Vaginal Health 101 : A Naturopathic Approach
When it comes to vaginal health, there are a lot of questions surrounding what is 'normal'. Spoiler alert: a healthy vagina is 'normal' and everyone is different. However, the vagina does function best at an optimal pH, balance of microflora and moisture level. Discharge, odour and discomfort are good indicators of vaginal (and by extension - hormonal) health. If you're interested in Pelvic Floor Therapy check out this post here.
1// Discharge
What's 'Normal'?
Let's make it clear: vaginal discharge is totally normal and natural. Discharge is a mix of vaginal secretions and cervical mucous and is necessary to help lubricate and clean the vaginal canal. When assessing discharge, we look at the 3 things: consistency, volume and colour.
Discharge is naturally odourless and clear or milky; however, the consistency and the amount of discharge changes throughout our cycle.
Around ovulation (at the midpoint in our cycle) discharge becomes more copious and has a clear 'egg-white' or sticky consistency (this is to help sperm reach the uterus more easily and key indicator that ovulation has or will occur).
During the second half of the cycle, it becomes thicker and whiter.
If you're on the pill, it can suppress the hormones responsible for these changes so the texture may not change as much throughout the month.
When Should I Check in With My Doc? If you notice:
A yellow, green or grey hue it could signal that there is an infection or STI such as bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea or Trichomoniasis.
A very thick or a cottage-cheese consistency is a sign of a yeast infection and may be accompanied by itchiness and redness.
A change in the colour, amount, texture, odour or discharge that is abnormal for you is always a sign to check in with your medical provider.
2// Odour
What's 'Normal'?
Diet, fabrics and the balance of natural bacteria all effect vaginal odour. As long as a smell is not new for you or unpleasant, it is usually completely normal.
When Should I Check in With My Doc? If you notice:
A change in odour, specifically a fishy or musty odour which could signal an infection (such as Bacterial Vaginitis) or imbalance in bacterial flora (which could lead to a Yeast Infection).
3// Discomfort
What's 'Normal'?
Sex, day-to-day activities and urination should all feel comfortable, not painful.
When Should I Check In With My Doc? If you notice:
Vaginal dryness could be a sign of a hormonal imbalance (usually due to low estrogen)
Vaginal redness, itching or burning - could indicate an infection, either urinary or vaginal
Vaginal spotting or bleeding between periods, after sex or post-menopause
Pain during intercourse could be a sign of many things including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or vaginismus
A mass in or outside of your vagina
A Naturopathic Approach to: Optimizing Vaginal Health
Vaginal health is closely linked to overall health. As an ND, I focus on the underlying reasons for your concerns. The goals of treatment include a focus on:
Balancing Hormones - hormones play a major role in vaginal health and vaginal symptoms can be one of the first indicators of a hormonal imbalance in the body. Testing hormones can be extremely helpful as well!
Pelvic Floor Therapy - Pelvic Floor Therapy (offered by Dr. Courtney) can help with vaginal pain, discomfort, prolapse and urinary incontinence.
Restoring and replenishing the vaginal microbiome - to promote a healthy bacterial ecosystem in the vagina.
Optimizing diet - diet is closely linked to vaginal concerns, especially reoccurring yeast infections or UTIs.
Targeted Supplements - to help with symptoms, prevent reoccurrence and address any deficicencies.
Ensuring Proper Immune Function - to help prevent future infections/imbalances.