38 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • AUGUST 1, 2019 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
health
Embarrassing questions you’re too afraid to ask your gynecologist
It’s that time again. Th e dreaded gynecologist
appointment. Th ere’s nothing to
be afraid of because nothing shocks the
gyno. However, many women are reluctant
to ask the questions they want - and
need - answered.
You know, like that unpleasant odor
and itch aft er sex or your period? Believe
it or not, spilling the beans to your doctor
can calm your fears and get your problems
treated. In fact, if something serious
is going on, early diagnosis is critical.
A survey of 391 women conducted by the
Women’s Sexual Health Foundation found
that 72% of respondents are uncomfortable
talking to their gyno about “the sexy
stuff ,” and 73% would rather die than ask
the doc, “What’s up.”
Many women do not realize the vagina
is a delicate ecosystem that requires a
balanced environment to remain healthy;
and everyday events like menstruation,
sex and hormonal changes can throw off
that balance. Th e result can be an embarrassing
odor and discomfort. But, the
solution to maintaining a healthy pH balance
“down there” is as simple as a trip
to the drug store. Healthy pH (the vagina’s
acidity level) and benefi cial lactobacillus
are the keys to reducing the risk of
vaginal issues. A vaginal pH of 3.5 to 4.5
indicates that there is a perfect amount
of good bacteria (lactobacilli) and no
overgrowth of the bad bacteria that can
cause odor and irritation. An elevated pH
means that the healthy fl ora of the vagina
may struggle to survive, while harmful
bacteria thrive.
Here are a few of the most
common questions:
1. Sometimes I have an odor the morning
aft er sex. Why does it happen and what
can I do?
Don’t worry - you aren’t dirty and washing
with perfumed soap or douching won’t
help - it will only make it worse. Th is happens
because your vaginal pH has been
thrown out of balance. Th ink of your vagina
as a delicate ecosystem that needs to be
maintained at a pH of 3.5 to 4.5. Th e pH of
semen has a pH of 7.1 to 8, so, when introduced
to the vagina, an odor or itch can
occur, usually the morning aft er having
sex. Lots of women douche to feel clean
and fresh but water has a pH of 7. While it
might make you feel fresh for a short time
it won’t solve the problem. Here’s what you
can do:
• Over the counter, RepHresh Gel has been
clinically shown to restore normal vaginal
pH and eliminate odor without a prescription
as it bonds to the vaginal walls
and provides long-lasting support for up
to three full days
• Avoid douching unless you balance pH
aft erward. Try RepHresh Clean Balance.
• Don’t use feminine products that contain
deodorants or scented soaps
2. I have a lot of discharge and irritation,
but over-the-counter yeast medications
don’t work. What should I do?
Less than one-third of women who think
they have a yeast infection actually do. Two
thirds instead suff er from bacterial vaginosis
(BV), a proliferation of “bad” bacteria,
oft en caused by an unbalanced vaginal
pH. If you aren’t sure whether your symptoms
indicate BV or a yeast infection, see
your doctor before you apply any over-thecounter
treatment. Once BV is diagnosed,
a course of antibiotics is required to eliminate
the symptoms. Recurrence rates are
very high. Th e best way to prevent recurrent
BV is to maintain a normal vaginal pH
and keep yeast and bacteria balanced every
day. RepHresh Pro-B contains the strains
of probiotics that specifi cally promote vaginal
health to balance yeast and bacteria
every day. Pro-B contains Lactobacillus
rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri
RC-14, two clinically documented probiotic
lactobacilli specifi cally optimized for
vaginal health as opposed to a probiotic
or yogurt that supports immunity or
digestion.
3. Is there anything I can use when I’m
traveling or at the offi ce for immediate
relief?
RepHresh Cooling Relief Vaginal Anti-
Itch Spray is for relief of odor and itch, on
the go. Th e unscented 2-in-1 spray contains
hydrocortisone, the No. 1 doctor-recommended
anti-itch ingredient, and has a
portable design that sprays in any orientation,
even upside-down for ease of use
any time.
Going to the gyno may not be top of the
list, but it should be right up there. If you
are nervous about the exam take your notes
and questions in with you so you don’t forget.
Talking about your anxieties can make
the rest of the appointment a piece of cake.
Courtesy BPT
Multi Specialty Physical
Rehabilitation Center
95 East Merrick Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580
• Pain Management
• Internal Medicine
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic
• Physical Therapy
SPINAL &
SPORTS
INJURIES,
ARTHRITIS, POST
SURGICAL &
MORE!
We accept most types of Insurance & Workers Compensation
Please call to make an appointment: 516-218-2225
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