November 21, 2024, 1:09 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
The female body changes over the course of a lifetime, and its needs change accordingly. This also applies to your vagina. STYLEBOOK asked an expert what you can do for the health of your vagina, especially after 40, and put together 7 tips for you.
“It’s important to treat your vagina with attention and care throughout all stages of your life. After a few decades of getting your period, going to the gynecologist, having intercourse, and possibly giving birth, you’re generally familiar with your vagina and understand how to properly care for it,” says Dr. Sabrina Bergstein, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics in Düsseldorf.
You know all the basic rules, such as not using aggressive soaps in your intimate area, changing your tampon early, and visiting your gynecologist regularly for check-ups. However, as you get older, new vaginal symptoms and needs may arise. This is especially true from around 40, as you approach perimenopause and menopause. In addition to hormonal challenges that you should be aware of, seemingly harmless habits can also have a negative impact on your health. Below are some essential tips for vaginal care!
7 tips for vaginal care after 40
Care tip 1: Pelvic floor exercises
Around 40 percent of women in their forties and almost half of all women aged 50 and over are affected by urinary incontinence to varying degrees. This issue arises as the pelvic muscles weaken, potentially causing urine leakage during activities like exercising, coughing, or laughing. Potential causes include pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or obesity. Regular, preferably daily, pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the weakened muscles and prevent urinary incontinence. These exercises are simple and can be discreetly incorporated into your daily routine. Imagine, for example, that you are going to the toilet and then tense your pelvic floor as if you were trying to stop the flow of urine.
Care tip 2: Do not self-medicate
Many women may quickly conclude that symptoms like itching and discharge indicate a yeast infection and attempt to self-treat with over-the-counter creams. “Although yeast infections (Candida) are widespread and around 75 percent of women contract them at least once in their lifetime, they are only one of three common vaginal infections. The other two are bacterial vaginosis, which is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, and trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection,” explains Dr. Bergstein. “Both vaginosis and trichomoniasis can cause symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection and should not be left untreated. Only a medical specialist can provide a reliable diagnosis.”
Care tip 3: See a doctor if you have heavy bleeding
Consult your gynecologist if you notice heavy or abnormal bleeding. “As you approach menopause, the intervals between your periods may change and become shorter or longer. However, periods do not necessarily become heavier with age,” explains Dr. Bergstein. “If they are significantly heavier or occur more frequently, e.g., every two weeks, only your gynecologist can rule out more serious illnesses. Heavy bleeding can be a sign of fibroids (benign uterine tumors), anemia, or a hormonal problem. Very rarely, it is a sign of cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer.”
Care tip 4: Contraception
Even if you suspect you’re entering menopause due to a missed period or two, it’s important to continue using contraception. “As long as you have any kind of period, no matter how irregular, there is always the possibility of getting pregnant,” says Dr. Bergstein. “As a rule, pregnancy is only ruled out when your last period was at least a year ago.”
Moreover, contraception serves not just to prevent pregnancy but also to protect against sexually transmitted infections like HIV, chlamydia, and syphilis. “Even if you are using hormonal contraception or can no longer get pregnant after menopause, you should always use condoms whenever you have sex outside of a monogamous relationship,” advises Dr. Bergstein.
Care tip 5: Avoid pads and panty liners
Frequent or continuous use of panty liners and sanitary pads may lead to vaginal irritation. “The plastic base of the panty liner prevents optimal air supply and retains heat and sweat. If you wear the same panty liner for too long, this can also lead to bacterial and fungal infections. The constant rubbing can also irritate the labia,” says Dr. Bergstein. “Change your underwear, tampons, and pads regularly. If you want to continue using panty liners, it’s best to change them at least every four hours and use fragrance-free, breathable products if possible.”
Care tip 6: Regular sexual intercourse
As estrogen levels decline post-menopause, vaginal tissue may become flatter and thinner. This can lead to pain during intercourse as well as itching and dryness. Regular sexual activity can alleviate these issues and help prevent symptoms by maintaining vaginal moisture and elasticity. If you suffer from vaginal dryness during intercourse, a good lubricant can provide more comfort. Alternatively, women who are not sexually active can consider self-stimulation with a vibrator.
Care tip 7: Visit your doctor regularly
Make sure to visit your gynecologist for a check-up at least once annually. Regular gynecological check-ups, such as breast and pelvic exams, can help detect serious health issues like cancer, ovarian cysts, and fibroids. The appointments are also a good opportunity to get advice on current personal issues, such as hot flashes, hormone levels, or your libido.
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Hygiene
Maintaining proper intimate hygiene is fundamental to vaginal health. Gentle daily cleansing with clean water without the use of cleansing products maintains the health of the vaginal flora. This will also help you avoid unpleasant vaginal odor and yeast infections.
Pregnancy and childbirth
The vagina changes during pregnancy and childbirth. For example, tears in the vagina and a loss of vaginal muscle tone during childbirth are common side effects.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic use can lead to yeast infections, resulting in inflammation, swelling, and itching of the vagina, as these medications can disrupt not only harmful germs but also the healthy microbiota. A subsequent course of probiotics can be helpful.