was hesitant to share the news this time. After her 12-week visit with her doctor and an ultrasound, she finally told her family that she was pregnant. “During the pregnancy, we were put on a strict schedule of doctor visits, and at 24 weeks, we started going to the doctor every week. I was also given a Doppler so I could hear the baby’s heartbeat at home. I used that thing all day long!” Brielle shared that her entire pregnancy the second time around was stressful. She said she wanted to feel the baby moving all the time, and when she didn’t feel movement, she felt that familiar wave of panic and fear. She was nervous until the day she gave birth. A Healthy Birth and Newborn Son At 39 weeks, her doctor delivered Brielle’s healthy 7 lb. son, Jacob, via scheduled C-section. Brielle and Mark say they are grateful for their son, who is now 6 months old and is healthy and thriving. “My doctor told me I had a ‘Rainbow Baby’, which is a baby after a miscarriage or stillborn birth. I honestly had never heard that term before, but I loved it since it refers to the
No More Painful Periods
Life would literally stop for Jessica. Every month when she’d get her period, she says her life would change for 5-7 days until it was over. The heavy bleeding was to the point that she would soil her clothes, her bed and even sometimes her furniture. The pain was awful and often unbearable. She began seeing an OB/GYN at the age of 15 to search for relief and answers. Through the years, Jessica visited multiple doctors searching for a solution. Little testing was done, and she most often was just given a prescription for birth control and told to take ibuprofen. Still no relief, still no diagnosis. The Suffering Continues In 2017, at 36 years old, Jessica was married and had two young children. Her periods were still just as life-altering, and they sometimes even caused problems in her marriage. Her husband Jeff was not as sympathetic as she would like, and their sex life was basically nonexistent. Sex had become painful, and she began avoiding it at all costs. Jessica was becoming more and more depressed over her situation. Sometimes she felt as though no one understood or cared. She began to lose hope. Jessica knew she needed a new doctor, someone she could trust. She began her research. After reading and hearing multiple outstanding reviews, she chose Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Canton, GA. She says, “I went to my first visit and I immediately knew I was in good hands.” At Last: A Diagnosis of Endometriosis After a long discussion with her new physician, Dr. James Haley, he suspected she had endometriosis. She said he seemed genuinely concerned and suggested a minor office procedure, called a laparoscopy, to take a look and see what was going on. A week later, Jessica finally got answers when Dr. Haley confirmed that she had endometriosis, a condition that occurs when the endometrium tissue that lines the uterus starts to grow outside of the uterus. Not only was he able to give her a diagnosis, he was able to remove the endometrial tissue during the procedure. Jessica’s periods were noticeably improved, but after about six months, they started to worsen again. She would bleed for a few days, then stop, then start again for a few more days. The pain wasn’t as intense as before, but the bleeding was annoying. She returned to Dr. Haley, and he sat down with her and offered a few more options. One option was to insert an IUD to help lessen her bleeding. While this option may work for many women, it did not work for her. “Dr. Haley is my hero! He changed my life and I am forever grateful!” – Jessica An Endometrial Ablation Offers Relief The next option was for Dr. Haley to perform an endometrial ablation. This in-office procedure destroys the endometrium to reduce or even eliminate menstrual flow. Since she knew she was done having children, this was the best option for her. She scheduled it for the following week in the Cherokee Women’s office. Not only did Jessica state that the procedure was easy and painless, it was a success! About a year later and Jessica has had no pain or bleeding, apart from occasional spotting. She is so happy that she chose Dr. Haley. She shares, “Dr. Haley is my hero! He changed my life and I am forever grateful!” Cherokee Women’s Health Can Help If you can relate to Jessica’s story and are experiencing symptoms of your own, please call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment to meet with one of our physicians.
