Download Vulvar and Vaginal Health Should I worry about the size of my labia

Vulvar and Vaginal Health
Vaginas are designed to have and enjoy sex, form a
passage from the uterus for periods and babies to
come out. Vaginas vary in shape, size and colour;
some are small and ovoid (egg-shaped), some are
large and cylindrical, and the colours can vary from
light pink to a deep brownish red-pink. The
important thing is that the vagina works normally.
Should I worry about the size of
my labia?
Some women worry about the size of their labia (the
lips outside the vagina), but there isn’t usually any
cause for concern. Labia vary from woman to
woman, and the left and right labia can be of
different size in the same woman – just like your
hands or feet can be of different size. Large labia
are only a medical problem if it affects the woman’s
working, social or sporting life.
What can you do to keep your
vagina healthy
• Wear loose clothing made from natural fibres
(cotton, linen, silk)
• Avoid wearing tight pants
• Don't douche. (Douching can kill the good
bacteria that control infection – see below)
• Do not use feminine deodorant, deodorised
tampons or pads, creams, talcum powder
• Change out of wet clothing, especially bathing
suits or sports clothes, as soon as you can
• Avoid spa baths, bubble baths, or soaps near the
vagina
• Wash underwear in hot water
• Eat a well-balanced diet and yogurt
• Avoid scratching – if you feel itchy use cold
compresses
• Wipe from front to back when toileting to avoid
transferring bacteria to the vagina
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar level
as close to normal as possible.
scanty discharge, around the time of ovulation
(when an egg is released from the ovary); the
discharge increases, becomes sticky and clear like
‘egg-white’; in the second half of the menstrual
cycle the discharge is heavier whitish/yellow and
stains underwear yellowish. The normal discharge
may be different at various times in the cycle and
different for each individual woman.
A discharge that might indicate an infection may
have an offensive odour or cause irritation that
might be itchy or burning, or both. The itching may
be present at any time of the day, but it often is
most bothersome at night and can be made worse
by sexual intercourse. Inflammation of the vagina
from an infection is called vaginitis. It is important to
see your doctor if there has been a change in the
amount, colour, or smell of the discharge.
The vagina has an acid environment due to the
friendly bacteria, Lacto-bacillus, that lives there.
This provides protection but when the balance is
upset it allows fungus and other bacteria to grow
more. It’s not always easy for a woman to know
what type of infection she has – and sometimes
there can be an infection without any change in the
normal vaginal discharge. Let’s look at the common
types of vaginal infection.
Is your vaginal discharge normal?
A woman's vagina normally produces a discharge
that usually is described as clear or slightly cloudy,
non-irritating, and odour-free. The vagina
automatically cleanses itself. For a woman not on
hormonal contraception, during the normal
menstrual cycle, the amount and consistency of
discharge can vary. After a period there may be
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The Vulva
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Candida or a vaginal "yeast"
infection
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by one of the
many species of fungus called Candida. Candida
normally lives in small numbers in the vagina, as
well as in the mouth and digestive tract, of both men
and women. It can show up on a Pap test in a
woman with no symptoms. The vagina keeps
candida in check by its acid environment – from the
friendly bacteria that live there.
Yeast infections (often referred to as thrush) can
produce a thick, white vaginal discharge with the
consistency of cottage cheese and usually cause
the vagina and the vulva to be very itchy and red.
Yeast infections are not usually transmitted through
sexual intercourse and are not considered a
sexually transmissible disease.
A few things will increase your risk of getting a yeast
infection, including:
• Recent treatment with antibiotics – that may kill
off the friendly bacteria in the vagina. This allows
the yeast to overgrow and cause symptoms
• Uncontrolled diabetes. This allows for too much
sugar in the urine and vagina
• Changing hormone levels from pregnancy or the
oral contraceptive pill
Yeast infections are mostly treated with medicine
that you put into your vagina. This medicine may be
in cream or suppository form and many are
available over-the-counter. Medicine in a pill form
that you take by mouth is also available by
prescription.
Remember – protect yourself
against sexually transmissible
infections.
Use a condom for every sexual
encounter
way as do Candida when the vaginal balance is
upset. The exact reason for this overgrowth is not
known.
Bacterial vaginosis is not transmitted through sexual
intercourse but is more common in women who are
sexually active.
Up to 50% of the women who have bacterial
vaginosis do not have any symptoms. Most women
learn they have the infection during their annual
gynaecologic exam. But if symptoms appear, they
can include:
• White or discoloured discharge
• Discharge that smells "fishy" - often strongest
after sex
• Pain during urination
• Itchy and sore vagina
A sample of fluid from your vagina can be viewed
under a microscope. In most cases, your doctor can
tell right away if you have BV. Bacterial vaginosis
can only be treated with antibiotics ordered by your
doctor (most commonly metronidazole (Flagyl) and
clindamycin taken as a pill or used as a vaginal
cream or gel).
What is Group B streptococcus
(GBS)?
GBS is a bacterium that is often found in the vagina
and/or the intestine. It is not regarded as an
infection and does not usually require treatment.
However, if GBS is in the vagina during pregnancy,
the baby can acquire it at the time of birth and
develop pneumonia. The woman with GBS is
treated during labour to prevent the transfer of GBS
to the baby.
Disclaimer
True has taken every care to ensure that the information contained in this
publication is accurate and up-to-date at the time of being published. As
information and knowledge is constantly changing, readers are strongly
advised to confirm that the information complies with present research,
legislation and policy guidelines. True accepts no responsibility for
difficulties that may arise as a result of an individual acting on this
information and any recommendations it contains.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of
vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. BV
is caused by a combination of several bacteria.
These bacteria seem to overgrow in much the same
© True 2015
www.true.org.au