First
(and not very sexy), the vagina is its own little ecosystem and has a
particular pH that is easily influenced by outside sources. A healthy pH is on the acidic side as normal
is between 3.5 and 4.5. If the pH of the
vagina changes then symptoms often occur.
For example, blood, semen, most lubricants, spermicides, douching, and
bacterial vaginosis (BV) increases the pH making it more basic. The pH also becomes more basic around
ovulation in order to NOT kill any incoming sperm in hopes of becoming pregnant
(remember, it is the way the body is designed, not necessarily what you
want). This can cause women to have
itching, burning and abnormal discharge this time of the month. Yeast/Candida more often causes the pH to
drop into a more acidic level but not always.
Second,
the ecosystem relies heavily on good bacteria much like the intestines to help
things run smoothly. Lactobacillus is
the most predominant bacteria in there which is why women can help control any
negative symptoms by eating yogurt with live active cultures or taking the
supplement probiotics with lactobacillus in it.
This also helps when an infection occurs after a round of antibiotics as
they kill all bacteria, including the good kind in the intestines and vagina.
Third,
the vagina is made up of very strong muscles – obviously as it needs to
withstand different types of penetration and be able to birth a baby. Abdominal surgeries, hysterectomies, child
births, hormone decline, age and certain medical conditions can all lead to lax
muscles making kegel exercises and muscle training with weighted balls or cones
and/or biofeedback with a pelvic floor physical therapist very important. This can help the sensation of sex and improve
symptoms of incontinence as well.
Fourth,
just as the pH can change through the cycle, mucus can change too. Women often confuse normal mucus with
abnormal infections. Near ovulation
which is usually mid-cycle, vaginal mucus becomes more abundant and stretchy
awaiting the potential for sperm. As a result,
the excess mucus concerns many who assume they have developed an infection when
in fact it is normal. If you are
uncertain though, definitely talk with your health care provider to rule out an
infection.
Fifth,
yours looks normal. This is a common
question that many women ask and as a result of the concern, a booming business
in surgical options for gynecological aesthetic medicine has evolved. Many believe their labia are too long, too
short, or abnormally shaped which is just not true. The vagina comes in all
shapes and sizes and again it is normal.
Read more at www.empowher.com
References:
1. Menendez-Figueroa,
H., and Anderson, B. Vaginal Innate
Immunity. Web. 10 February, 2013.
2. Mayo
Clinic Staff. Vagina: What’s Nomal, What’s
Not. Web. 10 February, 2013.
3. Kim,
J., and Iglesia, C. Designer Genitalia:
Fad, Benefit or Mutilation? Web. 10 February, 2013.
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