DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
funpics
HTML https://funpics.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Health self-help
*****************************************************
#Post#: 2479--------------------------------------------------
maintaining healthy genitals
DIR By: lubhan
Date: December 16, 2016, 5:25 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[size=12pt]Maintaining healthy genitals
The skin of the female genital area is especially sensitive and
needs protection from physical damage and certain chemicals.
Keep the vulva dry and well aired by:
wearing only plain, loose-fitting cotton underwear and changing
it daily
changing out of damp bathing suits or exercise clothing as soon
as possible
changing pads and tampons regularly (check the packaging
instructions if unsure about time length)
avoiding tight-fitting clothes, g-strings, panty-hose and
synthetic materials next to the skin
avoiding long exposure to hot, sweaty or chafing conditions, eg
sauna, aerobics
Irritation to the vulva can be avoided by:
not using soaps or antiseptics – use plain water or a soap
alternative such as Cetaphil,
Dermaveen or Hamilton QV wash to wash the area
not using perfumed deodorants or talcs near the vulva
not using perfumed pads and tampons
using soft, unperfumed toilet paper
not over-washing the area (once a day is sufficient) and patting
it dry after washing, rather than rubbing with a towel
If you are experiencing vulval irritation you should:
make sure that all clothing in contact with the vulva has been
rinsed well so no washing detergent remains, and avoid fabric
softener on underwear
wash the genitals gently in plain, cool water. Burning and
irritation can be relieved by cool washes or salt baths (2
teaspoons table salt per litre of water
avoid getting shampoo on the vulva, and avoid using bath gels
and bubble baths
avoid panty liners and use only 100% cotton tampons and pads
avoid sex when you have pain, or consider alternatives to
painful intercourse, such as oral sex. Avoid using lubricants
such as KY jelly if these increase irritation. Light vegetable
oil can be useful as a lubricant for sex, but will cause damage
to condoms, dams and diaphragms. Sometimes semen can be very
irritating, so condoms or ejaculation outside the vagina can be
helpful
avoid scratching as it can damage vulval skin and make itching
worse. Reduce itching with cool washes and compresses. Don’t
rub the area with toilet paper, just pat gently dry with
unperfumed paper
limit exercises that can irritate the area, such as horse and
bike riding
avoid shaving or waxing the genital area
Common genital problems
Vaginal problems
A variety of bacteria, yeasts and other micro-organisms occur
naturally in the vagina. Specific bacteria (lactobacilli)
normally keep the vagina slightly acidic, keeping the growth of
other bacteria under control.
The vaginal balance can be upset by external factors. This can
lead to a change in the balance of the natural bacteria in the
vagina, causing problems. Some women are more prone than others
to disturbance of the vaginal environment.
A course of antibiotics may reduce the numbers of bacteria that
the vagina needs to keep its normal acidic balance. Stress,
illness and hormone changes can also alter the vaginal
environment.
Signs of a vaginal problem may be:
itching, irritation or soreness around the vaginal opening
a burning sensation when urinating
increased or unusual discharge
swelling of the labia
abnormal bleeding
uncomfortable or painful sex
an unpleasant odour
If you are experiencing any of the above problems, see a doctor
or FPWA clinician.
Genital itch
Genital itch is a common problem among women. Many assume that
any genital itch is due to thrush (see below for more
information), but there are other conditions that can cause
itching and soreness, such as eczema (dermatitis).
If you are experiencing persistent genital itch, it is important
to see a doctor or FPWA clinician to get an accurate diagnosis,
so that you can be given the right treatment.
Vulval pain
Vulval pain is a problem for many women, and can be caused by
both physical and psychological factors. It can make inserting
tampons or having sex difficult or impossible. Some women find
the area too painful to even touch.
Some vulval problems have noticeable signs, such as a growth,
sore or rash on the vulva. These can often indicate an infection
or skin condition such as eczema or dermatitis, and need to be
checked by a doctor.
Some women experiencing vulval pain have no other physical
symptoms but experience pain some or all of the time, in
particular when urinating or sitting for long periods. Because
of the lack of other symptoms, these problems can be difficult
to diagnose. Physical therapy is often used to treat vulval
pain, but avoiding intercourse, wearing loose clothing and using
cold packs can help. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants
or anti-epileptic medication to reduce the pain, or a special
cream to apply to the area. Counselling or therapy may be
beneficial if the pain is due to psychological causes.
Although not usually an indication of a serious condition, if
you are experiencing recurring vulval pain it is important to
see a doctor - don’t try and treat the problem yourself.
Occasionally however, pain can be related to conditions such as
cancer.
Vaginal infections
Infection can be avoided by:
wiping from front to back when using toilet paper
being particularly careful with hygiene if you have a bowel
upset e.g. washing rather than wiping
eating a healthy, well balanced diet
not douching (flushing liquids into the vagina)
Common vaginal infections
Thrush
This infection is also called monilia or candida. The organism
is a yeast which is commonly found in the body without causing
any problems. At times a woman may notice symptoms, particularly
during pregnancy, or when she is on antibiotics or some other
medication. Women who are diabetic or who have other illnesses
may have recurring problems with thrush.
