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      Vaginal Probiotics Are Having A Moment – But How Do They Work?

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      Since your algorithm knows you’re a woman, you’ve likely seen vaginal probiotics on your feeds: gummies, powders and pills that tout an end to thrush and infection. While we know vaginas are self-cleansing machines, this is one trend that could help, per experts.

      First, some background…

      “A healthy vagina has “good” bacteria in it,” says gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Daniela Krick. “This is called the vaginal flora or microbiome and is made up of many different types of bacteria, the predominant being lactobacilli.” They work to fend against microbes from outside that cause infection and microbes that reside in the vagina but multiply abnormally quickly, causing thrush or vaginosis, Dr Krick explains.

      That being said, a probiotic can help – if you have a vaginal flora imbalance. It’s made of naturally-occurring lactobacilli, the healthy bacteria in your bod. This can help restore vaginal pH and improve the body’s natural defence against infection. “Nowadays, there is increasing evidence that probiotics are effective in assisting the treatment of bacterial vaginosis,” says Dr Krick.

      Do you need vaginal probiotics?

      Maybe, say the experts, if you’re prone to bacterial vaginosis or thrush. “The thinking is that introducing more of the helpful lactobacilli might protect against that overgrowth of harmful organisms. Consequently, this can reduce recurrent infections,” says Dr Krick. “There is some evidence that women suffering from GSM (genitourinary symptoms of menopause) may benefit from vaginal probiotics in combination with traditional local oestrogen therapy.”

      Added to that, scant studies suggest that vaginal probiotics could clear out HPV infections. HPV is associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

      Ingredients to look out for

      Studies that show the positive effects of using vaginal probiotics have specific strains that are successful. So, look out for Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, says Dr Krick. Also, there are various applications, and they all work to similar effect.

      Even so, chat with your doctor if you’re thinking of using a vaginal probiotic. “It is important to remember that all probiotics are live microorganisms which can have side effects such as allergic reactions and gastrointestinal upset,” says Dr Krick.

      Also, look for probiotic-based products that have these strains. Other products might not have the necessary ingredients that alleviate symptoms of thrush and bacterial vaginosis.

      Make sure you’re safe

      It’s important to not engage in other practices that could create an environment for infection. That includes:

      Long, soapy baths (it’s water full of bacteria)

      Douching

      Using soaps to wash your lady parts. Only use water or a low-pH soap.

      And, practise safe sex

      Try these vaginal probiotics

      These probiotics contain the ingredients that have been studied and shown to produce results.

      Reuterina Femme

      These contain the right ingredients you need to flush out irritation and infection, in a capsule.

      Femina Cranberry Probiotic Capsules

      Lactose-free and vegan-friendly, this capsule delivers cranberry extract and probiotics.

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      The Best Sex Toys For Those With Endometriosis

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      Do you have endometriosis? If you do, you’re not alone. According to WHO, 1 in 10 women at the reproductive age are affected by the condition globally.

      Those with endo know how much it can interfere with quality of life, including being intimate with your partner. Because the disorder most commonly involves a woman’s ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis, having sex and/or your period can feel similar to being stabbed over and over again, right in the uterus. Horrendous.

      But having endo doesn’t mean you have to live an orgasm-less life. To help you get your rocks off, sex educator Javay Frye-Nekrasova shares her tips for engaging in partnered and solo sex, plus the best sex toys for those with endometriosis.

      Communication Is Key

      Emotional concerns may include disappointment in not being able to engage in sex with a partner, as one would imagine, as well as frustration with your body. Talk with your partner, share your thoughts, and explore the different avenues of pleasure with each other.

      ‘Warm Up’ Before Engaging In Penetrative Play

      It can take up to 20 minutes for the vulva to be fully aroused. This is important because the vagina elongates when the vulva is aroused, and this can make a big difference in less painful penetrative play.

