The Underlying Causes of Vaginal Itching

If you're suffering from vaginal itching, you should know that vaginal itching is less a condition in and of itself and is more a symptom of some other underlying cause, some of which can be fairly serious. While educating yourself about what these cause might be is important, the causes very so much in origin and treatment that you should always contact your OB/GYN or other well woman care provider in order to receive a proper diagnosis and proper treatment.

Following are some of the most common causes of vaginal itching.

Irritants

If the onset of your vaginal itching corresponds with the use of a new product that comes into contact with your most sensitive areas, you may be using a product that is irritating your skin. If you've starting using a new soap, laundry detergent or fabric softener, spermicidal or lubricant, you may be using a product that is irritating your vulva and vagina and thus causing itching. Don't use the product for a couple of weeks and see if the itching subsides. If you've been wearing synthetic fiber underwear, try wearing all cotton pairs, particularly if you engage in heavy physical activity. The pH of the vagina can be difficult to maintain and natural fibers and unscented, mild products are best choices for coming into contact with this sensitive area.

Yeast Infections

Burning and itching are the primary signs of a yeast infection. You may also notice that your discharge smells yeasty and is the consistency of curdled milk. Women often treat for yeast infections when they don't actually have one, which doesn't solve their problem and can make later actual yeast infections more resistant to over-the-counter medications used to treat them. If you suspect a yeast infection, you should make an appointment with your ob/gyn or other well woman provider.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Most all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) cause vaginal itching, including Chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and HPV. Getting tested for STDs can help eliminate or illuminate STDs as the cause for your vaginal itching. If they are the cause, treatment can help alleviate your symptoms.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the natural bacteria of the vagina over-produce, resulting in itching and "smelly" vaginal discharge. While the name is a bit intimidating, bacterial vaginosis is fairly common and often goes away on its own even without treatment. Sometimes, however, the vaginosis may be particularly aggressive or advanced and require antibiotic treatment for the vagina's bacterial levels to return to normal.

Hormonal Changes

Changes in hormones, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, can cause vaginal itching. During pregnancy, excessive vaginal mucous production can cause itching. On the other hand, menopause causes the vagina to shut down the production of vaginal mucous, which can cause dryness and itching. In the case of menopause, estrogen in the form of an inserted ring is often used to relieve the problem.

As mentioned earlier, the reasons for vaginal itching vary so greatly and require such different treatment options that it is really the best idea for you to make an appointment with your well woman provider if you are experiencing prolonged problems with vaginal itching. If you suspect a new personal hygiene or laundry product to be the reason for your itching, try to stop using that product to see if the itching subsides. Your well woman care provider should assess all other suspected causes for vaginal itching so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and the quickest alleviation of your symptoms as possible.

Other Uses of Oral Contraceptives

As any woman knows, oral contraceptives are a popular form of birth control. But what you may not know is that oral contraceptives are also often used for treating conditions associated with female reproductive health. The hormones that make up birth control-- estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone)-- are the hormones that are associated with female sexuality. They control a wide number of functions within the female hormonal system.

By controlling a woman's estrogen and progesterone levels with oral contraceptives, a gynecologist can help women manage various conditions:

Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus, called endometrium, grows outside its normal area of the inside of the uterus. The endometrial growths, which occur mostly in the pelvic region, can cause women to have severe pain associated with periods, and can also cause infertility. A doctor may prescribe either a combination pill or a progestin only pill as a way to help lessen periods and stop the overgrowth of endometrial tissue.

PMS: Premenstrual syndrome can be extreme for some women causing errant mood swings, bloating, and cramping. An OB/GYN or other well woman provider may prescribe oral contraceptives to women with sever PMS as a way to regulate hormone levels and thus hopefully alleviate PMS symptoms.

Heavy Periods: Heavy periods, when a woman continuously soaks through a pad or tampon in two to three hours, can cause quality of life issues including tiredness and lack of energy. Oral contraceptives can reduce or even diminish the amount of blood a woman losses each month.

Endometrial Hyperplasia: This condition occurs when the lining of the uterus becomes abnormally thick. This thickening of the lining happens because of low levels of progesterone in the body that regulate the thickness of the uterine lining. Thus one treatment for endometrial hyperplasia is to take a progestin only oral contraceptive. Endometrial hyperplasia can sometimes lead to cancer of the uterus if left unchecked. Taking progestin- through an oral contraceptive, shot, or IUD-can ensure that cancer does not form and can prevent a future hysterectomy.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormonal imbalance in which the ovaries produce too many of a hormone called androgen. The overproduction of androgen can cause ovarian cysts and period irregularity. Untreated polycystic ovaries can lead to breast or endometrial cancer, and can potentially cause infertility. Both combination and progestin only pills may be used to treat the symptoms of PCOS.

