Vaginal Health in Fort Worth
Vaginal health is an important but too often neglected part of your overall wellness. At Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology in Fort Worth, Texas, the team of caring OB/GYNs are vaginal health experts who can help with all kinds of problems and challenges related to your reproductive health. Book your vaginal health appointment online or call the office today.
What is vaginal health?
Vaginal health refers to looking after your inner and outer vagina. While your vagina usually regulates, balances, and cleanses itself naturally, several things can potentially cause problems.
Through vaginal health care at Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology, you can learn how to deal with problems and how to maintain the best vaginal health at all times.
How does my vagina keep itself healthy?
The primary female hormone, estrogen, helps to maintain a thick and healthy vaginal lining. Estrogen also protects against disease by fostering the development of lactobacilli, which are beneficial bacteria. Lactobacilli increase vaginal acidity to the optimal level and fight harmful microorganisms.
What are some common vaginal health problems?
Many different issues can arise within your vagina, including:
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal burning
- Vaginal itching
- Strong vaginal odor
- Unusual vaginal discharge, like yellow or green discharge
- Vaginal laxity
In general, if you have uncomfortable or embarrassing vaginal symptoms, especially if it’s a new problem, it’s best to see the Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology team as soon as possible.
What causes vaginal health problems?
You may encounter vaginal health issues if your hormone balance changes, which commonly happens during menopause or pregnancy. During menopause, a significant estrogen reduction can cause problems like vaginal dryness, reduced vaginal elasticity, and vaginal wall thinning.
After pregnancy, you may have vaginal tears. Most small tears heal naturally, but you may need surgery to repair large tears. Estrogen level changes post-childbirth commonly cause vaginal dryness.
You can develop vaginal health problems at any point in your life if you have a sexually transmitted infection.
Is douching good for my vaginal health?
Douching isn’t good for vaginal health. When you douche or use other products like vaginal sprays or deodorants, it can disrupt your natural alkaline and acid balance and lead to infections, including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
How are vaginal health problems treated?
Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology treats vaginal health problems case-by-case. For infections, you may need medication either orally or as a vaginal insert.
If you have a hormone imbalance, hormone replacement therapy can help. Hormone replacement comes in many forms, from oral pills to estrogen creams that you apply directly to your vagina.
Moisturizers and lubricants can help make painful sex more comfortable, but they don’t treat the underlying cause of the pain. Therefore, it’s best to use moisturizers and lubricants as part of a complete treatment plan.
Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology is here for all your vaginal health needs. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.