      Go Solo

      Masturbation can be beneficial for alleviating pain during intercourse as the release of endorphins and happy hormones can help with discomfort. A warm bath with some Epsom salt might also help with pain so that you can enjoy pleasure during masturbation. You can opt for a vibrator like the Mon Ami Bullet, as it is waterproof and safe to join you in the tub.

      Incorporate Sex Toys

      Womanizer | Premium 2 Clitoral Stimulator

      Clitoral stimulation is a great option if penetrative play is painful. The Womanizer Premium 2 is a great clitoral stimulator that uses Pleasure Air technology to simulate oral sex.

      We-Vibe | Tango X Clitoral Stimulator

      If you are more of a vibration lover then the We-Vibe Tango is a great option that packs power in a little package.

      We-Vibe | Match

      For those who want to try out some penetrative play for masturbation, a shorter penetrative toy like the We-Vibe Match could be a good place to start. It is a dual stimulator that stimulates the clitoris and g-spot at the same time. It also has a remote control as well as an app to allow you to control the stimulation.

      The post The Best Sex Toys For Those With Endometriosis appeared first on Women’s Health.

      We may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. More

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      Everything You Really Need To Know About Yoni Eggs

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      From increased sexual arousal to toe-curling orgasms, there’s a range of benefits that come from exercising your pelvic floor muscles.

      We’ve all heard about Gwyneth Paltrow and her jade eggs, but unlike some of her more left-field ideas – such as her eight-day goat’s-milk cleanse – these eggs do have health benefits. “There are two sides to yoni eggs [yoni is Sanskrit for womb, uterus, source or female genitalia],” says Dr Elna Rudolph, medical doctor, sexologist and clinical head of My Sexual Health. “The physical side, where it acts as a weight in the vagina to train muscles in the same way you would use weights in the gym to train other muscles. And the more esoteric side, where it is claimed to have loads of other positive effects that can’t necessarily be explained scientifically.”

      An ancient Chinese Taoist practice, “yoni eggs have grown enormously in popularity over the past couple of years,” says Yoni Eggs South Africa founder, Juliet Terblanche. “One reason being that women are starting to reject the conventional ways of treating pelvic/reproductive health challenges and are looking for a more holistic approach that is also highly effective.”

      What is a yoni egg?

      Made from a range of stones, the eggs come in three different sizes. When you start using yoni eggs, you need to start with the smallest egg. As your muscles get stronger, you can work your way up to the largest egg. Rudolph suggests using the eggs for very short periods in the beginning so as not to over-burden your muscles. As your muscles strengthen, you will be able to increase the time you use them for. “I wouldn’t advise anybody wear one 24/7 – you need to relax your pelvic floor at times.” According to Terblanche, “a focused daily practice of 15 to 20 minutes is more than enough to experience the benefits of a yoni egg.”

      What are the benefits of yoni eggs?

      So what are the physical benefits of using yoni eggs? “The basic benefit is that it trains the pelvic floor muscles and makes them stronger. This can improve pleasure during intercourse, make orgasms more intense, intensify the sensation for your partner and improve or prevent incontinence,” explains Rudolph. The eggs can be particularly useful for women with weak pelvic floor muscles, especially after childbirth, those with mild incontinence and for those getting on in years.

      While there is a range of benefits, yoni eggs aren’t for everyone: “People with a hyperactive pelvic floor and people who experience painful intercourse, where the cause has not been determined, should not use the eggs,” warns Rudolph.

      Medium Rose Quartz Yoni Egg

      Tone those muscles with this medium egg, perfect for aiding with incontinence and heightening the sexual experience. More

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      At-Home Test Kits: From Ovulation To STDs, Here’s How To Get Results At Home

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      Ah, technology. We’ve come a super long way from sitting in stirrups for test results to now, where we can simply buy an at-home test kit to know our status. From finding your fertile window to knowing your STD status, these at-home test kits are well worth the purchase, especially when you’re feeling uncertain and don’t want to sit in a queue at the clinic.