Common symptoms of thrush can include itchiness, burning,
soreness, a thick white or yellow discharge, discomfort during
intercourse and pain when urinating. Sometimes men may also
notice irritation and redness of the penis after sex if their
partner has thrush, but it is not considered to be a sexually
transmissible infection (STI).
Thrush is diagnosed by examination and confirmed by taking
swabs. It may also be detected on a routine Pap smear.
Thrush does not have to be treated if it is not bothering you.
Some women find their symptoms can be relieved by sitting in a
warm salty bath or by using cold compresses.
If you are certain that thrush is the cause of your symptoms,
antifungal vaginal creams and pessaries are available over the
counter at pharmacies. If you are finding that thrush is a
frequent problem it is advisable to visit your doctor or the
FPWA clinic. Your doctor will examine you to confirm that thrush
is the cause of your symptoms and may prescribe other treatments
such as oral antifungal tablets. The doctor may take this
opportunity to rule out the possibility of STIs, which can also
cause irritation.
Putting yogurt on an irritated vulva will not get rid of the
infection.
Bacterial vaginosis
This is a common condition in women and is caused by an
overgrowth of bacteria that normally live in the bowel but may
be found in the vagina. The organisms often multiply in the
vagina when the acid level falls.
Bacterial vaginosis may cause a white to grey discharge with an
unpleasant 'fish' or stale odour. Vulval irritation can occur
and sex may be uncomfortable. Bacterial vaginosis is diagnosed
by an examination testing the acidity of the vaginal fluid, and
confirmed by swabs.
Bacterial vaginosis does not have to be treated if it is not
bothering you.
If it is a problem your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the
form of tablets or vaginal cream. The FPWA clinic or your doctor
may also recommend treatment if you are planning to have an
intrauterine contraceptive device fitted or any gynaecological
operation.
Telling partners
It is a good idea to talk to your partner if you have a vaginal
infection or are experiencing vulval pain, even though it can be
embarrassing. They may find it helpful to read this pamphlet. It
is generally better to avoid sexual intercourse if you have an
infection, particularly if you have pain or discomfort, to
prevent ongoing problems.
Ways of coping
Vaginal infections and vulval pain are very common, but can be a
real problem for some women. If you are feeling distressed, it
is important to talk to your doctor, nurse or a counsellor for
further information and support. If you are experiencing pain,
relaxation and stress management techniques may be of help.
Genitals
Use great care. Remember that it will itch so badly that you
will wish for sweet death once it starts growing back - consider
waxing as a sane alternative. Using electric trimmers on a low
length setting will also give you similar aesthetic and tactile
benefits without all the trouble and itching.
Go slowly---not only in the usual sense, but also in the sense
of gradually removing more hair: begin with just a close trim,
then next time shave the periphery, continuing to remove more
over the course of weeks. As with any other part of the body,
shaving along the direction of hair growth gives a shave which
is not quite as close (and therefore will never match the
airbrushed ideal) but which is exponentially less likely to
cause rashes, cuts, or ingrown hair. Thus, the reader is advised
to shave along the direction of growth several times before
attempting the closer against-the-grain cut.
As with all shaving, the skin will become desensitized with
repeated shaving, so perseverance will eventually pay off.
Male
Start with a very sharp blade and something that is very
unlikely to slip out of your hands. A Mach 3 razor (disposable
blades) is highly recommended. Also different parts of the
genitals react differently to being shaved. I highly suggest
shaving only with the direction of the hair. Shaving against the
grain causes pimples, red spots (burns) and icthes like heck
when regrowing. To get a closer shave I tend to go across the
grain and angled downwards slightly.
I personally shave in the shower (private and easy clean-up) and
shave every 4-7 days depending on comfort of the regrowth.
Start by sitting on the shower floor with the water not spraying
directly on you (spray it at the wall or something). Lather the
areas you are going to shave. I leave the hair from my naval to
my belt-line intact, so that if I have my shirt off, no one
would ever know I shaved.
Most of the skin in these areas is very loose, so you will need
to use one hand to pull the skin taut and the other hand to
shave. Keep the lather on hand as it will likely wash away a bit
and you want to be careful not to shave without a lubricant. I
use Gillette 'sensitive skin' shaving gel.
Shaving for the first time
(I don't remember very well, except a lot of hair tearing by the
razor and it getting jammed every stroke)
Maintenance (5 minute shave)
The 'V'
This is the section below your naval and down to the base of the
penis. Shave no more the 1-2 inches per stroke and rinse the
blade after every single stroke. It is much better to make a few
passes then to tear hairs because your razor is jammed. Start at
the top working your way all the way across, taking it out in
strips. I shave about 2 inches into my thighs as this makes it
blend a little better, but I am not very hairy. There is a bare
patch between my pubic hair and leg hair, so I simply remove all
the pubic hair so it blends more naturally with my legs.
