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Vaginal Tightening: Separating Myth from Fact

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Vaginal Tightening: Separating Myth from Fact

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The female body has long been surrounded by a bit of mystery and no shortage of myths regarding appearance, function, and health.

Throughout the centuries women have endured a variety of procedures to enhance the health and function of their vagina and reproductive tract, some of which are downright unbelievable today.

As we age, our bodies continue to change, including everything down there. Because of all these changes, many of which are a normal part of our bodies' life cycles, we seek out help to maintain the appearance, function, and health of our vaginas and vulvovaginal areas.

What is Vaginal Tightening?

It's exactly what it sounds like!

Vaginal tightening - sometimes called vaginal rejuvenation - refers to a procedure that reconstructs the vaginal canal, membrane, and other structures. Vaginal tightening procedures aren't one-size-fits-all; women opt for surgery or non-surgical procedures depending on what suits their lifestyle.

Traditional vaginal-tightening surgery is also known as vaginoplasty . It involves going under anesthesia and having a cosmetic surgeon or other healthcare professional. Most surgeries are performed as outpatient surgery and take an hour or two.

However, women with more severely relaxed vaginas may need a more complicated and longer surgery. The surgeon may use the traditional scalpel to remove excess tissue during the surgery or modern laser treatment. Women with more severe laxity are often candidates for vaginoplasty over radiofrequency or laser treatments.

Why Would a Vagina Need Tightened?

Women's bodies go through numerous changes throughout their lives, some of which can take a major toll on how your vulvovaginal components function.

Pregnancy and childbirth remain a common cause for vaginas loosening and not functioning as they did before. The muscles in your pelvic floor may become weakened by the stress of childbirth or pregnancy, resulting in uncomfortable or embarrassing symptoms.

Similarly, as women age and go through perimenopause and menopause, the reduction in hormone production can wreak havoc on your vagina and the tissues around your reproductive organs.

Myth: A Better Sex Life is the Reason for Vaginoplasty or Rejuvenation

Certainly, some women choose to undergo vaginal tightening to increase their sexual pleasure. If your vagina is naturally a little 'looser' than you feel you enjoy or you've gone through life-changing events that have reduced the sensitivity in and around your vaginal canal, sex may not be as pleasurable as it once was.

A tightened vagina can cause more friction which often leads to greater sexual pleasure during intimacy. However, women choose vaginal rejuvenation for other reasons, as well.

Vaginal tightening surgeries are said to help women experiencing urinary incontinence due to any number of reasons (again, childbirth and menopause are huge players here and the proof is still not that reliable in the medical world).

Other women may experience discomfort wearing tampons or tampons falling out due to the size of their vaginal canal. Some women may even have trouble relieving their bowels associated with the vaginal canal.

Myth: Vaginal Tightening has No Risks

Like any medical procedure, vaginal tightening has risks associated with the procedure. Vaginal rejuvenation lacks long-term studies related to complications or satisfaction; in short, we don't know the long-term effects or results of vaginal tightening with any sort of certainty yet.

Surgical procedures performed with anesthesia incur all the risks associated with 'going under.' In addition, some women may experience bleeding, spotting, pain, or infection - or worse.

Myth: Non-Surgical Tightening Is Just as Safe as Surgery

This one's a toss-up.

The has issued warnings against healthcare providers using radiofrequency or laser treatments for vaginal rejuvenation procedures. While this is serious, these warnings are not because of faulty equipment or practice, but the lack of studies and tests for these devices.

However, numerous well-respected doctors offer these procedures. Many women are thrilled with the idea of being able to get the procedure done without having to compromise their lifestyle or day-to-day schedule. These non-surgical procedures can happen in between errands as opposed to having to schedule a surgery.

Here Are Some of the Common Reasons Women Consider Vaginal Surgery

Maybe you're unhappy with the way your vagina looks (excessive labia or other cosmetic issues),

You have issues getting there during intercourse or foreplay

You're experiencing medical issues due to laxity in your vagina

You are leaking urine doing daily tasks (and jumping is out of the question!)

First - speak with your OB/GYN about your options for vaginal tightening, discussing your symptoms, and what you hope to improve.

Read - Don't take our word for it, we have great articles written by MDs, therapists, personal trainers, nutritionists, and nurses. Explore Bearberry and other quality blogs to help you learn about alternative methods for tightening your vagina!

You may find that you don't need a tightening procedure after all, and bring on date night!