Birth control pills are a popular form of contraception, but they can also provide a myriad of health benefits to women struggling with conditions caused by hormonal imbalances. A yearly visit to your gynecologist can ensure that you and your provider catch such conditions early and treat them successfully.

Pre Natal Yoga For Young Moms

Pregnancy creates a lot of challenges for the body and prenatal yoga can help you feel fit, comfortable and relaxed during pregnancy. Prenatal yoga focuses on breathing and safe sequences which can help ease labor and delivery. Yoga Workshop is a place where information is exchanged and questions are answered, so it is important that the teacher should be trained in prenatal yoga and it is even better if she has been through the experience of childbirth. An experienced teacher can tell you more benefits of Yoga because she has gone through it. Why would you go into labor without preparing for it?

Meditation can improve the abilities to relax and to concentrate. Back pain is one of the common pregnancy complaints since you have to bear the growing weight of the uterus. Some women experience lack of breath during this period. Pranayama, breathing exercises, can help manage the pain of contractions. Simple standing postures can help increase your leg strength and also generate courage and self-confidence. Pre natal Yoga classes are no time to be shy either. It is a time to get to know your body and to build the confidence in your ability to give birth.

The mother should be well prepared both mentally and physically to welcome a new healthy being into this world. C-sections, forceps deliveries, are not a way to enjoy your delivery. The process of birth is not a movie script where one can enjoy just everything. It is made up of blood, sweat, pain, etc. by toning your body accordingly one can enjoy almost everything right from the beginning. The first trimester holds mixed blessings for most women.

There can be a lot of joy as well as much discomfort. Most women experience nausea and fatigue. Most women begin their prenatal practice during the second trimester. Often they may feel very good. A woman may feel faint or light-headed during this time. During the third trimester the baby has grown fully. You can feel its movements strongly. The extra weight and your protruding belly will likely challenge your balance in every posture. Yoga balance postures can help you a lot during this period. For those women who are practicing with a prenatal teacher and listening to their bodies, the third trimester is a very good time to build stamina and courage.

Pregnancy is a time of changing, an opportunity to transform her feelings of weakness into strength. Prenatal exercise classes are one of the best ways to meet moms who are also at your stage in pregnancy. As you transition to a new phase of your life, having a supportive network of women who understand what you're going through is incredibly helpful.

I have conducted many Yoga workshops along with my wife. But Natal Yoga is my favorite. Watching a class full of pregnant women with round bellies, it is easy to see where the concept of the Earth as a mother came from. Just as the Earth sustains all life, a mother-to-be provides a life-sustaining environment for her baby. And a prenatal yoga class can create an environment that nurtures the nurturer. At a time when you may feel tired, moody, nauseous, and out of control, a regular prenatal yoga practice can give you the energy to enjoy your pregnancy, the serenity to build a deeper intimacy with your own body and spirit, and also the presence of mind to expect the unexpected and be fully present for the miracle of birth.

A Pre natal and Post natal Yoga Workshop can definitely help the new and young mothers to cope up with depression, anxiety, stress, etc.

Various Kind of Ovarian Cysts - Being Familiar With Which Type of Growths Can Develop

Women of all ages are in diverse levels of danger of being affected by any particular ailment. For instance, cardiovascular disease happens with a greater rate than majority of the women may think. Nonetheless, probably the most troublesome problems for women, continues to be the ones that relate to the reproductive system pathway. Because this system is substantial and complex, you'll find many issues that can go drastically wrong.

Ovarian cysts are one amongst the reproduction-related health problems that females keep worrying about. There are numerous kinds of ovarian growths. Understanding how to categorize a cyst might help alleviate the mind in regards to the connected threat components.

Although cysts can occasionally require professional medical involvement, the majority are significantly less severe as you may suppose.

Dermoid Cysts

These kinds of ovarian growths can be extremely worrisome to the majority of women. Nevertheless, a dermoid cyst isn't truly regarded as being harmful. They're, even so, pretty unusual. Dermoid cysts are composed of tissues. Usually, dermoid growths have hair, skin, bone fragments, tooth or cartilage material tissue.

Regardless of the worrying nature of the dermoid cyst, they're hardly ever cancerous. In case a dermoid cyst turns out to be intrusive, however, removal of the cyst is advisable.

Endometrial Cyst

These kinds of ovarian growths are based on the condition of endometriosis. Endometriosis is seen as an irregular tissue development in the womb vicinity. If this type of tissue detaches from the womb or actually starts to lose blood, a cyst can build and develop. An endometrial cyst can build around the ovaries.

