A new researched report has revealed the horrifying thing that can happen to your vgina if you don’t have enough sx and how self love is just as important.
It’s a painful condition that can leave you itching, even burning down there – and no, it’s not a sxually transmitted infection!
Just when you thought you had enough to worry about after realising having a “depressed” vgina is a thing; women are also at risk of vaginal atrophy.
Vaginal atrophy is a common but treatable condition that causes the vaginal wall to thin.
And while it can be a problem for women of any age, it’s more likely to affect women who are going through, or have been through, the menopause.
This is because the body produces less oestrogen than normal, which has a knock on effect on how the vaginal wall behaves.
Vaginal atrophy can also occur in women who have had been treated for cancer, especially in those who have had hormone treatment for breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Common symptoms include discharge, burning, itching, difficulty peeing and pain during sx.
This might seem like enough to put you off having sx for good, but regular orgasms – from your partner or a bit of self love – can actually improve the nasty symptoms.
And the key is the increased blood flow to your nether regions when you climax – it works almost like a “work out” down there.
Louise Mazanti, a London-based sx therapist, said: “It is very important that we have a healthy sx life with a partner or with ourselves.
Increasing blood flow helps keep the tissue boosts blood flow and in turn oxygen supply to the vgina, which means it is less likely to become inflamed, thin or dry.
According to Mazanti, if cells are not getting enough oxygen they cannot eliminate waste from the tissue, which can cause inflammation that leads to problems such as vaginal atrophy.
A build-up of toxins can also stop vital nutrients getting to the cells, which can leave the tissue slightly weaker and thinner.
Mazanti added said losing the ability to have sex is not just a physical problem, it can have some serious side effects on a person’s mental health.
What causes the condition?
Vaginal atrophy is generally caused by a decrease in the production of the female sx hormone oestrogen.
Oestrogen is the main hormone that regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle and controls ovulation.
It is also responsible for thickening the vaginal wall and causes it to release mucous once a girl hits puberty.
So if you stop producing oestrogen, the walls of your vgina can become thin and dry.
How can vaginal atrophy be treated?
Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can be used to treat dryness and help improve your sx life.
You may have to apply moisturiser every two to three days but the effects usually last longer than lube.
A lubricant is used mainly to make sx easier and more enjoyable.
If symptoms don’t improve, over-the-counter oestrogen therapy may be recommended.
Creams can be inserted into the vgina daily to restore the tissue.
Oestrogen tablets may also be recommended to help restore the body’s natural levels.