With health do not play. And it is true that the female intimate region demands a lot of attention. Discharge, bleeding outside the menstrual period, itching are some of the problems that may occasionally occur that obviously worry women.
Below is a list of vaginal problems and guidelines on how to deal with them:
1. Ingrown hairs in the vulva region
Sergio Kobayashi, a gynecologist, obstetrician and fetal medicine specialist at Lavoisier Diagnostic Medicine, explains that ingrown hairs in the vulva are a relatively common problem and should always be examined carefully. "Ingrown hairs are quite common in the groin but can also occur in other regions of the body," he says.
The gynecologist explains that ingrown hairs occur because the hairs grow, bend and become trapped in the skin, causing an inflammatory process. Depilation with blades or wax can be a predisposing factor, especially in black-skinned people, because their hair is usually thicker and coiled.
Gynecologist Paula Bortolai, a doctor from the IPGO team, points out that the vulva region is thicker, thicker and larger than the rest of the body, which in itself is a predisposing factor.
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Often hair removal can cause uneven growth of these hairs, and in reverse, which prevents the breakage of the skin. This follicle forms a capsule around it and becomes stuck. As a complication there may be colonization by bacteria and a secondary infection appears: folliculitis, diagnosed through the presence of purulent discharge ?, adds the expert.
Kobayashi points out that any lesion of the genital region, other than usual, should be examined by the trusted gynecologist, including making the differential diagnosis as some STDs.
How to deal with the problem
Usually the ingrown hair is resolved and eliminated spontaneously. However, Kobayashi points out that to avoid or minimize ingrown hairs in the genital region some simple measures can be taken:
- Avoid tight clothing or synthetic fabric (prefer cotton clothing);
- Take care of skin cleansing and hygiene (keeping the skin healthy);
- Use a hair removal method best suited for your skin type.
Paula also highlights as prevention measures:
- Decrease the frequency of hair removal;
- Avoid the use of depilatory creams;
- If the razor is used, always prefer disposable blades and never reuse them.
• As a treatment, the use of warm compresses, mechanical removal with sterile forceps or tweezers, and daily exfoliation. In cases of bacterial infection, is the use of topical antibiotic treatment ?, adds gynecologist Paula.
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2. Strong odor
Paula explains that the vagina has a? Sui generis? It is most noticeable after puberty and may vary according to the phases of the menstrual cycle and also has a physiological secretion that is whitish and fluid and increases near menstruation and during ovulation. "It is not normal to have a strong and unpleasant odor, this should always be investigated by a gynecologist, as it may be an infection," he says.
The gynecologist points out that there are phases in which women are more prone to infections, especially when there is active sex life and climacteric, when vaginal dryness makes the mucosa thinner and more sensitive.
Kobayashi explains that the strong and unpleasant smell of the vagina is usually due to poor hygiene or infectious processes.
How to deal with the problem
Paula points out that any vaginal odor should be investigated and the patient should be examined by a gynecologist who will assess if there is any association with other symptoms. In some situations, adds the gynecologist, the partner should also be investigated and treated.
3. Discharge
Kobayashi explains that discharge is an abnormality in the amount or physical appearance of the vaginal content, which is externalized by the external genitals. "It may be a symptom referred by the patient or just identified by the gynecologist," he says.
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According to the gynecologist, the most common infectious causes of vaginal discharge are bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, gonococci, and chlamydia infection. "The discharge accompanied by foul and unpleasant odor may be mainly due to bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis," he says.
How to deal with the problem
In case of discharge, it is important to seek the gynecologist doctor. "There may be discharge from bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, requiring drug treatment," says Kobayashi.
4. Bleeding out of menstrual period
Paula explains that bleeding outside the menstrual period is not normal and should also be investigated. They may have hormonal causes (polycystic ovaries, contraceptive use) or anatomical causes (polyps, fibroids, cervical lesions). Some women may have minor bleeding during ovulation, but should this be a diagnosis of exclusion after investigating all the causes?
How to deal with the problem
Kobayashi points out that bleeding outside the menstruation period should be evaluated by the gynecologist, especially if they are recurrent, intense and accompanied by other symptoms. "Bleeding may be occasional or chronic manifestation, being chronic or recurrent the most important for the gynecologist," he explains.
5. Itching
Kobayashi points out that the main discharge that is accompanied by itching is vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis.
Paula explains that candida is a fungus that is part of the normal vaginal flora that, in some situations, finds conditions to increase its number, such as: decreased immunity, use of antibiotics, muffled clothes that impede circulation and diabetes, among others.
The gynecologist also adds that, at menopause, vaginal atrophy may be the cause of vaginal itching.
How to deal with the problem
Kobayashi points out that women should seek a gynecologist for safe guidance.
Paula adds that if candidiasis is diagnosed, it should be treated. "And measures such as wearing cotton underwear, sleeping without panties and drying the genital area completely help decrease recurrence," says the gynecologist.
6. Pain
Kobayashi explains that dysuria (burning or difficulty urinating) and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) may have different causes. Dysuria may be related mainly to urinary tract infection but also to urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vulva and vagina), atrophic vaginitis, interstitial cystitis, irritation of the urethra by substances (soap, fabric softener, perfumes or medicines) and trauma to the pelvic region. Sometimes dysuria and dyspareunia can coexist ?, he says.
Paula comments that the main hypothesis for pain on urination is urinary tract infection (UTI) and therefore an exam should be taken to confirm the diagnosis. "UTI can also cause pain in intercourse," he explains.
The gynecologist adds that the pain in intercourse can be due to various changes, from lack of lubrication, vaginal or uterine infections, chronic constipation to more serious diseases such as endometriosis. "All these factors should be investigated by the gynecologist," he says.
How to deal with the problem
Kobayashi points out that in case of painful urination or sexual intercourse, the woman should see her gynecologist.
Paula explains that one must address the cause of the problem specifically. Many women after the onset of sexual life and when they have sex most often experience recurrent urinary tract infections. Can this be prevented or diminished with the use of condoms, the practice of emptying the bladder after sexual intercourse and strict local hygiene, and sometimes antibiotic prophylaxis and cranberry extract? The gynecologist.
7. Urinate more often
Kobayashi explains that the change in urinary pattern should be valued and needs medical evaluation. This problem may be related to infectious urinary tract processes as well as to clinical diseases such as diabetes.
Paula points out that the first cause to be excluded is UTI (urinary tract infection), which should be investigated. "Other factors such as decompensated diabetes, pregnancy, use of diuretics and increased water intake may be the causes," he recalls.
How to deal with the problem
It is essential to seek medical advice to assess the situation, find out the cause of the problem and indicate the best treatment.
Finally, it is important for the woman to make regular visits to the gynecologist to avoid any kind of problem and keep her intimate health up to date.
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