WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - Causes and Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching in Women

BY A R ON APRIL 21, 2011

Causes of Vulvar Itching

There are several factors that can be responsible for vulvar itching in a female. It is important to identify the cause, which plays a crucial role in subsequent management of the condition,

• Chemical allergens are present in laundry detergents, feminine wash, creams, ointments and contraceptive substances. Upon contact with the vaginal area, it can result to itching. When this happens, the conditions indicate vulvar dermatitis.

• Stress-induced irritation is also a possibility. Keep calm and relaxed; stay away from stressful situations.

• If there is discharge present, the itching can be caused by yeast infection, resulting from birth control pills, menstruation, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, diabetes and generally weak immunity from diseases.

• Less common causes of vulvar itching include rare skin conditions and pinworm infestation.

There are several factors responsible for vaginal itching in women. When vaginal itching occurs, it can cause quite a discomfort for women. It can also be a source of annoyance and embarrassment. Home remedies are available to help improve the conditions and provide relief.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching

Here are some simple home remedies and lifestyle suggestions which can help in control and management of vaginal itching in females,

• Practice proper hygiene to eliminate occurrences of vaginal itching. Simply taking a bath or shower can keep the body and the genitals clean.
  There is no need to use douching to clean the vagina as it has a natural ability to clean itself.

• Do not wash the vagina repeatedly as it can cause dryness and further irritation. Avoid harsh soaps and scented shower gels that may cause the irritation.

• Sitz bath is recommended to control vaginal infection and itching. Add a few drops of savlon or dettol in a tub and sit in the tub for a few minutes with your genitals expose. This helps control bacterial infections in the vagina which may be contributing for the vaginal itching. Alternatively add a few drops of tea tree oil to the bathing water.

• Make a daily change of underwear to stay fresh after a bath. Choose cotton fabrics so that the skin can breathe easily.

• For quick relief, a cold washcloth can be applied to the vagina like a compress.

• Keep the vaginal area clean by wiping from front to back after using the toilet.

• Apple cider vinegar mixed with yogurt and water can be dabbed on the irritated area with a washcloth. Wash with cool water if there is a stinging sensation.

• Buttermilk provides good results in stopping the growth of bacteria, which may cause the itching. Apply it to the vaginal area or drink it everyday.

• Yogurt alone is also effective because it contains live bacteria that can kill yeast, a common cause of feminine itching. Dab some on the vagina or use a tampon smeared in yogurt.

• Garlic is also used for feminine itching due to its antifungal properties. Create a drink made from crushed whole garlic and water, and consume until itching is gone.

• Herbal extracts are ideal for home remedies, specifically extracts of olive leaves, grapefruit seed and slippery elm.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - How to Maintain Good Vaginal Hygiene with Home Remedies?

BY SALINA ON OCTOBER 26, 2011

There are certain factors however which might result in vaginal odor and resulting from poor vaginal hygiene. Poor vaginal hygiene often results in infections, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc. There are simple home remedies and natural treatment options to maintain vaginal hygiene and to keep vaginal infections at bay.

How to Maintain Good Vaginal Hygiene

Here are some simple tips that can be beneficial in maintaining good vaginal hygiene,

• Using a mild soap and water, regularly clean the skin around the outer genital region. Ensure that you dry the skin adequately using a dry towel before putting on your panties.

• Avoid strong or scented soaps, as the vaginal area may be slightly sensitive to strong soaps. Instead use glycerin soaps which are relatively mild.

• Always wipe the genital region after urination or bowel movement. Ensure that the movement is from front to back, to prevent the contamination of the vaginal mucosa by feces.

• Regularly having a Sitz bath would prevent bacterial infections in the vagina and also improve vaginal hygiene. For having the Sitz bath, fill the bath tub with warm water and add a few drops of antiseptic solution to it. Now, sit in the bath tub for about fifteen minutes in such a way that you leave your genitals exposed.
  This will help in cleansing the area naturally.

• Avoid Douching. According to the National Women’s Health Information Centre, this is a common practice in theUnited States. However frequent douching reduces the natural acidic balance of the vagina making it prone to secondary infections.

Home Remedies to Keep Vaginal Infections at Bay

Here are a few home remedies that can be beneficial in enhancing vaginal hygiene,

• Tea tree oil is considered to have strong anti-microbial properties. Add a few drops of tea tree oil on the tampon and put it into the vagina. Leave the tampon on for the night. This is considered to be beneficial in preventing fungal and bacterial infections.

• Alternatively one could use a few drops of Vinegar, which also has profound anti-fungal properties. Add a few drops of vinegar to your bath water and clean the external genital region using it.