It Took a GYN to Finally Give Me Relief – A Woman Experiences Years of Suffering
Marisol suffered for years. Her primary care doctor didn’t provide answers. Finally, she got relief with the GYNs at Cherokee Women’s Health. Finding a caring doctor who actually listens is difficult. It’s even more difficult to find one that specializes in female health issues. Marisol had suffered for many years with a multitude of problems: painful sex, pelvic pain, heavy clotting during her periods, and constant exhaustion. Her demanding job required her to move frequently and living in nine different states over 15 years made it even more challenging to find a good doctor who would listen and take her problems seriously. Test After Test Revealed No Issues Marisol had had ultrasounds to look for cysts or fibroid tumors over the years but nothing had ever been found. She continued to suffer with exhaustion due to the heavy periods and pelvic pain for several more years. After moving to Georgia, her pelvic pain was so severe she ended up in the emergency room at Northside Cherokee Hospital in Canton. The ER doctor gave her pain relief and recommended she see a specialist as soon as possible. Marisol knew she wanted a doctor who cared deeply for their patients and who also had the experience needed to help with her situation. She did her research and discovered the board-certified GYNs at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. The GYNs at Cherokee Women’s Health Believed Her Marisol immediately felt comfortable and at ease with her doctor and knew she was with an expert. She listened as all of the possibilities were discussed with her and solutions were offered. She finally felt heard. The first and simplest option her doctor suggested was an endometrial ablation, an in-office procedure to destroy the lining of the uterus. Unfortunately, the ablation did not work for her. At that point, a hysterectomy was discussed as an option and Marisol knew that was the best and final solution if she wanted a normal and pain-free life. Finally, Marisol Got Relief With a Hysterectomy A vaginal hysterectomy was performed on Marisol and the surgery was a success. Marisol only spent one day in the hospital and went home with minimal pain. It’s been over six months since her surgery and she is feeling great. After her hysterectomy, she is living a life free of the horrible pain that she suffered from for so many years. She is beyond thrilled that she chose Cherokee Women’s Health. “My doctor was phenomenal. I definitely this practice to everyone.” Cherokee Women’s Health – The Hysterectomy Experts A hysterectomy can be an emotional decision for many women, but the benefits often outweigh the downsides. Finding the right doctor who is an expert in such surgeries is key to a successful outcome. The physicians at Cherokee Women’s Health are board-certified OB/GYNs and have the unique skills to address complex female issues. You don’t need to suffer with pain any longer. Call today for an appointment at 770.720.7733.
Premature Twins: A Mother’s Emotional Journey
We sat down to interview Jourdan Adams to get her perspective on having a high-risk pregnancy with twins, and ultimately delivering her tiny twin boys as ‘preemies’. We also discuss the long weeks her babies had to stay in the Northside Hospital Cherokee NICU (Neo-Intensive Care Unit), and the ups and downs that she and her husband experienced as they went through the roller coaster of emotions during this difficult journey. A Mother’s Perspective Jourdan recalls, “The pregnancy was good – up until about 22 weeks. That was the first time I had to go to the hospital.” Jourdan and her husband Tyler had been trying to get pregnant for a couple years, so when Jourdan’s home pregnancy test read positive, she went to the OB right away. Jourdan chose Cherokee Women’s Health. “We came in super early. And then again at 5 weeks, when we saw 2 sacs! And that was how we found out we had twins.” She admits the twin pregnancy came as a shock. “I just remember looking at my husband and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, what are we going to DO?!’ And my husband was so good, he just said to me, ‘Babe, we’ve got this.’ “But I was thinking, ‘No, you DON’T!!! You have no CLUE what we’re in for!” Hospital Trips and Bedrest Jourdan relates that early on in the pregnancy she had a small bleed, which, she quickly adds, is not unusual. But at 22 weeks the real trouble started. “I was feeling kind of weird at the office one day. My doctor gave me an ultrasound and put me on the monitor. They realized I was having contractions. She sent me to the hospital.” At Northside Cherokee, Jourdan saw her high-risk specialist, who put her on fluids and sent her home, anticipating that the contractions would settle down once she was off her feet. “But the next day I was still having contractions every 10 minutes. I went back to the hospital, and got three injections of terbutaline. Because it was so early, I just wasn’t worried. I figured they’d fix it and that it was normal. I never really felt super fearful they were coming. Then I was put on bedrest until 24 weeks because that is viability. At that point I was allowed to work three days a week.” But at Jourdan’s next check-up, an ultrasound revealed a troubling development. “We realized my cervix was shrinking. After that, I was on bedrest for the rest of my pregnancy.”
