During and past the menopause years it is especially important to maintain good vaginal health to assure a continued trouble free sex life. This is the time when women's estrogen levels diminish every year. Estrogen, the primary female hormone, largely controls the moisture in our bodies, especially moisture in the intimate area.

Loss of estrogen causes the vaginal tissue to become dryer, thinner and less elastic. Moreover, the vaginal pH changes from acidic to alkaline, especially in post menopausal women. These changes in the vagina increase the risk of infection, inflammation and swelling, also discomfort during intercourse due to vaginal dryness.

Hormone replacement therapy - yes or no?

It is well established that hormone replacement can help keep vaginal tissue in good health. HRT also protects against osteoporosis and heart disease significantly. However, it also increases the risk of breast cancer, especially for women who have been on the standard estrogen/progestin therapy for many years.

Based on results of the latest and largest US government sponsored study, it is now clear that this widely used combination hormone therapy substantially increases the risk of breast cancer, actually by 8% every year past the five year mark. If you have been on hormone therapy for a number of years, we suggest you discuss these findings with your doctor and keep up your yearly gynecological checkups.

What are symptoms of vaginal problems?

Symptoms resulting from inflammation or infection may include itching, swelling, redness of the vulva, unpleasant odor or excessive discharge (a small amount of clear, odorless discharge is normal, yet whitish, greenish or yellowish discharge warrants medical attention, especially if it is persistent). Discomfort or pain during intimacy can in most cases be eliminated instantly with a vaginal moisturizer but should be used daily if the tissue is very dry, just like a moisturizer for your face or body.

How to protect your vaginal health?

Regular intercourse helps maintain the vaginal tone. Many women are using a vaginal moisturizer to keep the tissue protected, especially it they engage in extended intimacy and wish to avid irritation or swelling. The body is programmed to produce only enough moisture for procreation, not extended recreational intimacy.

The don'ts:

Avoid irritants such as perfumed soaps or bath additives, powders or feminine sprays or douches. They can destroy the vaginal pH which is important to maintain vaginal health. For some women simple things like nylon panties rather than cotton may cause discomfort. Many women are allergic to certain spermicidal foams or creams so you might have to find a brand you can tolerate.

Condoms without use of an intimate moisturizer/lubricant may cause microscopic tears in the delicate vaginal tissue. Antibiotics or diabetic medications often cause or aggravate vaginal dryness. Antidepressants may result in loss of libido, but not every brand has the same effect. The good news, there is there is no reason that couples at any age cannot enjoy a rich sexual life.

Improving intimacy can be learned. There are excellent books and tapes to help. We especially like Lou Paget?s straightforward advice. Her books are available in stores or through the web. Vaginal health, however, is a must to enjoy great intimacy.

Jacqui





	Vaginal health is imperative for a happy sexual life. During and past the menopause years it is especially important to maintain good vaginal health to assure a continued trouble free sex life. This is the time when women's estrogen levels diminish every year. Estrogen, the primary female hormone, largely controls the moisture in our bodies, especially moisture in the intimate area. Loss of estrogen causes the vaginal tissue to become dryer, thinner and less elastic. Moreover, the vaginal pH changes from acidic to alkaline, especially in post menopausal women. These changes in the vagina increase the risk of infection, inflammation and swelling, also discomfort during intercourse due to vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy - yes or no? It is well established that hormone replacement can help keep vaginal tissue in good health. HRT also protects against osteoporosis and heart disease significantly. However, it also increases the risk of breast cancer, especially for women who have been on the standard estrogen/progestin therapy for many years. Based on results of the latest and largest US government sponsored study, it is now clear that this widely used combination hormone therapy substantially increases the risk of breast cancer, actually by 8% every year past the five year mark. If you have been on hormone therapy for a number of years, we suggest you discuss these findings with your doctor and keep up your yearly gynecological checkups. What are symptoms of vaginal problems? Symptoms resulting from inflammation or infection may include itching, swelling, redness of the vulva, unpleasant odor or excessive discharge (a small amount of clear, odorless discharge is normal, yet whitish, greenish or yellowish discharge warrants medical attention, especially if it is persistent). Discomfort or pain during intimacy can in most cases be eliminated instantly with a vaginal moisturizer but should be used daily if the tissue is very dry, just like a moisturizer for your face or body. How to protect your vaginal health? Regular intercourse helps maintain the vaginal tone. Many women are using a vaginal moisturizer to keep the tissue protected, especially it they engage in extended intimacy and wish to avid irritation or swelling. The body is programmed to produce only enough moisture for procreation, not extended recreational intimacy. The don'ts: Avoid irritants such as perfumed soaps or bath additives, powders or feminine sprays or douches. They can destroy the vaginal pH which is important to maintain vaginal health. For some women simple things like nylon panties rather than cotton may cause discomfort. Many women are allergic to certain spermicidal foams or creams so you might have to find a brand you can tolerate. Condoms without use of an intimate moisturizer/lubricant may cause microscopic tears in the delicate vaginal tissue. Antibiotics or diabetic medications often cause or aggravate vaginal dryness. Antidepressants may result in loss of libido, but not every brand has the same effect. The good news, there is there is no reason that couples at any age cannot enjoy a rich sexual life. Improving intimacy can be learned. There are excellent books and tapes to help. We especially like Lou Paget?s straightforward advice. Her books are available in stores or through the web. Vaginal health, however, is a must to enjoy great intimacy. Jacqui Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved..
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