• Drink a glass of butter milk or low fat yoghurt on daily basis. This treatment is considered beneficial in promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the vagina, which play a vital role in improving vaginal hygiene.

In addition there are some other simple tips that can be beneficial in improving vaginal hygiene,

• The choice of undergarments plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health. Avoid wearing pantyhose every day and wear clothes made out of natural fibers rather than synthetic fiber.

• Avoid tight clothing, especially tight jeans.

• Wash your clothes every day and ensure that you wear them when they are dry. Wet cloths can cause infections as they provide a suitable environment for the growth bacteria.

• Having a healthy and well balanced diet plays a vital role in maintaining vaginal hygiene. Avoid processed foods and foods containing preservatives. These foods are known to result in hormonal disturbances and hence should be avoided. Organic foods should be preferred.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - Vulvar Pain Causes And Symptoms: Treatment For Vaginal Itching

BY SALINA ON DECEMBER 6, 2011

Estimates suggest that about one in thirty females suffer from a condition characterized by burning, rawness, itching and pain around the vaginal opening. The condition is often chronic in nature and may last for several years. This condition is referred to as vulvodynia, which implies pain in the external visible part of the female genital. The itching is often located around the labia (i.e. the two folds of skin) and the clitoris.

There are a wide range of factors that are responsible for the pain and itching in the vulvar region. These symptoms may differ in persistence and may range from mild irritation to severe and disabling pain.

The pain is diffused and intermittent, though it can be localized, which makes the diagnosis of the condition fairly difficult. Most females with the condition complain in painful coition.

Causes Of Vulvar Pain And Itching

There are a wide range of factors that are responsible for Vulvar pain. These causes include,

• Injury or irritation of the nerve that supply to the vulva, which may result in localized hypersensitivity and often is manifested in the form of pain without inflammatory reaction.

• Candida infection is another common cause of itching and burning pain around the vulva region.

• Allergies to use of tampons or condoms or high levels of oxalate crystals in the urine can also be common causes of vulvar pain.

• Muscle spasms of pelvic group of muscles, resulting in painful coition can also be considered to be a cause.

• Though there is limited information, sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, yeast infections or other forms of bacterial infections can result in itching and pain in the vulvar region.

Symptoms Of Vulvar Pain

The vulvar pain and irritation is often associated with a host of symptoms. These symptoms include,

• Inflammation with tender and red spots around the vulvar region and the vagina. Often these tender spots are associated with pain on pressure or attempted sexual intercourse or insertion of a tampon.

• Burning and itching is commonly observed with vaginal pain. Itching is often associated with white and offensive discharge from the vagina. Often pimples or elevations around the vagina and vulvar region may be observed.

• The pain may be intermittent, triggered by pressure or continuous in nature. Continuous pain is indicative of nerve damage, which is associated with irritation of the nerve root and responsible for the pain.

Treatment For Vulvar And Vaginal Pain

The treatment for pain around the vaginal opening would depend upon the underlying cause. Here are some simple home remedies, exercises and dietary suggestions,

• Reduce the intake of oxalate foods which are responsible for the itching and irritation. Avoid peanuts, celery, spinach or supplements containing calcium citrate.

• Local application of turmeric paste mixed with tea tree essential oil is beneficial. Turmeric and tree tea oil are antiseptic and also provide a soothing effect on the skin. Tea tree oil may sting slightly on application.

• Back exercises may be beneficial to reduce nerve irritation, which may be responsible for vulvar pain. Yoga exercises like cobra pose or warrior pose can be beneficial in strengthening the spine and reduce nerve irritation.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - Home Remedies to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor Naturally

BY A R ON JUNE 24, 2011

The vagina emits an odor. In fact, even the cleanest of vaginas could still emit a very discrete smell. This is just natural. It is best to distinguish what is normal and what is not. As long as the scent is not pungent and fishy, there is no cause for concern. Excessive washing can actually cause imbalance of the normal flora that could lead to infections! Still, understand the vagina and finding remedies to control the odor can do a lot for a woman’s peace of mind and healthy hygiene.

What Causes Vaginal Order

Aside from the normal odor that is emitted by the vagina, the following are some of the possible causes for the odor:

• Possible incoming menstruation.
  Also, while menstruating and a few days after, the vagina may smell of blood and have a pungent odor.

• Poor personal hygiene.

• Overly clean vagina. Most women believe that cleaning the vagina with soap/vaginal wash and water every few hours will ensure that the odor is eliminated. Well, this can have good short term benefits but this could actually do more harm than good. The vagina, like the stomach, has its own normal flora. Imbalance of this normal flora due to excessive washing could cause a surge of certain strains that can then cause a host of problems, including bad odor.

