In tantric teachings, our yoni – the Sanskrit word for vagina – is considered a sacred symbol of the divine feminine and our juice is said to have healing powers. Yoni is seen as the foundation of creativity and the inner compass between our thighs, but in this distracted digital world, we have lost touch with our intimate feminine intuition and the power it brings in our daily lives.
The link between our mental and physical health is well known, and the effects of stress on the body can be far-reaching, manifesting in a variety of ways including insomnia, migraines, headaches, and migraines. chronic, chest pain and inflammation. But have you ever thought how stress can disturb the inner peace of your vagina?
We spoke with a Pelvic Health Specialist and the CEO of Kegel8Stephanie Taylor, to learn how stress can affect our vaginal health and what telltale signs to look out for.
This is what your yoni is trying to tell you…
Vaginal dryness (atrophic)
Chronic stress (stress that stays with you longer than usual) can reduce the amount of moisture in your vagina.
When you experience stress, your adrenal glands produce and release the hormone cortisol. This hormone works to increase heart rate and blood pressure so that the body responds to stressful situations.
However, when you regularly experience high levels of stress, this excess cortisol can cause a number of health problems. concerns, including vaginal dryness.
Vaginal dryness (also known as atrophic) can cause pain or itching around your vagina and pain and discomfort during sex, which, in turn, can keep you from reaching orgasm or stop you from having sex altogether.
How to solve it:
Pay attention to what you’re drinking, as alcohol and caffeine can worsen the problem. If you don’t get enough water, you may notice signs around the vagina. Try to drink at least two liters of water a day.
Consider using a water-based lubricant during intimacy. Additionally, a vaginal moisturizer can help relieve itching or pain and keep the skin nourished.
For a more permanent solution, you can also use topical estrogen creams (prescribed by your doctor) and take special supplements for vaginal atrophy rich in Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene (provitamin A) and Power Dophilus.
Low desire
Libido (your libido) is sensitive, and when influenced by biological, psychological and social factors, such as stress, you can lose it.
When under stress, your testosterone levels drop as levels of stress-related hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine rise. And since testosterone is also a big driver of your excitement, the effects of chronic stress can cause your sex drive to drop or disappear.
How to solve it:
Testosterone can control low sex drive in men – with good results. While there are some evidence Although testosterone can boost sex drive in women, there isn’t enough data to say it’s an effective long-term solution.
However, simple lifestyle changes, including getting more sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and giving up smoking, can help boost your sex drive. While this is helpful to your sexual health – it may take some time to notice changes.
For more instant results, a number of natural remedies, including maca, ginseng and fenugreek, have been shown to be beneficial in boosting libido. Also, consider trying a new lubricant or masturbating to help with stimulation.
Increased infection
There are millions of bacteria living inside your vagina. While this may sound scary, it does protect you from infection.
The vaginal microbiome (the general term for this bacteria) is extremely sensitive, and if the balance of bacteria is disturbed, this can lead to infection and inflammation.
The most prominent bacteria in your vagina, called lactobacilli, ensures that the pH balance in your vagina stays at a normal level (usually below pH 4.5), preventing growth. of other organisms.
One study found that an increase in cortisol (the stress hormone) affects glycogen levels in the vagina and harms the body. manufacturing of lactobacilli. Without good bacteria acting as a defense, your body is more susceptible to infection.
Meanwhile, another study found that stress and anxiety can lead to inflammation and impaired response to infection, including in your vagina. – puts you at higher risk for bacterial infections and thrush.
One of the telltale signs of an infection is a change in the appearance, smell, and texture of the discharge. A fishy odor can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, while a thick white discharge is a symptom of thrush. It’s important not to self-diagnose and see your GP to discuss your concerns.
Strong vaginal discharge without a pungent odor; It should be a clear or milky liquid or slime that actually keeps your vagina clean and moist to protect it from infection.
How to solve it:
Bacterial vaginosis, or thrush, can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, but unfortunately, if your stress levels remain high, you could experience recurrent infection.
Focus on restoring or maintaining the balance of your vaginal microbiome by consuming probiotics through fermented foods and beverages like yogurt, kefir, or probiotic supplements.
Irregular or late menstruation
While your period can be painful or inconvenient, it can tell you things about your health.
Irregular or late periods are a common first sign that something is not 100% right. Research have found that the body’s response to stress is associated with increased secretion of certain hormones that increase energy and help you adapt to new circumstances. However, this usually means that parts of your menstrual cycle, like ovulation, are disrupted.
Irregular periods are not serious but can be an inconvenience. In spite of, research found that more stressed people were four times more likely to experience moderate to severe PMS symptoms such as fluid retention or bloating, stomach cramps and severe mood swings.
It’s no surprise that cyclical changes can also cause fertility problems, often in a chain reaction – as irregular periods affect our ovulation schedule. and combined with decreased sex drive, pregnancy can be more difficult.
Research also found that women with higher levels of the enzyme alpha-amylase were less likely to get pregnant than women with lower levels. Researchers believe that the body secretes this enzyme as part of a stress response.
How to solve it:
It can be difficult to keep track of irregular periods, so consider using a menstrual tracker to help you identify any unique patterns and recall the details if you want to highlight any concerns. Any concerns with your GP.
Lifestyle changes like exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet are great ways to help reduce stress levels and regulate hormone levels.
Stretch pelvic floor
Stress can make us boil. We all know that feeling of clenching the jaw, right? If you work too hard, the strain can reach the pelvic floor and cause serious complications.
Pelvic floor muscle hypertonia (when the pelvic floor muscles are unable to relax) is often associated with stress. When your pelvic muscles are overworked, you’ll feel pain and soreness deep in your pelvis as they tighten.
Certain activities and movements can worsen this pain by putting pressure on trigger points. Constipation, pain during sex, and lower back pain are some of the first warning signs that your pelvic floor is strained.
If your pelvic floor muscles are constantly overloaded, they can suffer long-term fatigue from prolonged spasticity. Too much pressure can also lead to weakening of the muscles, which then become unable to respond quickly and lead to the development of pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary incontinence and even organ prolapse. Pelvic.
Base on the research, Women with symptoms of anxiety or depression are more likely to experience urinary incontinence. Incontinence can also cause a lot of feelings of stress and anxiety, which only exacerbates the problem.
How to solve it:
Try to spot the signs early where you can to avoid long-term damage to the pelvic floor.
Both weak and tight pelvic floors can present the same symptoms but may require different treatments, so it’s important to work with your GP to find a good solution. best.
Low-impact exercises like swimming and Pilates are a great way to strengthen the core and pelvis without causing additional damage.
And invest in a pelvic ink can be helpful in teaching you how to exercise and relax your pelvic floor muscles.