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Vaginal Tightening: Separating Myth from Fact

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The female body has long been surrounded by a bit of mystery and no shortage of myths regarding appearance, function, and health. Throughout the centuries women have endured a variety of procedures to enhance the health and function of their vagina and reproductive tract, some of which are downright unbelievable today.

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Pelvic Floor Exercises: 10 Dos and Don’ts Every Woman Should Know

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Pelvic Floor Exercises: 10 Dos and Don’ts Every Woman Should Know

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Chances are you've heard of pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels. Pelvic floor exercises may help with numerous conditions relating to the body systems located in your pelvis, such as your reproductive organs, urinary tract, and bowels. Physicians often recommend pelvic floor exercises for women suffering from various types of urinary incontinence, women at risk for prolapse, women experiencing discomfort during sex, and women recovering from childbirth.

The Pelvic Floor

A group of muscles resides in the pelvic floor between your tailbone and the pubic bone. This group of muscles supports your bladder and bowel, along with your reproductive organs. We don't often think of these muscles, especially if there's nothing wrong down there. However, they work as a system and if one part of the system isn't functioning properly you may experience any number of symptoms or conditions as a result.

Several sphincters , circular muscles that constrict and relax, reside in the pelvic floor: around your urethra, vagina, and anus. As these circular muscles contract, the organs lift and the sphincters tighten the urethra or vagina. Relaxing your pelvic floor muscles allows you to relieve yourself.

Weakened Pelvic Floor: Causes and Symptoms

According to the Better Health Channel , women experience many causes and symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor. Many of the symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor aren't only uncomfortable, but sometimes embarrassing. Unfortunately for women, several natural life events may cause a weakened pelvic floor. One of the most common causes of a weakened pelvic floor in women is pregnancy. The weight of the uterus during pregnancy puts a great deal of pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, sometimes causing them to weaken and lessen their ability to contract and relax when needed.

Other causes include high-impact exercise, chronic constipation, long-term or chronic cough, certain surgeries, and reduced estrogen due to menopause. Postpartum mothers can also be at risk due to joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that stay loose for up to three months after childbirth or weaning.

Symptoms often include various types of urinary incontinence, such as rarely reaching the restroom on time, leaking a little urine when sneezing, laughing or bending over, decreased sexual pleasure or sensation, or passing wind when lifting.

Do This, Don't Do That: Tips for Perfecting Your Kegels

Do talk to your physician - either your family doctor or OB/GYN. Pelvic floor exercises are ideal for a number of conditions, but they may make other conditions or symptoms worse.

Don't decide on your own to do Kegels without the recommendation of your physician.

Do find your pelvic floor. The easiest way to find your pelvic floor is to stop the flow of urine. We subconsciously use our pelvic floor muscles every time we hold our urine if we can't make it to the restroom and even at night.

Don't regularly stop the flow of urine as it may cause harm to your bladder. Once you've consciously stopped the flow of urine midstream you can do your exercises away from the toilet.

Do start slow. Squeeze the muscles of your pelvic floor and hold for a few seconds, shooting for 10 to 15 times three times per day.

Don't try to hold squeezing the muscles for longer periods of time than is comfortable. Like other exercises, work yourself up to longer amounts of time. You can also work up to adding more than 10 to 15 exercises in your reps.

Do sit comfortably or find another comfortable position to exercise in. Being uncomfortable may result in a lack of efficacy or cause unneeded strain on the muscles.

Don't tighten other groups of muscles while doing your pelvic floor exercises. Ensure your abdomen, legs, and butt are all relaxed.

Do pelvic floor exercises daily, at least three times a day. Like other exercises for other parts of your body, you need to be dedicated.

Do be patient. Pelvic floor exercises often take several weeks before you start noticing results, according to the National Health Service UK .

Pelvic floor exercises are often an excellent treatment that does not require the use of drugs or surgery; however, every woman's body is different and you may need additional treatments for your symptoms. Speak with your physician and work on a plan to treat your symptoms.

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Pelvic Floor Exercises: 10 Dos and Don'ts Every Woman Should Know

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Chances are you've heard of pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels. Pelvic floor exercises may help with numerous conditions relating to the body systems located in your pelvis, such as your reproductive organs, urinary tract, and bowels. Physicians often recommend pelvic floor exercises for women suffering from

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Vaginal Dryness - 7 Ways to Treat Naturally

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Vaginal Dryness - 7 Ways to Treat Naturally

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Vaginal dryness affects numerous women throughout various stages of life, although it's much more common in menopausal and post-menopausal women. Vaginal dryness makes everyday activities uncomfortable or downright painful!