Despite the fact that blood loss is typical, clots and rupturing are probable at the same time. Endometrial growths are also known as chocolate cysts, for the reason that blood darkens as time passes.

Functional Cysts

This family of abnormal growths refers to all those forms of ovarian cysts that happen to be developed within a regular period of ovulation. As the entire body experiences a menstrual period, the follicle prepares to discharge an egg. These are generally created around the follicle, sometimes prior to, throughout or following the discharge of an egg.

Graafian Follicular Cyst

Whenever a cyst in this variety develops, it usually means that that a follicle failed to discharge the egg. Rather, the follicle continues to be enlarged with liquid and keeps growing. In some instances, the cyst will slowly and gradually diminish as the entire body soaks up the tissues and liquid, going back to its standard performance. On the other hand, a Graafian follicular can split, which may be fairly agonizing.

Corpus Luteum

Regardless if the body does discharge its egg on its typical agenda, these kinds of ovarian growths can develop. Your whole body may possibly commence to get ready for carrying a child, despite the fact that none has happened. These kinds, more often than not, fade away by natural means. They might rupture at about the time that the monthly period takes place.

Sometimes one such kind of ovarian growths may become hemorrhagic. This means that blood vessels encompassing the functional cysts rupture and blood vessels start to settle in the cyst region.

Do you think you're living alongside a cyst on the ovaries now and wish to understand more about various kinds of growths?

What Are Men Really Thinking About Our Body? This May Surprise You!

This probably comes as no surprise to you, but men think differently to women. Our brains think and work differently. What are men really thinking about our body?

When women look in the mirror, you see the small lines around your eyes, the double-chin, you most likely hate your thighs or your feet... the list goes on and on. We are incredibly self critical.

Honestly, I could probably write an article itself about the self image distortion that woman carry around with them.

So what are men really thinking about our body? He sees a woman he loves and wants to get naked with as much as possible. And that's the truth!

If you ask a man which physical attributes attract him in a woman, you may just hear the standard "butt" or "boobs". Although ask a man who is in LOVE, the answer my be something different, "I always though she had amazing eyes" or "she had an incredibly sexy walk." I can guarantee you that the answer won't be anything like "I don't know really, but I sure didn't like her pointy chin!" What are men really thinking about our body? "Oh My God! I'm naked with a woman!!"

There are 3 unique ways men see you as a woman, and it's very different to how you see yourself.

1. They see what makes you a woman.

When a man looks at you they notice the things about your body that make you feminine. Breasts, hips, the way you carry yourself. Their attention will most likely stay focused on these things, not your flaws that you focused on an hour ago in the mirror. What are men really thinking about our body? "Gosh she's pretty!"

2. They see what makes you unique.

They notice your beautiful, freshly washed hair, not your muffin top. They won't notice that you lips are too thin, they will just see the beautiful smile that you're making with them.

You have one toe that is weirdly curvy? It's sweet, it's you! That line of moles that run down your leg? Uniquely you! If they love you they'll lovingly run their hands over your stretch marks - these are the things that make you YOU! What are men really thinking about our body? "I love how I know every inch of her body like I know my own."

3. Men may never notice your flaws until you point them out!

It gets tiresome very quickly hearing someone complain about something they don't like about themselves. This is where you run the risk of ruining your relationship.

When you constantly complain about your own body, it erodes a little at a time the love and enjoyment, the desire he has for your body. It may feel like rejection. He thinks "I love your beautiful naked body, let's take a shower together", and your response is "NO! I have a pot belly and there's too much light!" You are effectively saying his opinion of you is wrong, and in time he will just stop asking.

We are all constantly bombarded by the images we see in the movies and magazines of perfect women. Don't let these ladies phase you (I bet they too have things about themselves they'd change), you are a living, breathing woman in his life every day, looking and feeling sexy. What are men really thinking about our body? "I really love sleeping naked with her, pressed up against her warm, soft skin."

Confidence is an incredibly sexy trait in a person. Celebrate the way you are, emphasize the things you love, relax about the things you don't. Enjoy the man you love when he wants to ravish you, believe what he is telling you. Try to focus on the right things, not the wrong.

Body image begins at a very young age, so do all you can to help the young lady in your life be all that she can be, and feel like she can conquer the world.

Here is a quote from Kate Winslet to her young daughter Mia.

"As a child, I never heard one woman say to me 'I love my body'. Not my mother, my elder sister, my best friend."

"No one woman has ever said, 'I am so proud of my body'.

"So I make sure to say it to Mia because a positive physical outlook has to start at an early age."

If you are wanting more fulfilling and satisfying relationships then you may like to read more at my Relationship Essentials website.