Yeast Infections – What You Need to Know
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection of the vagina and tissues of the vulva. It can occur when the normal healthy balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina get out of balance. The hormone estrogen helps bacteria called lactobacilli to grow. These bacteria kill harmful organisms in the vagina and keep you healthy. However when something happens to tip that balance, a fungus called candida can grow out of control and cause a yeast infection. Yeast infections can be itchy and uncomfortable, and no one really likes to talk about them, but these infections are very common in women. It’s estimated that 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in her lifetime. What Causes a Yeast Infection? There are many factors that could cause a yeast infection, including: What Are the Symptoms? Itchiness and discomfort are the most common symptoms of a yeast infection. Other symptoms can include: These symptoms can be similar to symptoms of something more serious, so it’s important to see you doctor and get the proper diagnosis and treatment. Available Treatments A yeast infection may be diagnosed by taking a sample of the discharge to be examined under a microscope. Once diagnosed, the most common way your doctor will treat a yeast infection is by prescribing an antifungal medicine, or by recommending an over-the-counter antifungal cream, ointment, or suppository. Depending on the severity of the infection, it can take anywhere from a few days to 1-2 weeks to clear up, and sometimes there can be some resistance to certain medications used. It’s important for you to know that some yeast infection medications weaken condoms or diaphragms. That makes it easier for you to get pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted disease. Be sure to read instructions and warnings before using. Can Yeast Infections be Prevented? It may not be possible for all women to prevent yeast infections, but here’s what you can do to lower your odds. Probiotic-rich foods have been shown to promote a good pH balance within the vagina. The good bacteria lactobacillus improves overall vaginal health and can help prevent yeast infections. The best probiotic-rich foods to try for the prevention of a yeast infection are: We Can Help While you have probably heard about the benefits of cranberry juice in the treatment of yeast infections, it’s also packed with unhealthy amounts of sugar. As with any issues you may be experiencing, it’s important to see an OB/GYN for the right diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors are here to help. Call us at 770-720-7733 or schedule an appointment online.
Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Dr. Haley explains why some food should be avoided while pregnant. Watch more OB videos below.
Vaginal Changes After Childbirth
Vaginal changes after childbirth can cause a number of challenges for new moms. After all, giving birth basically means pushing a head the size of a cabbage through a tiny pinhole. There are a lot of vaginal changes after childbirth, so we’re answering the questions we’re most frequently asked by our patients. We hope they give you a better understanding of what you can expect after having a baby. My Vagina’s So Dry Now Higher estrogen levels help keep your vagina moist, but after you give birth those level drop, which can lead to dryness. Lack of estrogen can also cause vaginal tissue to become thinner and to shrink, which can also result in dryness. Another reason for a dry vagina is breastfeeding, which helps keep your estrogen levels low, so you may continue experiencing dryness throughout nursing. For those who don’t breastfeed, your levels may return closer to normal within a few weeks of giving birth, which can bring the natural moisture back. If the dryness is intense and uncomfortable, or is causing problems like pain during sex, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend an over the counter lubricant, or may even prescribe estrogen to help alleviate the problem. Should My Vagina Feel This Sore After Having a Baby? It is completely normal for your vagina, and possibly your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus), to feel very sore after delivery, as you may have experienced tearing. In fact, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, over 50% of women experience tearing of the perineum. 