I’m a doctor and here’s what your vagina is really trying to tell you 0 274

EVERYONE tries to look after their body, whether it’s through diet or our fitness regimes.

While these are important for overall health, experts say that paying attention to your vagina is also key.

GettyOne health expert has said there are four things to look out for when it comes to the vagina[/caption]

The vagina is inside the body, with the cervix, womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The vulva (the bit you can see) is on the outside.

The vagina is a tube of about 8cm long which leads from the cervix to the neck of the womb and down to the vulva.

They help us out with everything from sex to periods – but there are some telltale signs that appear when your private part is trying to flag something.

Speaking to The Sun, women’s health expert for BioKult, Dr Shahzadi Harper revealed the four things you need to look out for.

1. A change in discharge

Vaginal discharge starts around the time of puberty, which is due to female hormones being produced from the ovaries.

Dr Harper said it varies throughout your menstrual cycle due to changes in hormonal levels.

In the first half of your cycle, it can be thin, sticky and elastic and become thicker later in your cycle.

She explained: “Some women can have more discharge than others, however changes in colour, smell, texture and noticing blood, can signify infections such as bacterial vaginosis and thrush.

“Vaginal discharge also helps to fight and prevent infection by flushing away dead cells and bacteria, keeping the vagina clean.”

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2. Redness or itching

Vaginal redness, itching and sometimes a burning sensation can be due to hormonal changes, such as a drop in oestrogen that can cause the vaginal walls to become thin and dry.

This, the guru explained, can also tend to happen when breastfeeding.

She said: “Outside factors such as chemical irritants, can also cause changes in redness, itching and burning, so I recommend avoiding certain soaps, chemicals etc, that can affect the vagina microbiome and PH level.

“For those who find that they suffer from excessive redness and/or itching, I recommend taking a supplement like Bio-Kult S.Boulardii.”

She said products like this are beneficial as they include vitamin D3 , which is a dual source of fibre which helps to feed and stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

3. Pain or bleeding

Depending on the type of contraception you are on, you might sometimes experience bleeding between periods.

Dr Harper said that most of the time, bleeding in between periods can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection e.g. chlamydia or something more serious, which should always be checked by a professional.

“Unexplained pain can again be due to STI or pelvic inflammatory disease and needs to be investigated.

“It is important to make sure that you are up to date with your Cervical Smear test and always wear a condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections,” she said.

4. Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is very common and can occur at different times throughout our lives.

From drops in oestrogen, anxiety, irritants, childbirth, breastfeeding, and simply ageing, Dr Harper said there are a myriad of causes.

She added: “Due to the drop in the oestrogen hormone in perimenopause and menopause, it means less lubrication, which again can cause pain during sexual and being more prone to infections.

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“Eating certain foods, wearing softer and more comfortable underwear, and using moisturisers and lubricants, are all different ways to ease dryness.

“It’s so important to know, protect and look after your vagina and be aware of all the tell-tale signs that could lead to health complications,” she added.

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Porn and Mental Health: The Challenges and Strategies for Coping in the Industry 0 177

Pornography is a billion-dollar industry that has gained widespread popularity across the globe. However, while it may be a source of entertainment for some, the industry can be challenging for performers’ mental health. The pressure to perform and meet the expectations of producers and viewers can take a toll on performers’ mental wellbeing. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges that the porn industry poses to mental health and strategies for coping with them.

The Challenges

  1. Stigma and Shame

The porn industry is still stigmatized, and performers can face a lot of shame and judgment from society. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, making it difficult for performers to seek help and support when needed.

  1. Pressure to Perform

Performers in the porn industry are expected to meet certain expectations and perform at their best every time. This pressure can be overwhelming and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

  1. Isolation and Loneliness

Performing in the porn industry can be a lonely experience, with performers spending long hours on set or on their own, away from friends and family. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can take a toll on mental health.

  1. Trauma and Abuse

The porn industry is not immune to issues such as sexual harassment, assault, and exploitation. Performers may experience these traumatic events, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Strategies for Coping

Seek Professional Help

Performers in the porn industry should seek professional help and support when they need it. There are many therapists and counselors who specialize in working with performers in the industry and can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for performers in the porn industry. Taking breaks when needed, exercising, and practicing mindfulness and meditation can help performers manage stress and promote mental wellbeing.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Having a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues can make a big difference in performers’ mental health. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the challenges of the industry and offer non-judgmental support can help performers cope with the stresses of the job.

Address Trauma and Abuse

Performers who have experienced trauma and abuse in the industry should seek support and address these issues head-on. This may involve therapy, reporting incidents to the authorities, and taking legal action if necessary.

Conclusion

The porn industry poses significant challenges to performers’ mental health, from stigma and shame to pressure to perform and trauma and abuse. However, with the right strategies, performers can cope with these challenges and maintain good mental wellbeing. Seeking professional help, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and addressing trauma and abuse are just a few strategies that can help performers in the porn industry maintain good mental health.

Navigating Consent and Boundaries in the Porn Industry: A Guide for Newcomers 0 165

Consent and boundaries are crucial aspects of the porn industry, and it’s essential for newcomers to understand how to navigate these issues. In this article, we’ll provide a guide for those who are new to the industry on how to approach consent and boundaries in a professional and respectful manner.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that consent is always required in the porn industry. This means that every actor must give explicit and enthusiastic consent to any sexual act that is portrayed on camera. Consent can be given verbally or non-verbally, but it must always be clear and enthusiastic.

In order to ensure that consent is obtained, communication is key. Actors should have open and honest conversations with their scene partners and the director prior to filming. They should discuss what they are comfortable with and what their boundaries are, as well as any specific instructions or concerns.

It’s also important for actors to feel empowered to set their own boundaries and to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe during filming. This means that if an actor does not want to perform a particular act or if they feel that their boundaries are being pushed, they have the right to stop the scene and speak to the director about their concerns.

It’s also essential for actors to be aware of their own physical and emotional limits. This means that they should take breaks as needed, communicate with their scene partner and director about any discomfort or pain, and engage in self-care practices to ensure that they are physically and emotionally prepared for the demands of the job.

Finally, it’s important for actors to have a support system in place. This can include talking to other actors who have experience in the industry, seeking out counseling or therapy, and having trusted friends and family members who can provide emotional support.

Navigating consent and boundaries in the porn industry can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. By following these guidelines, newcomers to the industry can ensure that they are approaching these issues in a professional and responsible manner.

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