Vaginal itching, discharge and other vaginal distress
Can Vaginal Itching Indicate Diabetes? Is vaginal discharge common? And what exactly is candida? We asked Mieke Poelsma and Peter Leusink, both doctors and NVVS sexologists, about intimate discomforts and their solutions.
Many women are hesitant to go to the doctor or gynaecologist with vaginal discomfort. And that while many ailments have a relatively simple solution.
1. Is vaginal itching common? And is it indeed a precursor to diabetes?
Vaginal itching symptoms are common and are usually the result of unwise habits such as washing the vagina with soap, frequent use of vaginal rinses and wearing panty liners every day.
Candida albicans
As the blood sugar level is not well regulated, the vaginal discharge may be slightly sweeter, increasing the risk of infection with candida albicans is higher. This is commonly referred to as a fungal infection. This requires treatment in the form of a vaginal cream or vaginal suppositories (‘eggs’). Such an unstable blood sugar level can be a harbinger of early – and therefore untreated – diabetes, but diabetes mellitus gives very different complaints. In the case of diabetes, the vaginal symptoms should disappear with the treatment of the diabetes. If the vaginal complaints occur more than three times a year, research into the cause is necessary anyway.”
2. Vaginal discharge, also known as white discharge is common. What is a ‘normal’ amount of discharge and what does it look like?
“Every woman of childbearing age has vaginal discharge. The amount of this varies per woman and changes during the cycle. When a woman takes the pill, the amount is usually constant and somewhat less. Normal discharge is clear to cloudy. The color must be determined, as it is ‘on the toilet paper’. Because there are proteins in the secretion, it always stains the air slightly and gives yellow-brown spots in the underwear.
To the doctor?
Vaginal infections cause symptoms such as burning, intense itching, pain when touched, and discharge with different scents and colors. In that case, go to your doctor. Without these other complaints, discharge is almost always ‘normal’. Unnecessary treatment with antibiotics or vaginal rinses often disrupt normal acidity and bacterial flora, leading to infections.”
3. After, for example, chemo or during the menopause, the mucous membranes become drier, which makes sex more difficult. Are there – besides using a lubricant – other tips to remedy a dry vagina?
“Sexual arousal is necessary for the vagina to become moist. The arousal produces both swelling and fluid secretion. Without these arousal reactions, intercourse is not really possible, not even with lubricant. It is wise to choose another way of making love, so that no irritation occurs.
Sex after menopause
From the menopause, it may be necessary for women to be stimulated for longer and more varied (oral, manual) before the sexual arousal response develops. With thinning of the mucous membranes after transition, with loss of elasticity and dryness, even outside of sex, cream with the female hormone estrogen can provide recovery. This must be continued, as the hormone production will not return.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy sometimes also creates an artificial transition. The treatment of sexual complaints is therefore related to the underlying disease. Through chemotherapy usually the testosterone and estrogen levels will also be lowered, so that the arousal does not start properly. Women who want intercourse can then opt for a moisturizing gel, which adheres a little longer to the vaginal wall.”
4. The designer vagina has become a household name since the documentary ‘limited life’ by Sunny Bergman. Are there normal labia? And what are reasons for cosmetic surgery?
“The size of the labia and the ratio of the inner and outer labia are different in all women, as are all other parts of the body. In adult women, it is normal for the inner lips to be seen between the outer ones.
Measuring is knowing
Gynecologists measured the length of the inner labia of a large group of women. Statistically it has been concluded that longer than 4 centimeters is rare. Research also showed that women’s complaints were generally not related to the size of their labia; unless they were larger than 4 centimeters. This limit is maintained by gynecologists before until surgical intervention is passed.
Reducing labia
Women report various reasons for wanting to have their labia reduced, for example discomfort when cycling, or getting stuck when wearing thongs. Sometimes they are embarrassed to show the inner lips when they stand with their legs apart; this is called ‘cameltoe’. Visibility is of course increased by the current practice of shaving the pubic hair completely.
Visibility of the inner labia is completely normal. It is therefore no more than ‘fashion’, ideas about what is beautiful and desirable. The complaints can usually be prevented by wearing different underwear, buying a different bicycle saddle and stopping bad habits in daily care.”
5. Ironing your underwear, tampons with yogurt: there are all kinds of rumors about the prevention of vaginal discomfort. Which complaints do you encounter the most and which tips really work?
“Pain complaints during penetration sex, hypersensitivity, burning, itching and discharge are regularly reported. The majority of these complaints are caused by intercourse without sufficient arousal, washing with soap or other products, rinsing, brushing and scrubbing, the frequent use of panty liners and wearing tight and abrasive clothing.
Sometimes the complaints are due to infections, including candida (‘fungal’), or bacterial vaginosis (gardnerella), both of which are related to disruption of normal acidity and some STDs, such as chlamydia, trichomonas.
Changing the daily care is therefore the most important advice. Toilet behavior is a small part of that. Many women find it difficult to stop washing with (also special) soap and to stop using panty liners. They experience this as ‘dirty’, while it is actually much healthier.
Yogurt
Infections present should be examined, possibly cultured and treated with medication, in the form of vaginal cream or suppositories, or antibiotics.
Yogurt is not proven useful; it’s said it could help restore acidity and bring back the good bacteria that protect the vagina from infection. Usually that just happens naturally, if the body gets the chance.”