3 Health Reasons Why Women Should Track Their Cycles

If you are like a lot of women, you may see your period as a sort of monthly nuisance that you mostly try to ignore. You may have a general idea of when it should start and a general idea of how long it sticks around. But your period isn't just a nuisance-- its coming and goings are a good way for you to track and monitor your own health, both reproductive and otherwise.

All women should track their period, even if (perhaps especially if) they are on any type of birth control.

Here's what to detail when you track your period:

The date your period begins

How long your period lasts

Patterns of the heaviness of your flow

Any symptoms that often accompany your period (such as bloating, pain, diarrhea)

By tracking what is usual for your body, you will be able to better know what is unusual for your body. Being able to communicate with your well woman care provider about irregularities in your cycle can help pinpoint larger underlying health issues.

Here are three good reasons why you should track your period:

1) Spotting an Unplanned Pregnancy: If you're on the pill, pregnancy is unlikely but is still a possibility, especially for women who are less careful in taking their pill on a regular basis. The pill can have negative effects on a fetus if taken for too long during a pregnancy. Thus, knowing early that your period hasn't shown up can give you the maximum amount of time to make decisions.

2) Helping to Get Pregnant: If you're trying to get pregnant, tracking your cycle is important because it can help you know when you can become pregnant. Having a long track record of how your cycle operates can also help give your doctor a clearer picture of your health history in case you have problems becoming pregnant.

3) Spotting Health Problems: Tracking your period and its symptoms can help you know when your period becomes irregular. While stress levels or changes in weight can often affect your period, a period that suddenly becomes "regularly irregular" is a reason to call your ob/gyn or other well woman care provider. A change in your period can indicate a variety of health concerns including:

Hormone or thyroid issues

Liver Function problems

Diabetes

Female health concerns such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.

While tracking your period may seem like even more of a nuisance than just letting it come and go, you owe it to yourself to be aware of your cycle and what its changes might be trying to tell you about your own health. There are many apps available to help women track their periods, though the good ol' fashioned calendar works just as well.

Intimate Health Concerns

Lack of Orgasm

For many, sex can either bring great pleasure or a lot of stress. If you're stressed out before or after sex because you haven't had an orgasm, either with a particular partner or never in your life, you're not alone.

Open communication with your partner is key to addressing intimate health issues, although talking about orgasms may seem like an especially touchy subject. Don't be afraid that your partner won't like to hear that what he's doing may not work for you. Be honest; it's better to talk with your partner and help them understand your needs, rather faking an orgasm for their sake. It may help to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist or therapist to ask for advice about how to start the conversation.

However, don't forget that your orgasms or sexual satisfaction is also partly your own responsibility. It's astonishing how many women don't know where their clitoris is. Learn more about your body and listen to it. This is an indispensable first step before you can enjoy having a great sex.

Poor Body Image

It's been said that "body image" problems are prevalent only among teens and women in their early 20s. The truth is, low self-esteem and anxiety stemming from a poor body image persist into adulthood. Adult women, like teens, are constantly bombarded with similar images of how they should look, act, dress, and feel.

Am I normal? Is she prettier than me? How often you ask yourself similar questions may reflect poor body image. While this isn't a serious medical issue, it can lead to an unsatisfying sexual life and unhealthy eating habits. The psychological impact of how you perceive your body can definitely affect your overall wellbeing.

Although many women place extreme importance on making sure they like what they see in the mirror, it is crucial to understand the significance of looking beyond the superficial. There's more to your self-worth than a sagging body and a wrinkled face, or a slightly crooked nose or disproportionate legs. It's no secret our culture has been placing increasing value on appearance; it's the same culture that manufactures an unrealistic "physical ideal" through advertising and the media. The only solution is to pay attention to values that matter. Looks fade, while a person's character does not.

What about the appearance of your intimate body parts? Breast, vagina and pubic hair come in different shapes and sizes. If you need reassurance that yours is normal, see a doctor.

Pain During Sex

Uncomfortable pain during sex is another typical intimate health concern for many women. It is not uncommon if women experience pain during sex, but this can significantly reduce sexual desire and put a strain on a relationship. However, vaginal pain during sexual intercourse can be treated. Talk to your doctor about the discomfort you're feeling during sex. Pain may be caused by an infection, or even vulvodynia - a chronic pain that affects the vulvar or outer genital area.

Vaginal pain and dryness are two other contributors to pain during sex, both of which are caused naturally. The vaginal opening tends to get smaller as women age, which may come along with the vagina losing the ability to naturally lubricate. Women with these symptoms are often advised to use lubricant during sex, stay active and get enough sexual stimulation. If you've experienced pain for the first time, try applying cold compresses. Otherwise, visit a doctor immediately if home remedies and personal lubricant do not help.