4 Degrees of Vaginal Tears and Their Healing Times Sometimes if the baby is large, or gets stuck during the delivery, your doctor may perform a procedure called an episiotomy, which is an incision to the area to widen the opening and prevent a potential tear. Why Does it Hurt When I Have Sex Now? Pain during sex after childbirth could be a result of scar tissue in your vagina or perineum. This can happen if you experienced a tear or had an episiotomy. “The amount of damage incurred during delivery will determine how much you may feel the scarring during sex. Over time, the scar tissue will eventually heal.” – Dr. James Haley Dr. Haley recommends using lubricants during the healing process, which should make having sex more comfortable. If you feel the pain is not getting any better, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. My Discharge is Different. Why? After giving birth, you will typically have a discharge, known as lochia, for four to six weeks, with the first ten days or so being the heaviest. Lochia is the combination of residual mucus, blood and uterine tissue. It usually comes in stages, starting off heavier and a deep, red color for a few days. As it starts to decrease, the color will change to a pink or brown, and then to a yellowish color. Wearing thick pads and postpartum underwear are necessary during this time, and don’t be surprised if you experience an odor as well. However, if you discover any clots larger than a small lime, you should contact your doctor. Will My Period Ever Be Normal Again? Pregnancy does a number on your hormones, and they need time to get back to pre-pregnancy state. Your period may be heavier or lighter for a while. If you are breastfeeding, your estrogen levels will be lower as well, which interferes with menstruation. Don’t worry though, your body should readjust and your periods should return closer to normal in time. My Vagina Seems Looser Than Before. Is This Normal? Yes, having a looser vagina is one of the vaginal changes after childbirth that you may experience, and it’s completely normal. Your vagina and vaginal opening stretches during a vaginal delivery but typically does return to pre-pregnancy size. However, for some women, especially if you have had a large baby or several vaginal deliveries, it may not go back to 100%. Weaker vaginal muscles after childbirth is sometimes mistaken for a looser vagina. If the muscles are weak, doing Kegel exercises may help. Kegels are done by squeezing and holding your pelvic floor muscles (the muscles used when you stop your urine flow). They’re easy and can be done anywhere. Just squeeze, hold and release. Sometimes when the muscles are too weak for Kegels to help, a pelvic floor physical therapist may be able to help. Learn more. Download your FREE Vaginal Rejuvenation eBook. Vaginal Changes After Childbirth Also Include Incontinence? Seriously? A woman’s pelvic floor consists of muscles and other tissues that keep organs in the right place, but these organs may become damaged during childbirth. As a result, you may find yourself peeing a little when you do basic activities like sneezing, laughing, jumping, etc. But this is not uncommon. In fact, 25-45 percent of women experience incontinence, whether a result of childbirth or not. Treatment options are available though, so if you notice changes after giving birth, talk to your doctor. My Orgasms Are Less Intense Contractions of the muscles of the vagina are powerful during orgasm. They release muscle tension that was building prior to the orgasm. These contractions provide a source of pleasure. This can change after childbirth. “After childbirth, if your pelvic floor has weakened, you may find that your orgasms aren’t as intense as before. This is because the muscle contractions aren’t as forceful.” – Dr. Michael Litrel While this is true, there is no reason to think you can’t have that feeling again. Like some of the other issues we have discussed, there are treatments available to help, so be sure to talk to your doctor. Our OB/GYN Experts Are Here to Help Vaginal changes after childbirth are completely normal. Some of these changes may be temporary, and some may not be. Either way, our OB/GYNs are women’s health experts who can help you navigate these many changes and provide the solutions you may be seeking.