      Zoie HPV Self-Test Kit

      HPV remains one of the biggest risks to women’s overall health since it’s a major precursor of cervical cancer. South Africa has really high rates of cervical cancer. Since testing can be tedious, get results at home without visiting the clinic.

      VIVOO V3 Advanced Urine Test

      Think of this as your all-in-one health test kit. It’ll measure your levels of Magnesium, water, vitamin C, calcium, pH levels (alkaline diet, anyone?), ketone, protein, oxidative stress and sodium. There’s also an app tie-in so you can make sense of the numbers and what it means for your body, right now.

      Easy@Home Ovulation Test Strips

      This test identifies your fertile window with a whopping six days of opportunity with 99% accuracy. A complementary app lets you compare all your test results, with interactive graphs that lets you track your menstrual cycle.

      Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test

      This test identifies your two most fertile days – and it works. The digital test gives you a cute smiley face when it’s ovulating. Plus, it gets to work in just five seconds.

      DNX Medical UTI-AID Test Strips

      With accurate results in just 60 seconds, this is the same kind of kit used by doctors. Use the colour chart provided to see how your urine holds up.

      Exacto Vaginal Infection Rapid Self Test

      Gets to work in seconds. Simply insert the test into the vagina, press it onto the vaginal walls for ten seconds, then remove. Compare your result to a colour chart and get your results. Easy peasy.

      ESO Test Syphilis Rapid Screen Test

      This is an antibody test, which tests for the presence of antibodies in the human body that are produced in response to the TP bacterium. Results are delivered in 15 minutes.

      INSTI – HIV Self-Test

      Keen to know your HIV status but scared to visit the clinic? Get yourself tested at home with this quick kit. The INSTI kit provides accurate results in 1 minute, and is used by healthcare professionals, too.

      ESO Test Herpes Rapid Screen Test

      You’ll need one to two drops of blood for this test, but that’s negligible. Results are delivered within 15 minutes – no lab testing required.

      ESO Test Gonorrhoea Rapid Screen Test

      This is an antigen test, which tests directly for the presence of the gonorrhoea bacteria in the body, with high clinical accuracy. Expect results in less than 15 minutes. More

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      We Need To Talk About Hysterectomies And How They Really Affect Women

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      Hysterectomies affect millions of women of all ages. Yet, receives almost no attention. A newly released book and podcast by Melanie Verwoerd under the title: “Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy” aims to break this cycle of silence.

      How common are hysterectomies?

      The Stats

      Estimations are that 1 out of 5 women will have a hysterectomy by age 55. In America, the procedure is performed on 600 000 women annually. There are approximately 20 million American women at any stage who have had hysterectomies. In the EU, about 1.5 million hysterectomies are performed per annum, compared to 55 000 in the UK, 700 000 in India and 41 000 in Canada.

      There are no statistics available in South Africa.

      “We know that hysterectomies affect women of all ages,” says Melanie. “However, if we look at the patterns globally we know that the majority of hysterectomies are performed on women over 40 and it increases over 50.”

      That’s not to say that young women don’t get hysterectomies. There are medical reasons to undergo the procedure, with Lena Dunham opening up about her procedure and the fallout. For some, hysterectomies might be necessary when dealing with endometriosis or fibroids.

      Dealing with hysterectomies

      Having a hysterectomy is a radical, invasive operation. It involves removing the uterus, meaning a woman can no longer give birth. It also has an impact on a woman’s hormones, since the uterus is the housing station for hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.

      For Melanie, her hysterectomy happened when doctors discovered a growth in her uterus. “When an ovarian growth is detected (usually through an ultrasound), they will usually (if you can afford it) do a CT or MRI scan. If they can see that it is a hard mass of a certain size – and not a fluid-filled cyst, they get more worried,” she explains.

      “The sad and infuriating thing is that the only way they can then determine whether it is malignant or benign is to do surgery to remove the growth and for pathologists to look at it.

