7 Ways Aging Impacts Your Vaginal and Vulvar Health

As women age, their bodies undergo a myriad of changes, and the vagina and vulva are no exceptions. Understanding these changes can help you navigate them with confidence and take proactive steps to maintain your health and comfort. This comprehensive guide delves into seven common changes that occur in the vagina and vulva as you age and offers practical advice on how to manage them effectively.

1. Decreased Estrogen Levels

How It Affects You

As you approach menopause, your body produces less estrogen. This decrease can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, a condition known as vaginal atrophy. You might experience symptoms such as dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse.

What You Can Do

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Consult your doctor about HRT, which can help replenish estrogen levels and alleviate symptoms.

Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants: Use water-based lubricants during intercourse and vaginal moisturizers regularly to maintain hydration.

Regular Sexual Activity: Engaging in sexual activity, whether with a partner or through masturbation, can promote blood flow and keep tissues healthy.

2. Changes in pH Levels

How It Affects You

With age, the vaginal pH level becomes less acidic, increasing the risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

What You Can Do

Probiotic Supplements: Consider taking probiotics specifically designed for vaginal health to maintain a balanced microbiome.

Maintain Hygiene: Avoid douching and use mild, unscented soap for cleaning the vulva.

Diet: Incorporate yogurt and other probiotic-rich foods into your diet to support healthy bacteria.

3. Decreased Elasticity

How It Affects You

Reduced collagen production and changes in hormone levels can lead to a loss of elasticity in the vaginal walls, causing them to feel less firm and more relaxed.

What You Can Do

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Perform Kegel exercises regularly to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve vaginal tone.

Laser Treatments: Non-invasive laser therapies, such as fractional CO2 laser treatment, can stimulate collagen production and improve elasticity.

Vaginal Pessaries: For those experiencing significant laxity, vaginal pessaries can provide support and improve symptoms.

4. Increased Sensitivity to Irritants

How It Affects You

The skin of the vulva becomes thinner and more sensitive with age, making it more prone to irritation from products and clothing.

What You Can Do

Choose Gentle Products: Use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products for genital care.

Wear Breathable Fabrics: Opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing to reduce friction and irritation.

Moisturize: Apply a gentle, unscented moisturizer to the vulva regularly to maintain skin hydration.

5. Changes in Sexual Response

How It Affects You

Hormonal changes can lead to decreased libido, slower arousal, and reduced vaginal lubrication, impacting sexual satisfaction.

What You Can Do

Open Communication: Talk openly with your partner about your needs and preferences.

Use Lubricants: Incorporate lubricants to enhance comfort and pleasure during intercourse.

Explore New Stimulation: Experiment with different types of stimulation, such as clitoral or oral sex, to find what feels best.

6. Increased Risk of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

How It Affects You

Weakened pelvic floor muscles can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, where the bladder, uterus, or rectum drops into the vaginal canal.

What You Can Do

Strengthening Exercises: Regularly perform pelvic floor exercises to prevent and manage prolapse.

Avoid Heavy Lifting: Minimize activities that put excessive strain on the pelvic floor.

Seek Medical Advice: Consult a healthcare provider for potential treatments, such as pessaries or surgery, if necessary.

7. Reduced Circulation

How It Affects You

Aging can lead to decreased blood flow to the vaginal and vulvar tissues, resulting in less sensitivity and slower healing of any injuries or irritations.

What You Can Do

Stay Active: Regular physical activity promotes overall circulation and can help maintain genital health.

Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support vascular health.

Massage Therapy: Gentle genital massage can increase blood flow and maintain tissue health.

Conclusion

Aging is a natural process that brings various changes to the body, including the vagina and vulva. By understanding these changes and taking proactive steps, you can maintain your genital health and comfort. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, a healthy lifestyle, and open communication with your partner are key components of managing these changes effectively.