The vagina can be a source of great pleasure, but it’s also a delicate ecosystem that can fall out of balance on a pretty frequent basis. Just about every woman will experience some sort of vaginal problem in her lifetime.

Fortunately, most vaginal issues can be cured relatively easily. If you’re experiencing vaginal abnormality, check out the list below for some possible solutions.

Dryness

Plenty of women experience dryness during sex, so don’t be worried if you’ve always had problems producing enough natural lubrication. Use a high-quality personal lubricant to make sex more enjoyable (I recommend lube for all women!).

Pregnancy, menopause, and certain medications like antihistamines can also cause dryness. Even wearing synthetic thongs or super tight pants can dry you out. You can use organic, extra virgin coconut oil for some extra moisturization (it also doubles as a lube, but don’t use it with latex condoms, as the oil can break down the latex).

 

Itching

A little itching every once in a while is common, but intense or long-lasting itching requires some investigation.

Vaginal itching can be caused by a number of factors, including yeast infection, skin irritation, and vaginal infection.

Yeast infections will also be accompanied by an unusual discharge (see below), and can be treated with an over the counter topical medication or a prescription antibiotic.

If you recently changed to a new soap or bodywash, your skin may be irritated by the chemicals. Stop using the product for a week or so to see if your symptoms improve. If they do, don’t use that bodywash again. In general, look for organic or natural soaps that don’t contain harsh chemical or fragrances.

You may also have bacterial vaginosis, a very common infection caused when the delicate balance of bacteria in the vagina gets thrown out of balance. It result from having a new sex partner, douching, or going from anal to vaginal sex without changing a condom. Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes go away without treatment, but it’s best to consult with your doctor to be safe.

 

A strange bump

Skin naturally has lots of lumps and bumps, so don’t panic if you see something small or harmless-looking. Most skin bumps will come and go within the matter of a few days.

If you’ve recently shaved or waxed your pubic hair, the bump may be caused by an ingrown hair. Ingrowns occur when the hair grows underneath the surface of the skin instead of pushing through. Sometimes ingrown hairs can get infected, creating small red or pus-filled bumps, similar to pimples. You may even be able to see the hair follicle within the bump. If you suspect an ingrown hair, don’t pick at it. Apply warm compresses daily and a little pimple cream until it subsides.

Bumps can also be the sign of an STI. If you notice cauliflower-like warts, open sores, or blisters, see your doctor to get checked. You can also check out my STI primer for more information.

 

Unusual discharge

Vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy vagina, so you should expect to get a little discharge every day. Your discharge should be relatively thin, clear, and neutral in odor, but every woman is different.

Changes in your normal level or type of discharge may be a sign that something is amiss. The most common culprit is the yeast infection, which will produce thick, white discharge. Treat yeast infections with an over the counter topical cream or get a prescription from your doctor.

Any other sudden or noticeable changes should be discussed with your doctor, as they may be the result of an STI or pregnancy.

 

A strong odor

This is a tricky one to discuss with most women because vaginal odor is so stigmatized in our society. After all, the douching industry rakes in billions of dollars every year. Vaginas have a natural smell, but that scent is nothing to be ashamed of! Don’t let the douches in the douching business convince you otherwise.

Your odor changes during your period, so don’t be concerned if you notice a different smell during your time of the month. Other sudden changes in your odor may be brought on by a forgotten tampon, an infection, or an STI, so check with your doctor.

Remember to avoid douching at all costs! Douching upsets the balance of bacteria in your vagina, and is likely to lead to infection.

Pain while peeing or during sex

If you feel a sharp, shooting pain during urination, you’ve probably got a urinary tract infection. UTIs are caused when bacteria travels into your urethra. You can get an over the counter treatment for pain, but you’ll want to see a doctor for an antibiotic prescription.

If you feel pain during sex, the most likely culprit is dryness. Try using lube, and see if that makes a difference.

If your partner is particularly well endowed, he may be hitting your cervix (this can happen even with average-sized penises in certain positions). Try having sex in positions where deep thrusting isn’t possible, like spooning or missionary.

It’s also good to talk to your doctor to make sure your pain isn’t the result of an infection or STI. There are also serious vaginal pain conditions like vaginismus and dyspareunia.

 

Bleeding

Some women experience bleeding at times other than their periods. Mid-cycle spotting can be caused by the use of birth control pills, particularly when you’re just starting the pill or switching to a new one.

Rough sex can also lead to bleeding. The tissues in the vaginal canal are quite sensitive, and can tear easily. If you think the bleeding is sex-related, lay off intercourse for two weeks to give your body a chance to heal.

Bleeding can also be caused by pregnancy or infection, so check with your doctor if it is a recurring problem for you.

 

Numbness or swelling

Vaginas take a literal beating during intercourse! It’s common to feel swollen after a particularly intense sex session. Give yourself a day of rest and apply ice packs to help the swelling go down.

Swelling and numbness can also be caused by exercising, especially cycling. Again, the best recourse is rest and ice.

 

Simple rules for keeping your vagina happy and healthy

• Pee after sex every time
• Wipe from front to back
• Don’t put anything that wasn’t explicitly designed to go into your body into your vagina
• Don’t douche
• Wear cotton underwear at night or sleep naked