The Importance of Vaginal Health
The importance of vaginal health should not be taken lightly. It’s not just about sex. It means being aware of the signs of an unhealthy vagina and knowing when to see a specialist. Vaginal problems can affect your sexual desire, fertility, and ability to reach orgasm. Recurring vaginal issues can also cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. Every woman should be aware of the signs and symptoms of vaginal problems and what should be done to protect the health of their vagina. What Exactly is a Vagina? The vagina is an elastic, muscular canal that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. It has a soft, flexible lining that provides sensation and lubrication. The vulva and labia form the entrance, and the cervix of the uterus protrudes into the vagina, forming the anterior end. What Affects Vaginal Health? Several factors can affect the health of your vagina, including: Pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy, menstruating stops and vaginal discharge increases. Vaginal tears are common during childbirth. Sometimes an episiotomy is done during childbirth, which is an incision made in the tissue of the vaginal opening. Vaginal laxity can also occur after having a baby as a result of the pelvic floor muscles around the vagina getting stretched out. Hormone levels. Changes in your hormone levels can affect your vaginal health. For example, estrogen production declines during breastfeeding and after menopause. Loss of estrogen can cause the vaginal lining to thin (atrophy), which not only creates laxity, but can be painful. Birth control and feminine-hygiene products. Vaginal irritation can be caused from using barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, diaphragms and spermicides. Using douches or sprays may cause irritation or make existing irritation worse. Sex. Sexually transmitted infections can result from unprotected sex. An injury to the pelvic region or forceful sex can result in vaginal trauma. Psychological issues. Depression and anxiety can reduce sex drive which can cause pain or discomfort during sex. Trauma, especially past sexual abuse, can also lead to painful sex. Certain health conditions or treatments: Conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease might cause painful sex. Pelvic surgery scarring and certain cancer treatments also can cause pain during sex. Vaginal yeast infections can result from taking antibiotics. Dr. Litrel talks about changes to your vagina after giving birth. What are the Most Common Vaginal Problems? Conditions that might affect your vaginal health include: Laxity. A vaginal delivery can cause laxity, or looseness of the vagina. This is a regular occurrence after delivering a baby. At least one-third of all women with vaginal laxity feel less vaginal sensation with intercourse. Also, as women age, they often notice more looseness in the vagina since all muscles of the body become more relaxed in general. Dropping estrogen levels in menopause can cause significant vaginal laxity as well. Sexual problems. Pain just before, during or after sex is called dyspareunia. Pain during penetration might be caused by involuntary spasms of the muscles of the vaginal wall (vaginismus). The muscles in the pelvic floor can become tense, causing chronic pain and pain during intercourse. Often vaginal dryness occurs after menopause, which can also cause pain during intercourse. Sexually transmitted infections. Various sexually transmitted infections can affect the vagina, including genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, syphilis and more. Signs might include pain, abnormal vaginal discharge or genital sores. Vaginitis. A change in the normal balance of vaginal yeast and bacteria can cause vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina. Another cause could be an infection or reduced estrogen levels after menopause. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, odor, itching and pain. Common types of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and trichomoniasis. Pelvic floor relaxation and prolapse. If the supporting connective tissues that hold the uterus and the vaginal walls in place become weak, the vaginal walls, uterus, bladder, or rectum can prolapse, or fall. This can cause urine leakage, loss of urine control or a bulge in the vagina. Complete pelvic organ prolapse often feels like something is falling out of the vagina. Other conditions. Vaginal cysts can make it difficult to insert a tampon or cause painful sex. Vaginal cancer is a rare possibility, which might first appear as vaginal bleeding after sex or menopause. Other female reproductive cancers that can cause similar symptoms are: cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vulvar, and even more rare, fallopian tube cancer. What are Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Problems? Consult your physician if you notice: A change in the color, odor or amount of vaginal discharge Vaginal redness or itching Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause A mass or bulge in your vagina Pain during intercourse. What Can I Do to Maintain a Healthy Vagina? You can take steps to maintain optimal vaginal health. For example: Do Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises can help tone your pelvic floor muscles if you have prolapse, urine leakage, or have weakness of the pelvic floor. Be sexually responsible. Use condoms or maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who’s free of sexually transmitted infections. If you use sex toys, clean them after every use. Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can protect you from HPV, the virus associated with cervical cancer, as well as hepatitis B, a serious liver infection that can spread through sexual contact. Know your medications and side effects. Discuss medication use and possible vaginal side effects with your doctor. Limit alcohol intake and do not smoke. Alcohol abuse can negatively affect sexual function. Nicotine might inhibit sexual arousal. Substance abuse might also cause poor physical and mental health, which can affect sexual function. Get Regular Checkups Poor vaginal health or medical issues can be prevented, regular checkups can help ensure that problems are diagnosed as soon as possible. Don’t allow embarrassment to prevent you from talking to your doctor about any concerns you might have about your vaginal health. What you may perceive as embarrassing is something that your doctor sees regularly, so never be afraid to speak up. schedule an appointment or call our offices today at 770.720.7733.