• Yeast infection.

• Vaginal sweating and trapped moisture – something experienced when wearing very tight underwear and pants.

• Sexually transmitted infections.

Get Rid of Vaginal Odor Naturally

• Avoid douching unless really necessary.

• Change sanitary pads or tampons frequently.

• Avoid wearing tight pants/shorts and underwear.

• Use cotton underwear as air can pass through them, allowing for better circulation and less sweating.

• Stay clean but not overly clean.

• Urination after having sexual intercourse could also help wash out possible bacteria that cling on the pubis.

• It is also a good idea to try any of the following home remedies to get rid of vaginal odor.

Home Remedies for Vaginal Odor

• Tea tree oil.

• Unsweetened yogurt with live Acidophilus cultures.

• Apple cider vinegar may be diluted and used to wash the affected area. However, this should not be done often.

It is important to remember that knowing the cause of the odor will help directly address the problem. For instance, if the odor is caused by yeast infection, avoiding food with yeasts and using the appropriate medications can hasten the healing process.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - Preventing Leucorrhoea | How to Prevent and Avoid Leucorrhoea

BY ADMIN ON JANUARY 19, 2011

Leucorrhoea Prevention:

Preventing the occurrence of leucorrhea is easy if you know what to do and what measures should be exacted. Here are some of the measures you can use to help with the prevention of this problem:

• When trying to prevent the occurrence of any of the above-mentioned types of leucorrhea, you will need to avoid the ailments that they come with. Try to avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases by practicing safe sex.

• When trying to avoid leucorrhea that is caused by fungal infections, you will need to have any problems with yeast infections, jock itch, and other similar fungal problems of the genital areas.
  If you have these problems, treat them as soon as you can to avoid further complications.

• Drinking a lot of water can also help prevent leucorrhoea from occurring. Keeping yourself hydrated can help with leucorrhea.

• Try to wear underwear that allows your genitals to air out. Cotton is best.

• Maintain good feminine hygiene. Clean your genitals after you urinate and wash your vaginal area properly when you bathe by using mild cleansing agents.

• Try to avoid using powders and scented sprays on your genitals unless they are formulated for use on your private parts. These can also cause leucorrhea.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - Symptoms of Leucorrhoea | Signs of Pelvic, Cervical Leucorrhoea

BY ADMIN ON JANUARY 19, 2011

Leucorrhoea Symptoms:

How can a woman tell if she has leucorrhea? What are the symptoms of this problem? There are many different kinds of leucorrhea that can affect women; therefore, some symptoms may differ from the others. Here are some of the types of leucorrhea that a woman may have and the symptoms that may accompany them:

• When a woman’s leucorrhea problems are brought about by a fungal infection, this is called an infectious leucorrhea, and this problem is often characterized by an itchy discharge that is thick in consistency and white.

• When the leucorrhea is sexually transmitted or obtained due to sexual intercourse with an infected partner, this is called a sexually transmitted leucorrhea. Symptoms for this include a yellowish or greenish discharge that may be accompanied by abdominal pains and itching.

• If a woman’s discharges are caused by cervical problems, or is called a cervical leucorrhea, this may exhibit such symptoms as a rust-colored or brownish discharge that may look like the discharge is mixed with some blood.

• Pelvic leucorrhea is caused by pelvic problems like pelvic inflammatory disease. This brings about discharges that are whitish and is accompanied by a pain in the lower back or lumbar region.

• When leucorrhea is stress related, it usually appears as a white discharge that is rather plentiful. This is often a result of a stressful life or mental stress.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - What Causes Leucorrhea in Women | Causes of White Vaginal Discharge

BY ADMIN ON JANUARY 19, 2011

Leucorrhoea Causes:

What causes a woman to experience leucorrhea? Women are said to experience this at least once during the course of their life, and these should not be a cause for worry if these discharges do not smell off, are not discoloured, or mixed with some blood. Here are some of the more common causes of this vaginal discharge:

• When a woman has this white vaginal discharge, she may be suffering from fungal, bacterial, or parasitic problems.

• The problem of leucorrhea can also be an indication that a woman is suffering from a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea or chlamydia.

• The presence of this white discharge can also indicate unhygienic practices like wearing soiled underwear, not washing the genitals regularly with the right kind of cleansing products, not washing after sex, and not bathing regularly.

• Leucorrhea can also be caused by actions like masturbation or by a heightened sexual desire.