      “However, because they don’t want to do another surgery if the growth is indeed malignant, they will almost always do a pre-emptive radical hysterectomy. (Where they remove, the ovaries, uterus, some ligaments, and the cervix.) They usually also remove part of the omentum, which is a fatty curtain that protects your organs – but where cancer cells like to hide.  They will usually do an abdominal cut (as opposed to laparoscopic or vaginal procedure) because they don’t want parts of the tumour to chip off and “seed” in your abdomen if it is cancer. This of course means that it is a much bigger operation that involves a much longer recovery period.”

      The Research

      What’s infuriating for Melanie is that so little money and time is spent on research in the women’s health space that detecting and treating conditions such as hers ends up being invasive, costly and mentally and physically draining.

      “For example, more than double the amount of research funding globally is spent on prostate cancer. Thus, today, prostate cancers can be detected through simple non-invasive blood tests,” Melanie says. “Unsurprisingly, the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is around 29% compared to over 95% in prostate cancer.”

      Hysterectomies take looong to recover from

      One of the things not spoken about enough is the long recovery time, as well as the emotional toll it takes on women. “Women are often told that it takes a maximum of 6 weeks to be back to your old self again,” says Melanie.

      “I have not met a single woman who felt that way. Although vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies have much shorter recovery times than abdominal cuts, it can take months for women to feel 100% fine again in all aspects. “

      The Psychological Ramifications

      “It is not only physical but there are a lot of psychological ramifications as well,” explains Melanie. After having undergone such a procedure, it’s common for women to feel depressed. Then there’s how the hysterectomy affects young women who have yet to enter menopause.

      “If ovaries are removed in pre-menopausal women it will of course put them into immediate menopause and so they have to deal with the intense hormonal crash,” says Melanie. “Many women also find that they gain weight, which is most probably more linked to hormonal changes than the actual operation and some find it very difficult to get their sexual groove back.”

      Then there are all the other physical changes that happen post-op. There can be complications post-op, like prolapse (when organs start to exit the vagina), incontinence (urine leakage), bleeding and general pelvic floor problems. All of these take a long time to resolve, from months to a year, if there’s adequate and rigorous treatment. And it can affect a woman’s sex life in a big way.

      Melanie’s hope with the book and accompanying podcast is to shed light on the matter and press for further research into the issue, so that women aren’t faced with such dire odds in the doctor’s office.

      Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy: The Podcast (available on all major platforms) features interviews with health and medical experts. Common questions such as: “Where did my pelvic floor go? How to get my sexual groove back? What happens on the day of the operation? How much bleeding is normal? Why are my hormones playing havoc? How to recover emotionally and get your partner to wash the dishes and cut the lawn during your recovery” are answered.

      The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other major podcast platforms. More

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      All About The New Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Therapy

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      Vaginal dryness affects many women, especially women in their post-menopausal phase. The result? Less pleasurable or even painful sex and overall discomfort down there.

      According to the Women’s Health Organisation, 58% of post-menopausal women experience a lack of natural lubrication, the hallmark sign of vaginal atrophy – the thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls, often due to a decline in oestrogen. It can affect other women too, who are on medication or struggling with thyroid issues.

      “Vaginal atrophy is also very commonly seen in patients who have had cancer treatment and patients with low oestrogen.”
      Amy Knoetze, the national distributor for AQ Skin Solutions in South Africa.

      The knock-on effects include discomfort during intimacy, the loss of desire and even urinary symptoms like persistent UTIs. 

      Vaginal rejuvenation therapy is one avenue to explore if you’re struggling with vaginal atrophy, and it doesn’t have to be surgical or involve the use of hormones (in the form of hormone replacement therapy), either. For one, AQ Skin Solutions, the same brand that offers a treatment rivalling the vampire facial, uses the same growth factor technology for vaginal rejuvenation.