Vaginal dryness particularly affects activities that put pressure on the vagina such as riding a bike, exercising, and, especially, intercourse. Fortunately, you don't have to endure the discomfort and pain with no relief; several natural and gynecologist-approved treatments exist to help increase lubrication

The main culprit in causing vaginal dryness is a reduction in estrogen levels.

Estrogen, a hormone produced by your reproductive system, naturally goes down in your body as it progresses toward menopause. This hormone is responsible for maintaining healthy lubrication, acidity, and elasticity in your vagina.

Smoking, eating foods that contain hormones or antibiotics, and exposure to toxins may disrupt your body's hormones, including estrogen, which may lead to vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness may also be a symptom of many other conditions, as well as a reaction to certain things. Various medications may cause vaginal dryness including antihistamines, antibiotics, some birth control, and certain antidepressants, according to Dr. Anna Cabeca, The Girlfriend Doctor .

Some women experience vaginal dryness after using certain bath-and-body products such as douches, soaps, and unfortunately their beloved bubble bath.

At-Home Treatments for a Dry Vagina

Treating your vaginal dryness at home may prove to be your best option after discussing the condition with your doctor. Some women may need more advanced treatment; however, natural adjustments may prove beneficial to many. As an added bonus, many of the at-home treatments are beneficial to your body in other ways, as well!

Adjust Your Beauty Routine

One of the first things to drop if you're experiencing the discomfort of vaginal dryness is perfumed or specialized products for your vaginal area. By design, our vaginas clean themselves so douches, intimate hygiene soaps, and perfumes for that area are not only unnecessary but possibly dangerous. Stick with a gentle, non-scented soap.

Drink Up: Staying Hydrated Helps Maintain Moisture Levels

Water: something many of us take for granted and admittedly don't drink enough of. Make sure you're getting enough water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and moisturized. Think about it: if being dehydrated can affect the skin people see, imagine what it's doing to the skin you keep hidden!

Soy: Will an Increase in Natural Soy Products Help?

Although it's still being researched, soy may prove beneficial in treating vaginal dryness. Soybeans contain isoflavones that provide an estrogen-like effect on your body (although much weaker). Grab some organic tofu, soy milk, or edamame on your next grocery strip and start incorporating this magic little plant into your diet. It's super versatile so try it in your favorite recipes - or find new favorites! You can even use tofu to create sweets.

Probiotics: Help Your Body's Natural Flora with a Probiotic Regimen

Your vulvovaginal area contains its own flora which helps keep everything balanced. Probiotics help boost this flora and keep it healthy, which in turn helps keep your vagina healthy and lubricated. It's not hard to find a women-specific probiotic on the shelf of your local health or grocery store; some are even targeted to your vaginal flora. In addition to probiotic pills and tablets, several fermented foods are rich in probiotics. Kimchi and kombucha are among the most common probiotic-rich foods (and drinks)!

Getting Intimate: Making Love-Making Enjoyable - (Our Favorite)

Lubricants are a short-term solution to a long-term issue but can help make intimate time more enjoyable if you're experiencing painful sex due to vaginal dryness. Stick with natural, water-based lubricants as oil-based lubes do not do well with latex or most toys. Before engaging in intercourse, take your time and ensure you're fully aroused, giving your vagina time to lubricate itself.

Get Fat: Add Healthy Fats into Your Diet

Healthy fats should make their way into your diet on a regular basis. We're not talking about fried foods here. Healthy fats are essential and include avocados, olive oil, pasture-raised, hormone-free eggs, and salmon. Healthy fats help your body's natural hormones!

Get Healthy: Exercising and Quitting Smoking Might Be the Ticket

Maintaining a healthy exercise schedule is essential to your entire body, including your vaginal health. Exercising may help improve hormonal balance and activity in your body even when going through life changes such as childbirth or menopause. Drop the tobacco, as well, as smoking has shown to have a negative effect on your estrogen and other hormones.

Conclusion

Your vaginal dryness doesn't have to stick around. Research has shown that women may spend 40-percent of their lives dealing with the discomfort of vaginal dryness! The seven tips above can help your vagina maintain natural lubrication but also increase your overall health. Always speak with your physician regarding concerns about your vulvovaginal area and discuss treatment options that work for you.