• Intestinal worms are also seen as one of the causes of leucorrhea.

• Sometimes a woman may experience this problem due to the changes in her uterus from childbirth or from pregnancy.

• It has been noted that those who are prone to getting this problem are those who either have a weak immune system or those who are anemic.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - Causes And Diagnosis Of Breast Lumps In Young Women

BY UPU ON DECEMBER 29, 2011

When young women detect lump in their breast accidentally or while self examination, it can cause lot of distress and strain. This is due to the anticipatory anxiety and fear of breast cancer. Contrary to the myth and belief, almost 80 to 90 percent of breast lumps in young women are not cancerous. Especially in women below the age of 40 or woman who is still menstruating, the chances of breast cancer are bleak.

Howsoever, it is imperative to plan for a medical checkup, when a woman finds a lump in her breast.

This is to rule out any cancerous growth in the breast if at all. You may wonder why breast lumps develop in young women, as well as how a benign breast lump can be distinguished from a cancerous growth.

Breast Lumps In Young Women Diagnosis

To learn more about breast lumps, it is necessary to know the anatomy of the breast. Human breast consists of fat, blood vessels and nerves. Apart from this, there is intricate network of lobules (where the milk is secreted). Lobules are the prime structural unit of the breast.

In human, the number and size of lobules vary exceedingly. They are largest and numerous during early womanhood. The tube like lactiferous ducts carries the milk to the nipples. This breast anatomy itself may be sometimes mistaken for a mass.

A palpable mass or a lump in the breast is generally of two varieties. It can be stony hard and immobile, meaning it is fixed to the skin and the tissues. The second variety is soft mass filled with fluid and movable. It rolls between your fingers when palpated. Meaning the mass is mobile and not attached to the breast tissue. The important differentiating point between benign and cancer lump is its mobility.

A lump that moves freely when palpated, but painful is less likely to be of cancerous origin. While a lump that is hard, painless and immovable between your fingers has a greater risk of being a cancerous mass. This observation does not necessarily confirm that a lump which is soft and mobile is always benign. The surest way to detect the nature of growth is by performing specialized tests, and the clinical judgment of your doctor on the basis of accurate history and clinical examination.

Following tests can assist in the diagnosis; mammography, ultrasonography, needle biopsy of the lump, and MRI.

What Causes Breast Lumps In Young Women?

In most cases breast lumps in young women are related to their periodic menses. Hormonal change as well as slight retention of fluid during the menses is responsible for the condition. The other causes of atypical mass in the breast include infections, blocked milk ducts, traumatic injuries etc.

Fibrocystic changes: are considered normal and they are common among many women between the age of menarche and menopause. There is a granular rubbery feeling over the breast accompanied with tenderness. A small fluid filled soft tissue may be palpated. The condition is non cancerous and disappears soon after menopause. Your doctor may advise you to restrict the salt intake in inhibit excess of fluid accumulation in the body. At times of uncertainty of diagnosis, he may also advice for a fine needle biopsy to make sure the lump is not cancerous.

Cysts: cysts of the breast are small fluid filed sacs. When palpated, they feel like grape. They move between the fingers. They are painful and enlarge in size before the menses and decrease in size after the menses. Even though if the cyst is solitary, there are tiny satellite cysts attached in the breast tissue. A cyst is confirmed by transillumination. It can also be detected with ultrasound. In cases of confusing views, your doctor may attempt fine needle aspiration to confirm the diagnosis. If the lump doses not disappear after aspiration it has be removed surgically.

Fibroadenoma: it usually occurs in young women and girls under the age of 25. Fibroadenoma are non tender benign growths in the breast. Pregnancy and lactation generally produces permanent relief. The size of the lump may vary from a rice grain to a small seized grape. The lump is neither adherent to the breast tissue nor to the breast skin. Its texture is unusually firm, more often than not; an indefinite round hard spherical lump can be made out with your finger and thumb. Reassurance is probably the most important part of the treatment. If required an excision biopsy may be advised to confirm the diagnosis.

Breast cancer: though rare in young women may be one of the causes for lump in breast. It is usually painless and stony hard to feel. The lump is usually adhered to the underlying structure in the breast. Mammography, ultrasound, MRI and excision biopsy are initial investigations. If however, there is certainty of cancer after histopathological tests, the doctor may advice to surgical removal of the breast. Further anti cancer treatment may be advised.

Infection in the breast may also lead to a lump. Mastitis is a common infection of the milk ducts in a lactating woman. The lump is painful and there is redness and swelling of the breast. Fever, chills may accompany mastitis. Treatment consists of proper antibiotics, good water intake as well as warm compression over the affected breast.

