It is common practice among herbologists to prescribe herbs for the support of vaginal and reproductive health. Acknowledged by the University of Maryland Medical Center as a "time-honored approach to strengthening the body," it is important to...
Probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts or parasites that provide beneficial effects for their host, restoring a balance between friendly and harmful bacteria throughout the body. Vaginal problems can be particularly...
Perhaps you or some one you know is prone to yeast infections or UTIs. Maybe you're entering menopause and are concerned about how your changing hormones may affect your vaginal health. Or maybe you're just interested in making some lifestyle...
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in the uterus. Uterine fibroids are the most common type of pelvic tumor and are relatively common. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in five women may have fibroids during their...
Vaginal itching is an uncomfortable condition and involves a scratchy irritation on the skin of the vagina and the surrounding area, vulva. Vaginal itching stems from numerous causes. To prevent the symptom of vaginal itching, the MayoClinic.com...
Women face unique health issues, and vaginal dryness may be one of them. This can occur as a result of the lack of estrogen during menopause, but it can also occur because of medical conditions or medications. Some women find herbs effective for...
The term probiotics, refers to a live bacteria culture that can be ingested into the body as a dietary supplement to support cultivation of ''good'' organisms in the colon. The digestive system depends on a maintained balance of bacteria in the...
At one time or another, most women will experience doubt or concern about maintaining genital hygiene. Myths and superstition surrounding the female reproductive and sexual organs transcend time and cultural boundaries, shrouding them in mystery....
Ingrown hairs often occur on the labia because of waxing, shaving and cream hair removal. The condition is a result of hair in the follicle growing at a sideways position and unable to break through the follicle. When left untreated, an ingrown...
Some runners swear by running-thongs, thong underwear designed specifically for high activity levels such as running. Others say that you must wear only white cotton underwear due to risk of infection. A few even skip the dilemma altogether by...
Vaginal dryness is experienced by just about every woman at some point in her life. Hormone changes, such as menopause and postpartum, are often the reason for the decrease in vaginal moisture. According to Women's Health, other reasons for...
Making a few changes to your diet may improve the overall health of your vagina by warding off infections. A healthy diet is key to improving and maintaining your overall health, according to HelpGuide.org. Talk to your gynecologist about what...
Pueraria mirifica is a medicinal plant native to Thailand. It contains phytoestrogens, which are plant hormones. The powdered extract is commonly used in capsules or tea for female issues related to menopause, such as hot flashes. However, do not...
The production of vaginal secretions is a normal bodily function in a woman. The cervix produces clear mucus that sheds from the vagina along with cells to maintain vaginal health. A significant change in appearance, frequency or odor of vaginal...
Vaginal odor can be an embarrassing problem for some women. Because the vagina produces discharge to clean itself, some odor is normal. However, a foul-smelling discharge can be a sign of infections and sexually transmitted diseases, according to...
Probiotics are defined by the Mayo Clinic as dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial bacteria that are similar to those normally found in your body. It may be difficult to picture bacteria as beneficial but probiotics are an example...
Vaginal skin disorders can result from invading microbes. According to the Mayo Clinic, vaginal discharge consist of fluids, bacteria and cells that shed normally from the vagina. The discharge functions to clean and protect the vagina, and can...
Vinegar has been used as an antiseptic and astringent since the days of Hippocrates in ancient Greece, when he prescribed it to clean wounds and treat coughs. Today, vinegar is used as an environmentally friendly cleaner for everything from...
Vaginal lubrication is naturally produced. The cells in the vagina produce healthy bacteria that keep the vaginal area moist. Some degree of vaginal lubrication is normally present even without sexual arousal. Engorgement of blood vessels from...
The bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus, commonly used in yogurts and other cultured foods, is the most extensively researched form of probiotic available. Many of the benefits associated with acidophilus have been well documented by scientific...
According to MayoClinic.com, up to 75 percent of all women experience at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives. Although some level of the causative fungus, Candida albicans, exists in a healthy vagina, overpopulation of Candida...
Probiotics may cause side effects in some people, such as diarrhea and its associated symptoms of gas and bloating. The side effects that stem from probiotic use varies from each individual, according to a report published in "Asia Pacific Journal...
The body maintains a careful balance between acidity and alkalinity to function effectively at a cellular level. This pH balance requirement has been known and studied throughout the 1900s, but it is trending more broadly into mainstream health...
Live microorganisms called probiotics may support digestive and vaginal health. Certain "friendly bacteria" and yeast yield a positive effect the body. Acidophilus, for example, is a specific type of probiotic that promotes digestive health....
Estrogen is a group of hormones composed of estrone, estradiol and estriol that influences the functions of the female reproductive tract. Your ovaries are the main producer of this hormone group. Around the age of menopause, when menstruation...
The beta bacteria strain Lactobacillus brevis has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory agent, as well as for promoting vaginal health. It also helps ferment carbohydrates in food production. Sauerkraut and yogurt both contain Lactobacillus...
Most women will suffer form external vaginal itching at some point in life. It is a common problem with many different causes. Many women feel embarrassment over external vaginal itching and may hesitate to seek help for it from their doctor or...
Yeast infections occur when an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus known as candida becomes infected. Yeast infections are common, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, affecting most women and people with HIV/AIDS at some...
Vaginitis is a general inflammation of the vaginal mucous membranes and is a common problem. Get expert tips and advice on preventing, diagnosing, and treating vaginitis in this video.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a generic medical term used to cover inflammations of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Learn more about pelvic inflammatory disease in this obstetrics video.