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Vaginal Dryness - 7 Ways to Treat Naturally

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Vaginal dryness affects numerous women throughout various stages of life, although it's much more common in menopausal and post-menopausal women. Vaginal dryness makes everyday activities uncomfortable or downright painful! Vaginal dryness particularly affects activities that put pressure on the vagina such as riding a

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Vaginal Tightening: Separating Myth from Fact

# data[].attributes.subject
Vaginal Tightening: Separating Myth from Fact

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The female body has long been surrounded by a bit of mystery and no shortage of myths regarding appearance, function, and health.

Throughout the centuries women have endured a variety of procedures to enhance the health and function of their vagina and reproductive tract, some of which are downright unbelievable today.

As we age, our bodies continue to change, including everything down there. Because of all these changes, many of which are a normal part of our bodies' life cycles, we seek out help to maintain the appearance, function, and health of our vaginas and vulvovaginal areas.

What is Vaginal Tightening?

It's exactly what it sounds like!

Vaginal tightening - sometimes called vaginal rejuvenation - refers to a procedure that reconstructs the vaginal canal, membrane, and other structures. Vaginal tightening procedures aren't one-size-fits-all; women opt for surgery or non-surgical procedures depending on what suits their lifestyle.

Traditional vaginal-tightening surgery is also known as vaginoplasty . It involves going under anesthesia and having a cosmetic surgeon or other healthcare professional. Most surgeries are performed as outpatient surgery and take an hour or two.

However, women with more severely relaxed vaginas may need a more complicated and longer surgery. The surgeon may use the traditional scalpel to remove excess tissue during the surgery or modern laser treatment. Women with more severe laxity are often candidates for vaginoplasty over radiofrequency or laser treatments.

Why Would a Vagina Need Tightened?

Women's bodies go through numerous changes throughout their lives, some of which can take a major toll on how your vulvovaginal components function.

Pregnancy and childbirth remain a common cause for vaginas loosening and not functioning as they did before. The muscles in your pelvic floor may become weakened by the stress of childbirth or pregnancy, resulting in uncomfortable or embarrassing symptoms.

Similarly, as women age and go through perimenopause and menopause, the reduction in hormone production can wreak havoc on your vagina and the tissues around your reproductive organs.

Myth: A Better Sex Life is the Reason for Vaginoplasty or Rejuvenation

Certainly, some women choose to undergo vaginal tightening to increase their sexual pleasure. If your vagina is naturally a little 'looser' than you feel you enjoy or you've gone through life-changing events that have reduced the sensitivity in and around your vaginal canal, sex may not be as pleasurable as it once was.

A tightened vagina can cause more friction which often leads to greater sexual pleasure during intimacy. However, women choose vaginal rejuvenation for other reasons, as well.

Vaginal tightening surgeries are said to help women experiencing urinary incontinence due to any number of reasons (again, childbirth and menopause are huge players here and the proof is still not that reliable in the medical world).

Other women may experience discomfort wearing tampons or tampons falling out due to the size of their vaginal canal. Some women may even have trouble relieving their bowels associated with the vaginal canal.

Myth: Vaginal Tightening has No Risks

Like any medical procedure, vaginal tightening has risks associated with the procedure. Vaginal rejuvenation lacks long-term studies related to complications or satisfaction; in short, we don't know the long-term effects or results of vaginal tightening with any sort of certainty yet.

Surgical procedures performed with anesthesia incur all the risks associated with 'going under.' In addition, some women may experience bleeding, spotting, pain, or infection - or worse.

Myth: Non-Surgical Tightening Is Just as Safe as Surgery

This one's a toss-up.

The has issued warnings against healthcare providers using radiofrequency or laser treatments for vaginal rejuvenation procedures. While this is serious, these warnings are not because of faulty equipment or practice, but the lack of studies and tests for these devices.

However, numerous well-respected doctors offer these procedures. Many women are thrilled with the idea of being able to get the procedure done without having to compromise their lifestyle or day-to-day schedule. These non-surgical procedures can happen in between errands as opposed to having to schedule a surgery.

Here Are Some of the Common Reasons Women Consider Vaginal Surgery

Maybe you're unhappy with the way your vagina looks (excessive labia or other cosmetic issues),

You have issues getting there during intercourse or foreplay

You're experiencing medical issues due to laxity in your vagina

You are leaking urine doing daily tasks (and jumping is out of the question!)

First - speak with your OB/GYN about your options for vaginal tightening, discussing your symptoms, and what you hope to improve.