The section between the scrotum and your leg and the section
just below the scrotum is the second most sensitive area I've
found. Along the side I always shave sideways either towards the
scrotum or away from it. A few passes with the blade with
generally remove all the hair here and the fewer the passes the
better. Press firmly with the blade, but only enough to prevent
tearing hair. Directly beside these sections on your actual
legs, shaving up and down easily remove the hair. The legs are
far less sensitive and the hair in the small sections seems to
have no problem with very close shaving. Shaving below the
scrotum is explained in the Scrotum section below.
The Shaft (Penis)
This is a very sensitive section and will very easily bleed and
get cut (Most sensitive area I've found). Having an erection
makes shaving this area much easier. The most common cuts occur
at the edge of where the hair stops growing about half-way up
the shaft. I stress again, shave in the direction of growth.
Start at the base where you left off and shaving the 'V' like
area above. Shave upwards and use very careful strokes. Keep the
blade nice and close to the skin but don't press hard or you
will cause cuts and burns. Work your way around the shaft. When
you get to the bottom part where the penis and scrotum join, you
will probably have to shave downwards to get close enough. After
going over this section lightly and carefully, you may have
missed spots. These are the only spot where you will need to go
against the direction of growth to remove. In very small strokes
remove these missed patches. This tends to be near the top where
the hair-line is, and is also the reason for occasional cuts.
The Scrotum
For this section the penis should be pulled close to the stomach
and shaved in a downwards direction. Complete full strokes from
the bottom base of the penis until your blade comes off the
testicles (because of the curve) on its own. Then once this top
area of the scrotum is done, pull the testicles up towards the
stomach as well. Shave from the bottom of the scrotum up towards
the testicles. This is also when I tend to shave below the
scrotum and finish the sides. Simply move your genitals out of
the way to tighten the skin slightly and shave with the
direction of growth.
The rough nature of the scrotum makes it prone to hair tearing
(as you can't press very hard), but is surprisingly not very
sensitive to razor burn. The hair is very sparse in this area,
so I find shaving it fairly easy.
Care
Avoid sweating as much as possible. If needed use rubbing acohol
to reduce itching and redness if it occurs. If you get red
spots, it's not the end of the world, it simply means you shaved
too close to the skin and next time to be more careful and don't
shave that area against the direction of growth.
If you get chafing across the top (this will cause redspots as
well) it is probably caused by your belt/pants and you can
simply place a large bandaid across the top section for a day
until the hair gets a bit longer and is less sensitive. This
happens sometimes the day after shaving if you are walking a
lot. Having the bandaid on for more then a day will cause
itching.
If you have any unbearable amount of itching, change underwear
frequently and shower often (once every day). Boxer shorts tend
to sweat more than briefs, so you may want to change over to
briefs for a little while if this occurs. If itching continues
for more then a few days to a week, see a doctor as it may not
be related to shaving.
Notes
If you decide you don't like the look or feel of shaved
genitals, then it will take quite some time to grow back
(approximately 6 months; I only ever let it grow back once and I
can't remember the specific dates very well). It will NOT grow
back any thicker than it was before, this is a wives' tale and
is entirely false. It may appear to be growing back more
thickly, but it's an optical illusion because all the hair is
growing back at the same length instead of being staggered like
it naturally is.
Razor burns
Most people will experience razor burns at some point for
various reasons. There are several ways to reduce your chance of
getting a severe inflamation. Start by always using a clean and
relatively sharp razor and never use old or rusty razors. This
will reduce your chance of getting an infection if you get cut,
and make it less likely you will need to go over the same area
of skin more than once. When rinsing a blade never use hot
water, tepid water, a little cooler than what you would find
comfortable for washing your hands is best. Shave the face with
the grain and against on the neck, other body parts may be
better with one or the other. When you are done rinse off any
excess soap cream or hair with tepid water before a final rise
with cold water. Dry your face immediately with a clean dry
towel. If you have sensitive skin you may want consider this
when purchasing shaving cream or soap as well as using a lotion
or lotion based aftershave. Some people have extremely sensitive
skin that is irritated merely by the act of shaving, if so you
should try to only shave every other day or less if necessary.
It is also important to note that if you have not shaved in a
while or do not shave often your skin will be more sensitive.
Cuts
Even though most razor cuts are small in size, they tend to
bleed profusely. They are usually quite easy to treat because
most shaving takes place in a bathroom where medical supplies
are present. A styptic pencil or block (aluminum sulfate) can be
used to stop bleeding from razor cuts. This inexpensive product
is available at any drugstore.
Tickling
It is a little known fact that tickling a shaving cut is equally
effective as applying tissue paper or aluminum sulfate. After
the cut occurs, simply tickle the cut with your thumb and
forefinger and watch the magic begin.
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1