For treating fibrocystic changes: reassurance to the patient is important. Simultaneously the patient has to be made aware that certain amount of pain is to be expected. The breasts may be supported with firm brassier to reduce the pain and feeling of fullness. Often the patient is advised to restrict his salt intake, coffee and tea. Vitamin E and B-complex are valuable in relieving the symptoms.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN SECRET HEALTH - What Causes Thrush While Breastfeeding? Its Signs And Treatment

BY SALINA ON JANUARY 7, 2013

We all house the fungus candida albicans in our body. They are a part of our GI system, and the bacteria keep their population in check. Breast feeding generates a perfect environment for thrush. Candida albicans thrives in moist, warm, sugary places, which is how your baby’s mouth is during breast feeding. The infection passes to your nipples.

Rarely, thrush on the nipples may gain entry in to the milk ducts, causing burning and shooting pain within the breasts. Thrush pain lasts whilst the baby is feeding and tends to aggravate after the feed.

If the baby develops thrush as well, there will be white patches on the roof of the mouth, tongue, gums and on the inside of the mouth.

If you touch these patches, you will find the base is raw and may even bleed. Thrush can pass to the baby’s digestive tract and to his bottom and result in red spots that may take time to heal.

Candida albicans takes hold of the nipples, especially, if they are sore and cracked. Unless treated, thrush passes back and forth between you and the baby.

Signs Of Thrush While Breastfeeding

Common manifesting features of thrush in breastfeeding mothers include:

• Nipples are cracked and they don’t heal.
  Occasionally deep cracks in the nipples may be associated with hemorrhage spots on the nipples or rarely bleeding.

• Nipples are red, shiny; and there will be white patches.

• Nipples are itchy especially during the time when the child is not breastfeeding.

• There is pain when the baby feeds, and the pain remains for an hour or so after the feed.

• Alongside, the baby will have white patches in the mouth and may also refuse feed occasionally.

Preventing And Treating Thrush Naturally While Breastfeeding

The following are recommended to keep thrush at bay:

• Sterilize feeding bottles, pacifiers, and breast pumps. Or at least boil these well after every use, to stay away from re-infection.

• Wash all the baby’s toys in hot, soapy water.

• You need to maintain the strictest levels of hygiene; bathe at least twice daily and wear a clean bra. Keep your nipples clean and dry. Wash them with warm water and dry off with a soft towel.

• Wash your hands often, particularly after diaper changes.

• Use a separate towel for everyone in the family.

• Wash your clothes as well as the baby’s at 60 degrees C, to destroy the fungus.

• Steer clear of sugary foods and foods that contain yeast.

• Add vitamin C rich foods to your everyday menu; vitamin C boosts immune levels and prevents growth of Candida. Have limes, lemons, guavas, mangoes, apples and cherries. You may also consult your health care provider and have vitamin C supplement.

• You may also add probiotics to your everyday meal to encourage the ‘friendly’ bacteria that hold back the thrush. Have a bowl of yogurt daily; or confer with your physician and have a probiotic supplement.

• Local application of tea tree oil can help in killing the fungi while calendula tincture can help in hastening the process of healing. However clean your nipples thoroughly before feeding your child.

• Homeopathic drugs are considered safe to prescribe for children above the age of three months. Consult your doctor to suggest the right dosage and medication.

Thrush should not prevent you from breast feeding, although it can make it painful. You may breast feed while you’re both being treated.

Source: http://www.simple-remedies.com/

WOMEN - Wearing bras make breasts sag

Wearing bras make breasts sag

May 24, 2013

When a bra is used, the breast becomes dependent on the artificial support, making them degrade more quickly.

FEATURE

PARIS: Wearing bras make your breasts sag even more and they do nothing to reduce back pain, a French study spanning 15-years has found.

Jean-Denis Rouillon, Research Professor on the French study, told Counsel and Heal that medically, physiologically, anatomically – breasts gain no benefit from being denied gravity.

On the contrary, Rouillon added, women get saggier with a bra, News reported.

The study that looked at the changes in breasts of 330 women using a slide rule and calliper concluded that breasts naturally become more toned and supported if no bra is used.

When a bra is used, the breast becomes dependent 

on the artificial support, making them degrade more quickly.

Moreover, the study found that going braless gives women a 7mm lift in their nipples for every year they go without, and aids in fading stretch marks.

But Rouillon noted though they validated the hypothesis that the bra is a false need, it would be dangerous to advise all women to stop wearing their soutien-gorge as the women involved were not a representative sample of the population.

- Agencies