Read - Don't take our word for it, we have great articles written by MDs, therapists, personal trainers, nutritionists, and nurses. Explore Bearberry and other quality blogs to help you learn about alternative methods for tightening your vagina!

You may find that you don't need a tightening procedure after all, and bring on date night!

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Vaginal Tightening: Separating Myth from Fact

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The female body has long been surrounded by a bit of mystery and no shortage of myths regarding appearance, function, and health. Throughout the centuries women have endured a variety of procedures to enhance the health and function of their vagina and reproductive tract, some of which are downright unbelievable today.

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Urinary Incontinence - How to Prevent it Naturally

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Urinary Incontinence - How to Prevent it Naturally

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We get it -- Urinary incontinence isn't something that comes up in regular conversation except possibly among your closest friends or with your doctor.

It's not really a great icebreaker around the water cooler or at a social event. While it may be embarrassing, it's not uncommon. According to the Urology Care Foundation , urinary incontinence affects nearly half of the female population and a quarter of the male population in America!

Millions of Americans suffer from this condition. As I sit here writing this article, I feel the sudden need to go pee.

Fortunately, several natural treatments exist for different types of incontinence, allowing you to experience relief with small changes.

When everything is working properly, special nerves alert us when it's time to go to the restroom and urinate. We can hold our urine for some time depending on when we're able to get to the restroom. Relieving ourselves happens when muscle contracts, opening the flow of urine through the urethra.

This muscle, the urethral sphincter muscle, contracts again to close the exit for your urine. It's a system, similar to the other systems our bodies use to function properly. If you suffer from urinary incontinence some parts of this system fail to function properly.

Urinary incontinence itself is not a disease but a symptom of several different health issues to discuss with your physician.

Certain medications, for example, may contribute to incontinence. Diseases and conditions such as stroke, diabetes, menopause, and enlarged prostates are among the causes of incontinence among men and women.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence isn't one size fits all; people suffer from various types of the condition.

1. Stress incontinence ranks among the most common types.

With stress incontinence, specific muscles in your pelvis have weakened over time, making them unable to fully support your bladder or urethra. Stress incontinence often manifests itself after actions that put pressure on your bladder: laughing, lifting something heavy, bending over, or even sneezing. This type of incontinence occurs when you're active.

2. Overflow incontinence occurs when your bladder cannot empty causing it to overflow and leak.

These leaks often appear as small dribbles of urine almost constantly happening throughout the day. This type of incontinence affects men more than women, although it is not void in women. Certain health conditions create a higher probability for overflow incontinence including diabetes, an underactive bladder, or various neurological disorders. Men with prostate issues are more likely to experience overflow incontinence.

3. Incontinence that displays itself as urgent sensations to relieve yourself may be a symptom of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

People experiencing OAB find themselves needing to relieve themselves several times a day and often throughout the night.

Diagnosis and Treatment: What are Your Options?

First and foremost - when experiencing urinary incontinence, speak with your primary care physician about your symptoms. Women may also speak with their OB/GYN regarding the situation. According to the Office of Women's Health , many dealing with this uncomfortable reality, your primary physician may refer you to either a urologist or urogynecologist and, in some cases, a pelvic floor specialist.

Small lifestyle and diet changes often help treat urinary incontinence on their own.

Here are some natural ways that women report has helped them manage incontinence:

Drink Water - drinking caffeinated, carbonated, or alcoholic drinks may worsen incontinence; consider cutting these out of your diet or at least reducing your consumption.

Check the Scale - Losing weight may also help treat your incontinence; extra weight puts extra stress on your bladder and pelvic muscles.

Eat an apple a day (seriously) - If constipation is a contributing factor to your incontinence, add more fiber to your diet to help regulate your stool and relieve constipation.

Your doctor may recommend several techniques to try at home before discussing further treatment. It may sound odd, but bladder training is a common at-home and natural treatment for incontinence. And something we love to write about at Bearberry!

Training your bladder sometimes involves going to the restroom at certain times per day - such as every two or four hours instead of when you feel the need - or attempting to hold your urine for 10 minutes after you first feel the urge.

Most cases of incontinence will begin with at-home treatments and activities to improve the function of your bladder and associated muscles. Pelvic floor exercises help you strengthen the muscles in your pelvis which hold your bladder.

To perform Kegels, the Mayo Clinic recommends tightening the muscles you use to stop urinating and hold for five seconds, relax for five seconds, and repeat for 10 repetitions three times per day. Slowly work up to holding for 10 seconds.

