No sex? Be aware of vaginal atrophy
If you think only men 'need' sex, listen to this: if a woman doesn't use her vagina, she should be aware of the facts that it can not only causes vaginal atrophy, but also an depressed vagina .We can here you thinking 'a depressed vagina', seriously? The answer is yes, seriously. The vagina basically wastes away, causing severe medical issues.
"A healthy sex life is therefore very important for us, women, whether it is with a partner or with ourselves, says Louise Mazanti. The Londen-based sex therapist advises women without a partner to invest in good vibrators. "And use them, because it is about using massage and touching the vagina wall so that the blood flows and the elasticity stays.
Two times depressed
When the cells in a vaginal wall don't get enough blood flow (by getting aroused) there is also not enough oxygen in the cells. This causes the problem that the cells can't eliminate waste and toxins from the tissue. This buildup of toxin prevents vital nutrients from getting to the cells, which all can lead to a thinner vagina wall, thus vaginal atrophy, in medical terms vulvodynia (Depressed Vagina Syndrome). Which can be a very painful thing.
Also not having sex can cause depression because women can start doubting about their own sexual appeal.
According to 'the Sun' US research shows that more than 25 percent of women at some point in their lives will experience vulvodynia. More than eight per cent will suffer it at any moment.
The symptoms of vaginal atrophy
- Itching and burning without any sign of an infection or skin condition
- Difficulty peeing or urgency to pee
- Pain triggered by touch (having sex, putting a tampon in)
- Incontinence
- Pain during and or light bleeding after sex
- Dryness and discomfort during sex
Women at risk of vaginal atrophy
- Are going through or have been through menopause. In this period the body produces less estrogen which effects on the vaginal wall (getting dryer and thinner).
- Having no sex
- Had treatment for breast cancer, especially those women who had hormone treatments /
- Women who are smokers
- Women who have never had a vaginal birth
Treatment of vaginal atropy
- Use the vagina. Have sex. One way or another.
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help to treat dryness. They also help to improve your sex life.
- Get diagnosed and rule out other medical issues such as vulval cancer.
- When nothing helps, see a doctor and ask for estrogen therapy.
- Use cotton underware.
- Avoid scented hygiene products to clean your vagina, included soap.
- Get physiotherapy and councelling because living with constant pain can be stressful.
Sources a.o. the Sun and New York Post
