This area is commonly referred to as the vagina, but it is the vulva. There’s a lot more vulva in your body than you realize. Those fleshy folds, as gatekeepers of your vagina, are one of the most important elements of the female anatomy, but they’re frequently neglected and mislabeled. Because it’s been a few years since their last reproductive lesson, they need to brush up on their vulva knowledge.
Changes That Happen To Your Vulva During Menopause
Vulva alterations after menopause are a natural occurrence caused by a decrease in the amount of estrogen hormone in the body, responsible for vulva suppleness. Itching, burning, and soreness are common side effects, especially during sex.
The vulva’s form and appearance naturally vary throughout time. Hormonal changes, which occur during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and around menopause, are the most visible alterations.
You probably don’t realize it, but your vaginal environment is just as crucial to your overall health as the rest of your body. Your vaginal humidity levels will determine whether you are healthy and happy down below. Here’s a quick explanation of what a healthy moisture level looks like (or feels like) if you’re not sure:
- Your Vulva should be moist and free of apparent fissures or dryness.
- The pH balance should be somewhat acidic, near 4.5 on the scale; this produces an unfavorable environment for dangerous bacteria and yeast infections, which thrive in more alkaline environments like those found outside the vaginal canal (e.g., on the skin).
- You should be able to relax at any time and be free of pain.
A lot happens during menopause, and not all of it is pleasant. A reduction in estrogen levels and physical changes to the vulva may occur, resulting in symptoms such as dryness and urinary tract infections (UTI). Previously known as vaginal atrophy, these changes are now known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). The disorder affects more than half of postmenopausal women.
Menopause alters the vulva’s appearance as well. The labia minora is weakening and flattening down. The good news is that these problems can be treated in a variety of ways, including:
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
- Local estrogen therapy
- Systemic estrogen therapy
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators
All of these treatments stimulate tissues that respond to estrogen. In particular, using a vagina moisturizer is extremely beneficial in alleviating the irritation that comes with dry skin. They maintain the moistness of the vaginal tissue. They should be used for two to three days, just like the products you use on your face. You can keep your vaginal tissue wet and boost your comfort during sex by using a moisturizer. Remember to use natural moisturizers free of aroma and hazardous chemicals.
What You Need To Know About Vulva
Do you want to know about your reproductive system? Here are six important things you need to know about it:
- Vulvas come in various forms and sizes; like snowflakes, no two are alike. The vulva can vary greatly in size, shape, and color from one woman to the next. Long labia can hurt a woman’s quality of life in rare cases.
- The vagina is the precise word for the internal canal leading to the cervix, not the vulva. It excludes the clitoris, labia, and any other exterior components. The vulva is the vaginal entrance that contains the external genitalia, such as the clitoris and labia. The cervix, womb, and other internal organs are not included in the vulva.
- Vulva should only be cleansed with warm water; soap, especially on your inner labia and inside your vagina, is not recommended. Soap can disrupt the bacteria’s natural equilibrium, making you more susceptible to yeast (fungal) infections. It can also cause itching, discomfort, or pain during sexual activity.
- The skin of the vulva is delicate, making it susceptible to razor burn and skin diseases such as folliculitis and contact dermatitis. The majority of these issues can be avoided with good grooming, such as avoiding strongly scented soaps and perfumes, shaving with a clean blade, and shaving with the grain rather than against it.
- Vulva changes after pregnancy. Things will most likely not be the same following vaginal delivery. Pregnancy hormones can alter the size and form of the vulva. The labia minora expands, which normally disappears after childbirth, but minor alterations can sometimes linger.
- Vulva’s primary functions are as follows:
- a) To safeguard the labia majora and minora’s interior organs.
- b) Play a part in arousal and stimulation of the sexual organs.
- c) Facilitate sex by providing a lubricant and cushioning, for example.
Infections and pain can be avoided by maintaining a healthy vulva. As previously said, the vulva is an extremely sensitive area of the skin that requires special attention to avoid serious complications. Vaginal discharge or secretions are produced by all women and help maintain the vulva moist and eliminate bacteria and dead cells. When your vulva becomes dry, you can avoid irritation by using moisturizers.
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