Let's talk lady parts, and what the heck they're trying to tell us.
Chances are that you’ve had a brush with yeast infection, suffered the agony of a UTI or even been slapped with an STI – so you’re all over what they are and how to avoid them. But even though we’re familiar with these usual suspects, there are other conditions that can affect your nether regions.
Before you go into panic mode, we consulted family planning experts Dr Deborah Bateson and Dr Julia Menzies to let us know what to look out for.
VAGINISMUS
WHAT ON EARTH IS IT? Vaginismus occurs when the vaginal muscles tighten during sex, making intercourse difficult or impossible.
THE NASTY STUFF: Women who suffer from vaginismus experience tightness and pain around the vagina at the time of penetration. Often, this pain is so severe nothing can be inserted into the vaginal passage – tampons included.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN? “Some studies estimate that between 1 and 17 percent of women are affected. The causes are not fully understood, but it may be related to an adverse experience when having sex, or a gynaecological examination. It can also be caused by conditions like endometriosis, and skin problems affecting the vulva and vagina,” our experts explained.
CAN YOU KICK IT? The root is often psychological, and there is no magic pill. “It is important to be assessed by a doctor, to see if there are any medical conditions,” the doctors advise. “The next step involves referral to a specialised pelvic floor physiotherapist, or a sex therapist. Treatment is effective, and includes pelvic floor muscle and sensate focus exercises.”
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
WHAT ON EARTH IS IT? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when the bad bacteria takes over, leaving you susceptible to other vaginal infections.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Staying Clean
Go green! Here, find out about Lush’s non-stop mission for sustainability and reducing impacts on the environment.
#ASK Team CLEO
Add these to your cart ASAP, so that you get your skin sorted from A to Z.
Pastel Goth
Wanna stand out from the typical blush toned lipstick crowd?
What Eco Beauty Means In The Biz
This is just the vegan-ning. We break down what’s what, and why you need to be a convert for your skin’s sake.
Power To Your Flower
Skincare for down there? Believe there is — as we roadtested TWO L(I)PS products that were created for the skin in our bikini area.
Stephanie Poetri Talks Career And Life After Going Viral
The internet can and will make you famous. Here's how Stephanie Poetri Made her hit song in just two hours.
The Fame Game
With so many celeb beauty lines in the market (and underway), do we honestly need them all?
Try A Plant Based Cleanse So That You Know What You're In For
Think you want to turn plant-based? #TeamCLEO took on a seven-day cleanse and this is how it went.
She's All That
To all the films we fell in love with! #TeamCLEO caught up with Lana Condor for the newest To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.
Women, Power!
Time to tune in to some empowered women characters. On your watch list: The Witcher and Sex Education which are both on Netflix.
