![]() A menstrual cycle is defined as the first day of menstrual bleeding of one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding of the next cycle. Menstrual Cycle: The monthly process of changes that occur to prepare a woman’s body for possible pregnancy. Menopause is confirmed after 1 year of no periods. Menopause: The time when a woman’s menstrual periods stop permanently. These bacteria help keep the vagina acidic and prevent overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria. ![]() Lactobacilli: A type of bacteria normally found in large numbers in the vagina. Labia Minora: The inner folds of tissue of the external female genital area. Labia Majora: The outer folds of tissue of the external female genital area. Hymen: A membrane at the entrance of the vaginal opening. Hormones: Substances made in the body that controls the function of cells or organs. Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels located in or around the anus. Gynecologist: A doctor with special training and education in women’s health. Signs and symptoms can include vaginal dryness, pain with sex, bladder symptoms, frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), burning, itching, and irritation. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): A collection of signs and symptoms caused by a decrease in estrogen and other sex hormones. Symptoms may include vaginal discharge, fishy odor, pain, itching, and burning.īartholin Glands : Two glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that make a fluid during sexual activity.Ĭlitoris: A female sex organ found near the opening of the vagina.Įstrogen: A female hormone produced in the ovaries. Although SERMs are not estrogen, some may have risks similar to those of estrogen.Īntibiotics: Drugs that treat certain types of infections.īacteria: One-celled organisms that can cause infections in the human body.īacterial Vaginosis (BV): A condition in which the normal balance of bacteria is changed by an overgrowth of other bacteria. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)-These medications stimulate certain tissues that respond to estrogen while not stimulating other tissues that respond to estrogen.Progestin helps reduce the risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus that occurs when estrogen is used alone. Women who still have a uterus also need to take progestin when taking estrogen therapy. Systemic estrogen therapy-With this type of estrogen therapy (pills, skin patches, or gels or sprays applied to the skin), estrogen is released into the bloodstream and travels to the organs and tissues where it is needed.The estrogen helps restore the natural thickness and elasticity to the vaginal lining and also relieves dryness and irritation. Local estrogen therapy-With low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy (vaginal creams, vaginal rings, and vaginal tablets), a small dose of estrogen is released directly into the vaginal tissue.You can buy moisturizers and lubricants over the counter. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants-Moisturizers and lubricants can help relieve vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse. Others need to be prescribed by your gynecologist or other health care professional. Some are available over the counter without a prescription. Many treatment options are available to address the signs and symptoms of GSM.
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