Previous What the itch?! 6 signs that your vagina may need more attention.

Most women have dealt with vaginal itching at some point in their lives—and it can be a huge discomfort whenever you experience it. Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptom that often occurs due to irritating substances, infections, or menopause. It may also occur as a result of certain skin disorders or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In rare cases, vaginal itching might develop due to stress or vulvar cancer. In this article, author Hope Ibiale would be drawing your attention to six signs that indicate that you have to book a gynecologist appointment and give your vijayjay the attention it needs. VAGINA MONOLOGUE.png Most vaginal itching isn’t a cause for concern. However, you should contact your doctor or gynecologist if the itching is severe or if you suspect you have an underlying condition. Your doctor can determine the cause of your vaginal itching through an examination and testing. They’ll also be able to recommend appropriate treatments for this uncomfortable symptom. Taking care of your vagina is extremely important because not paying enough attention to it may lead to severe health complications. Here are some signs that you need to pay more attention to your vagina: 1) Lumpy and foul-smelling discharge: There's no way you would know the amount of discharge you might have in a day but paying attention to change in the color or amount or odor needs to be addressed. The change could be related to hormonal shifts, pregnancy, your hydration level, or an infection. Anything added to the discharge like blood, which breaks down to a greenish color, needs to be looked at. A color change can also be a sign of STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. If it persists beyond a day or two, I think a visit to your doctor is in order. 2) Discomfort during sexual intercourse: Feeling pains during or after sex in your vagina should not be ignored or seen as something normal. See a doctor immediately. 3) Lumpy or bumpy labia: Pimple-like bumps or a bumpy red rash on or near your labia may indicate clogged or infected hair follicles, a common side effect of shaving, waxing, or wearing sweaty workout leggings for hours on end. They could also be signs of an allergic reaction, perhaps to a new laundry detergent or body wash. Wait a few weeks to see if the bumps clear on their own, and if not, your doctor should take a look. 4) Trouble urinating: There’s a big difference between abdominal pain that happens when you should have gone to the bathroom in between two lengthy meetings and the kind that happens each and every time you sit down to relieve yourself. It’s not normal to have any sort of discomfort when you’re urinating, and if you are, then it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor. VAGINA THREE.jpg 5) Irregular periods: Countless things can throw off your cycle and make your periods longer, shorter, or completely MIA. If you can legitimately rule these factors out, however, consider the possibility of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a not-well-understood condition linked to a hormone imbalance. Visit your doctor when you notice an irregularity in your menstrual cycle. 6) Swollen vulva: A swollen vulva is normal after any sexual encounter. Sexual arousal causes increased blood flow to the area, causing it to swell and become puffy. Your clitoris may also enlarge. Your vulva may swell if there wasn’t enough lubricant during penetration. This can irritate the area.Although swelling is a normal symptom of arousal, you can take some proactive measures to avoid serious swelling. Be sure to keep natural or store-bought lubricant on hand to avoid friction, and stay away from products that could cause an allergic reaction. VAGINA TWO.jpg You might not need to see your doctor every time you have vaginal irritation and discharge, particularly if you've been diagnosed with a vaginal yeast infection in the past and you're experiencing similar signs and symptoms. However, if you choose to use an over-the-counter medication and your symptoms don't go away, consult your doctor. “Having regular gynecological exams is crucial to maintaining your vaginal health. Every woman should have her first gynecological exam by age 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active. - Dr. Dennis Thompson” IMG_20181226_175454-1.jpg About the author: Hope is a creative writer, poet and editor. She loves reading and listening to music. When she is not day dreaming about getting married to Johnny Drille, you will find her watching her favorite horror movies. You can reach out to her on IG and Twitter @hopeibiale