      The AQ Vaginal Rejuvenation System

      AQ Skin Solutions Vaginal Rejuvenation System (VRS) is a clinically proven solution for vaginal rejuvenation. Using Growth Factor technology, VRS works to relieve vaginal dryness, soothe irritation and improve elasticity. The latter can help tighten the vaginal walls in a way that may enhance intimacy as well as female arousal.

      Um, what are growth factors?

      Growth Factors are highly specialised proteins naturally produced by your body. They’re also “message carriers” with an important job to do – telling other cells to multiply, regenerate and regulate. This is why they’re so useful in skincare. They can instruct your body to do specific beneficial things, like rev up its collagen production to protect and improve your skin’s elasticity. 

      In regards to VRS, AQ Skin Solutions have used a proprietary elixir of all-natural growth factors to create a solution that isn’t just another lubricant. Instead, it helps restore your vagina’s natural lubricating ability while increasing the collagen and elastin within the walls to firm and tighten to your genetic potential.

      “It is important to note that AQ VRS performs better than hormonal treatment for vaginal rejuvenation and is a completely hormone free option,” says Amy. “Many women don’t want HRT (hormone replacement therapy) as it may pose a risk for heart disease and breast cancer so they resign themselves to the idea that a particular part of their life is over. But it doesn’t have to be – VRS is literally changing lives.”

      How it works

      “This is a discreet at-home treatment that restores the function of the vagina and resets the PH to a healthy PH,” explains Amy. The therapy comes in little tubes that are every second evening after bathing, just before bed. Within six weeks, you should see and feel results. “Because of all of the new blood supply in the area, patients often report an increase in sexual arousal and heightened sensation. This is a bonus side effect!” says Amy.

      To try out the system, get in touch with AQ Skin Solutions in South Africa via Instagram or Facebook. More

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      Supporting Your Partner Through Erectile Dysfunction

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      Often defined as the inability to maintain an erection firm enough for satisfying action between the sheets, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem experienced by a third of men over the age of 40. Research often cites social habits such as smoking and alcohol as some of the culprits that contribute to ED. Though life-altering, ED itself is not fatal – but can indicate a more serious condition like heart disease.

      30% of men over 40 will experience erectile dysfunction.

      A Health Case

      Quick biology recap: Coronary heart disease takes place when plaque builds up and blocks the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and impacting the functioning of blood vessels. This restriction usually hits the blood vessels of the penis first. However, it’s easy to overlook the medical implications at first. “ED has negative psychological outcomes for men. They see it as humiliating or something that lessens their status as a man. The men who visit my practice often think they’re not worthy of attention and that their ED is just a normal part of the ageing process,” explains Dr Heather Blaylock, a medical doctor with a special interest in sexual health. She adds that the partners of men who suffer from ED may feel unattractive, unwanted or guilty. 

      S Is For Support 

      “Partner support during treatment is also very important for better outcomes,” urges Dr Blaylock. If you’re not sure what that looks like, she gives this advice on how to be there for your significant other: 

      Encourage your partner to see a doctor so that they can be screened for underlying disease and potentially prevent a critical cardiac event in the future.

      Occasional difficulty maintaining an erection is totally normal. However, ongoing and untreated erectile dysfunction can impact a man’s self-esteem – and his personal relationships. Make extra effort to bolster his self-worth.

      The silver lining: ED meds have evolved and there are plenty of options available. “Treatment options include a group of drugs known as PDE5-inhibitors. These include tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil. PDE5 medication not only improves sexual function and satisfaction but also improves the relationship,” says Dr Blaylock. But be prepared for the possible side effects too, which may include flushing, headache, nasal congestion and indigestion. 

      Newer generic medications that have made the treatment of ED more accessible and affordable to more South African men are also available.

      Normal sexual stimulation is still required for arousal, even with your partner on ED medication. 

      With this info in mind, remember to broach the subject with kindness and understanding. Your partner feels vulnerable, so be sensitive. 

