VAGINA

Posted on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 at 10:01 am

This is the passage leading from the neck of the uterus, or cervix, to the exterior of the female body, the vulva. It is the passage in which sexual intercourse takes place and through which the menstrual fluid passes each month. During childbirth it forms a part of what is called the ‘birth canal’.

Vaginal health and hygiene are important. Some clear, odourless discharge from the vagina is perfectly normal and is required to keep the vaginal walls moist, clean and slightly acidic. However, when the discharge becomes discoloured and is accompanied by an unpleasant odour and/or itching, it is likely that an infection is present or that the acidity of the vagina has been altered, leading to a proliferation of a yeast fungus known as Candida albicans. This latter condition is quite common and known simply as Candida or thrush. It has a number of causes, including a diet too high in refined sugars and the taking of antibiotics. It is generally treated by increasing the acidity of the vagina to discourage the proliferation of the yeast bug. For natural remedies for Candida, see the separate entries in this book. Other more serious causes of vaginal discharge, itching or pain are venereal diseases such as gonorrhoea.

Dryness of the vagina is a problem which affects most women ocassionally and some women more often. It is a common side effect of menopause, when it results from falling hormone levels in the body. Not only can sex become uncomfortable, but the chances of developing vaginal infections increase during and following menopause. Take Vitamin E internally and apply calendula cream to both soothe and lubricate the vaginal walls. KY jelly is also useful for lubrication. Fortunately, regular sexual intercourse, possibly involving prolonged and gentler foreplay, helps to keep the vagina toned and healthy through the later years of life.

Vaginal prolapse can occur after childbirth but not necessarily immediately afterwards. It occurs when the ligaments supporting the uterus or bladder weaken or lose their tone allowing the uterus to drop down into the vagina. A lump is felt inside the vagina and pressure on the bladder and bowel is often increased. Prolapse the more easily prevented than cured. Women giving birth should do some regular form of exercise to strengthen the muscles of the

pelvic floor and disciplines such as the Alexander Technique are known to improve the posture and prevent muscle conditions such as hernias and prolapse. The widely recognised herb for strengthening the pelvic muscles is raspberry leaf, safely drunk as a tea throughout pregnancy. Poor absorption of mineral salts, particularly calcium fluoride, can cause the tissues to weaken. Take calcium fluoride as a tissue salt and increase your intake of Vitamins E and C.

Women’s vaginas vary in width and length but, generally speaking, any fears a woman has about the size of her vagina adversely affecting the sexual pleasure of either her or her partner are unfounded. Small vaginas swell when properly stimulated to accommodate almost any penis without injury and large vaginas will give as much satisfaction if muscle tone is maintained. Desired sexual positions may vary depending on your anatomy.

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