We’re all fairly familiar with thrush and cystitis, but there are other problems you should be clued up on
The vagina is one of the most important parts of the female body and keeping it in good condition is key to our health and wellbeing as well as our sex lives. It’s also one of the most delicate and as a result is susceptible to a wide range of problems, yet new research suggests that women aren’t prioritising their intimate health as they should be.
A recent study conducted by Vagisil found that almost three in five women have experienced issues such as dryness, itching and painful sex, but 78 percent feel unprepared for the symptoms. Sadly, nearly a quarter reported feeling that they have no-one to talk to about changes to their vagina, and 43 percent of women who are in a relationship and have suffered from vaginal dryness don’t even feel able to discuss it with their partner.
Due to a lack of information and a taboo surrounding intimate health, more than two in five said that if they have a problem they tend to avoid dealing with it. 20 percent of women who had experienced vaginal dryness were too embarrassed to speak about it while one in five confessed that the problem had actually caused their relationship to end.
The research also revealed that nearly half of women don’t have time to look after themselves properly as they have too much going on while over a third are more concerned with their job than their health. This is backed up by another recent poll which found that on average, women wait five days to seek medical help if their child is ill, six for their partner, seven for a pet and eight for their parents, but will wait a shocking 15 days before visiting the GP for a problem of their own.
Not only are women putting themselves at risk by ignoring their intimate health, but they’re also causing themselves unnecessary suffering. So, to help raise awareness around this issue, we’ve highlighted four vaginal conditions that often fall under the radar.
1. LICHEN SCLEROSUS
What is it?
Lichen sclerosus is a long-term condition that mainly affects the skin of the genitals and is most common in post-menopausal women. The cause is unknown but it’s thought to be linked to overactivity of the immune system. It is not an infection and cannot be passed to others.
What are the symptoms?
The key symptoms of lichen sclerosus are white patches on the affected area (these may increase in size, join together to form larger patches and become cracked and sore); itchiness; red or purple blood blisters; fragile and thin or wrinkly and thickened skin; pain when having sex or passing stools. If the condition is left untreated, the vulva may gradually scar or shrink which can make the entrance to the vagina narrower and lead to even more painful sex, so it’s important to get it seen to as soon as possible.
2. VULVODYNIA
What is it?
Vulvodynia is the term used to refer to persistent, unexplained pain in the vulva (the skin surrounding the entrance to the vagina). It can affect women of all ages and often occurs in those who are otherwise healthy. Possible triggers include damage caused by surgery or childbirth, trapped nerves or a history of severe thrush. It isn’t contagious and has nothing to do with personal hygiene.
What are the symptoms?
The key symptom of vulvodynia is a burning, stinging or sore sensation – the vulva usually looks normal. The pain may be persistent, triggered by touch, such as during sex or when inserting a tampon, limited to a particular part of the vulva, for example the opening of the vagina, or made worse by sitting.
3. VAGINISMUS
What is it?
Vaginismus is the recurrent involuntary tightening of muscles around the vagina when penetration is attempted. The severity of the condition varies from woman to woman – some can’t insert anything into their vaginas, some can use tampons and undergo a gynaecological examination but not have sex, and others are able to have sex but find it very painful. It can be caused by a number of things, such as past experiences or other sexual issues, fatigue, depression or painful sex.
What are the symptoms?
In addition to the tightening of muscles, other symptoms of vaginismus include a burning or stinging sensation when the vagina is penetrated, intense fear of penetration and pain and loss of sexual desire if penetrative sex is attempted. It is a common myth that women with vaginismus don’t enjoy or don’t want to have sex. A lot of people with the condition still share sexual pleasure with their partners and can achieve orgasm through mutual masturbation, oral sex and foreplay – it is only full sexual intercourse that poses a problem.
4. VAGINAL DRYNESS
What is it?
Vaginal dryness is a common problem that many women experience at some point in their lives. It can happen at any age but is a particular issue for those who are going through or have already experienced the menopause. It can also be caused by breastfeeding or childbirth; a lack of arousal before sex; some types of contraception; cancer treatment; various medication such as anti-depressants.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms and problems associated with vaginal dryness include irritation, pain, itchiness or a burning sensation; discomfort during sex; a reduced libido; difficulty getting aroused and reaching climax; narrowing or shortening of the vagina; needing to wee more often; repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
If you think you may have one or more of the above problems, make an appointment to see your GP or a gynaecologist. Don’t worry if you’re not sure – it’s better to be safe than sorry, and discomfort of any kind is a sign that something isn’t quite right. There are lots of different treatments available and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Article by
Emily McMullin
Article by
Emily McMullin
By Emily McMullin