Conclusion - Urinary Incontinence Doesn't Have to Win!

Urinary incontinence isn't the end of the world, although the embarrassment and discomfort it causes can create stressful day-to-day situations. We are dedicated here at Bearberry to find you the best at-home treatments to alleviate your symptoms so you can get back to enjoying your life - instead of always looking for the restroom!

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Urinary Incontinence - How to Prevent it Naturally

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It's not really a great icebreaker around the water cooler or at a social event. While it may be embarrassing, it's not uncommon. According to the Urology Care Foundation, urinary incontinence affects nearly half of the female population and a quarter of the male population in America!

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Very few words pertaining to the human body conjure negative feelings for women as . We witness perimenopause and menopause in our mothers, grandmothers, and friends, dreading the day we go through it ourselves. We're aware of the many symptoms this natural process produces along its path and very few of them excite us. Among the many well-known symptoms of menopause is one not as familiar: what menopause can do to your vagina.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the period in your life that your menstrual cycles stop - that's it. Once your period has stopped for at least 12 months, your physician may officially diagnose menopause. Many of the symptoms associated with menopause actually occur during perimenopause - the months or years leading up to menopause in which your body goes through several changes. Menopause most often occurs in your 40s or 50s; according to The Mayo Clinic, the average age for American women is 51.

Perimenopause often starts in your 40s although some women experience perimenopause during their mid-30s.

Symptoms: What Some Women Experience During Perimenopause

Hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, various levels of urinary incontinence, and mood swings all might come to mind when you hear the word "menopause," and for good reason: these are common symptoms! Your body will likely go through many changes during perimenopause as your body ends its reproductive viability. Some women experience fluctuations in weight, changes in their hair or skin, and noticeable differences in the way their vagina feels and functions.

During the time leading up to menopause, your body begins greatly fluctuating its production of estrogen and progesterone. Your hormonal balance becomes out of sync, causing much more than 'hormonal mood swings'. These hormones are responsible for much of your reproductive system and function, but also play a role in other body systems.

Changes in Your Vagina: What to Expect Before You Experience It

According to the North American Menopause Society , estrogen plays a role in keeping the muscles and tissue in your vulvovaginal area flexible and lubricated. As your body reduces its production of estrogen you may experience vaginal atrophy, a condition that causes the tissues in this area to thin, dry out and become much less flexible. This can make everyday life uncomfortable. Sexually active women may experience different sensations during intercourse or, in some cases, outright pain. Because estrogen assists in the natural lubrication of your vagina, menopausal women may find they need additional lubricants for sexual activity.

Women who are not sexually active - or those who aren't sexually active on a regular basis - may experience their vagina becoming much tighter than before due to the vagina growing narrower and shorter. This creates a serious problem if they do want to be intimate as the vagina tissue is fragile and prone to tearing, bleeding, or otherwise injured.

Menopause doesn't only affect your vagina, but oftentimes your urinary tract. Estrogen also assists in the function of your pelvic floor muscles - the group of muscles that hold your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. Common symptoms of vaginal atrophy and menopause in your vulvovaginal area range from uncomfortable or painful to embarrassing.

You may experience dryness, burning, or itching in and around your vagina; some women also experience vaginal discharge due to vaginal atrophy.

Urinary incontinence also comes along with menopause and vaginal atrophy for many. Women may experience different types of incontinence, particularly urges to urinate frequently or small leaks when laughing, coughing, or lifting.

When It's Necessary to Speak to Your OB/GYN

While menopause is an inevitable part of a woman's life, many women find themselves embarrassed by these symptoms and don't speak with their physician. Many natural and at-home treatments exist for several of these symptoms; your physician may help develop a plan for you to control the havoc of menopausal life. Over-the-counter water-based lubricants or vaginal moisturizers are readily available. Pelvic floor exercises may help strengthen the muscles that support your bladder, reducing urinary incontinence.

A few symptoms, however, require a meeting with your doctor, including spotting or bleeding, unusual discharge, soreness, or a burning sensation. If any symptoms concerning your vagina make you uncomfortable or you're just not sure what's going on down there, speak with your physician to rule out something more serious than the typical menopausal symptoms. Nobody knows your vagina like you do; it's up to you to take care of it throughout its life.

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Exploring the Many Symptoms Associated with Menopause Very few words pertaining to the human body conjure negative feelings for women as menopause. We witness perimenopause and menopause in our mothers, grandmothers, and friends, dreading the day we go through it ourselves. We're aware of the many symptoms this natural