      “Everyone wants a cure but there is no magic cure. However, men should not suffer in silence as there are many safe options available,”  
      Dr Blaylock. More

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      Everything You Need To Know About Endometriosis

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      Endometriosis: what a bloody mess. It’s a condition as common as asthma and diabetes, but not as often discussed. It’s estimated that one in ten women suffer from endometriosis. The condition can be so debilitating that women often need to stay home, missing work or other important activities. 

      What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

      While ramped-up period pain is often associated with endometriosis, it doesn’t end there. The most common signs are:

      Cramps — Common PMS cramps generally show up right before your period. Pelvic pain caused by endometriosis can show up days (even weeks) earlier than the expected PMS discomfort.

      Gastrointestinal or bladder issues — Sometimes the uterine lining can travel and attach itself to the bladder or bowels and can cause painful issues like constipation, diarrhoea, or the feeling that you’ve got a UTI.

      Painful sex — If you’re feeling pain during deep penetration (as opposed to say, the insertion of the penis) your gynae may suspect endometriosis.

      Backache — endometrial glands can travel along the back or frontal wall of the pelvic cavity, which can cause back pain or stomach aches.

      Fertility issues — When endometriosis is severe, it can damage or block the fallopian tubes or distort the pelvic cavity, lowering your odds of reproductive success. Around 70% of patients with endometriosis will have no fertility issues. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, up to 30% of women with endometriosis struggle to get pregnant, doctors are unsure whether it’s to do with endometrium distorting the pelvic anatomy, altering the chemicals that affect egg quality or the implantation environment of the embryo, or whether another factor affects how sperm move up the fallopian tube.

      If you suspect something’s not right, go see your doctor, stat.

      READ MORE: 10 Tips To Keep Your Vagina Happy And Healthy

      Who’s affected?

      Women and girls of reproductive age, mostly between 15 and 49. There is a hereditary element, but scientists don’t know if one gene or a family of genes predispose women to endometriosis. There isn’t a known equivalent of the BRCA gene (which indicates if someone has a higher risk of developing breast cancer), but scientists are trying to determine if one exists, to then help identify people needing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis diagnosis.

      How it grows

      Endometriosis is thought to be linked to oestrogen levels, with research indicating that sufferers show resistance to progesterone, the other female sex hormone. This is one possible explanation for associated infertility, as progesterone is necessary to thicken the uterus lining each month. Without it, the uterus may be an unfavourable habitat for an embryo to embed and form a pregnancy.

      READ MORE: 6 Reasons That Explain Why You’re Constantly Tired

      Medication

      Because scientists believe the growth of endometriosis lesions is driven by oestrogen, patients are prescribed drugs to stop ovaries producing the hormone, which subsequently reduces pain, stops the problem progressing and reduces adhesion size. Typical medication includes the combined pill, progestogens, a progestogen IUD (like the Mirena coil); or a GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist, which causes temporary menopause.

      Surgery

      The aim is to alleviate pain by removing the endometriosis, dividing adhesions or removing cysts. Conservative surgery is usually done via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). The surgeon will either cut out the adhesions (known as excision) or destroy them using heat or laser (ablation). Complex surgery is required when the endometriosis adhesions are spread across multiple organs, like the bowel or bladder.

      READ MORE: 12 Reasons Why You’re Suddenly Experiencing Painful Sex

      Severe pain

      Chronic pain affects many women with endometriosis. This can lead to central sensitisation, whereby the more exposure a person has to pain, the lower their threshold becomes. Brain imaging studies have shown that chronic pain patients have a reduced volume of grey matter in the area associated with muscle control and sensory perceptions, such as memory and self-control.

      Hysterectomy

      Hysterectomy is a radical surgery for endometriosis and, if guidelines are followed, should only be considered if a patient hasn’t responded to other treatments. Most experts agree that it should only be used in adenomyosis (where adhesions grow into the uterus wall). More