Va jay jay and lubes!

Va jay jay and lubes!

Whatever we call the vagina and we sure do have some words for it, the vagina is often the neglected area for open discussion. Va jay jays here we come!
by Ruth Davy, RGON, Bachelor of Nursing, MPH, Women’s Health Nurse
We talk openly about breasts so why can’t we talk about vaginas!  As a nurse working in women’s health in the community I am continually shocked by what women feel is their “lot”!  Menopause results in a loss of oestrogen in the vaginal walls which become thin and less natural lubrication occurs. A dry vagina is one of the most common symptoms women will experience. So why are we not talking about it! Putting up with an ongoing dry vagina is not acceptable in today’s society. There are many remedies and helpful hints.

Most of us go straight for the well known lubricants for sex; as this is when a dry vagina becomes a major issue. Be selective with your lubricants as there are many options. Replens is an excellent moisturiser for the vagina; however you will need to get your chemist to order it in. Oestrogen free, it is used every three days and 2 hours before sexual intercourse. Another remedy that some of you may feel comfortable using is a Vitamin E capsule into the vagina each night. I recommend piercing it with a needle before insertion.
For sexual intercourse there are many types of personal lubricants, everything from lotions and oils to warming and stimulating gels! Two I recommend are Astroglide and Sylke.  Astroglide is made by the same company as the producers of Replens and may need to be ordered in. It is worth the effort ladies as only a small amount goes a long way and does not cause irritation to even the most sensitive skin! Sylke is a kiwifruit extract with excellent results. I do recommend you ensure neither you nor your partner are allergic to kiwifruit!
The vulva is also more prone to irritation. We moisturise our faces so why not our vulva!  Zinc and castor oil cream is my personal favourite.  I call it my “fanny” cream!  We used it on our baby’s bottoms with wonderful results and I assure you it will do the same for you. Put it on at night before going to bed so it has a chance to soak into the skin. Remember not to wash with soap. However, you can use ph appropriate soap for the vulva. The more you use soap or bubble baths the more you take away the good bacteria that eat the bad bacteria or fungi. If you think you are getting thrush put half a cup of white vinegar in a bath. It is cheap and works a treat. Remember not every itch is thrush. Look at your vulva for discolouration or changes. If in doubt see you nurse or doctor and don’t forget that important smear test every three years until you turn 70! 

Medical remedies for menopause focus mainly on oestrogen cream. The good news is it is safe to use and is does not have the same risks as oral or patch hormone replacement therapy. Also useful for bladder problems it should not be feared as it is a life saver for many women. Hormone replacement therapy will definitely help, however women should ensure they are aware of the increased risk of breast cancer with long term use and the increased incidence of strokes and heart attacks in the first year of use. Each woman is different with a range of risk factors for heart disease or breast cancer. It is important to talk over these factors with your doctor or specialist. More information is available from www.womens-health.org.nz.

Well Women Clinics and Well Women Education services are now available to support you and your friends with women’s health issues from periods to menopause, bladder control, pre menstrual tension and more. We are experienced nurses who will even come to your home to offer education sessions. Supporting these clinics also supports our Well Women and Family Trust. This charitable trust works with women who do not access cervical and breast screening services well. We offer mobile van clinics going where the women need us screening over 2,000 high need women each year. Let us help you and help others less fortunate than you as well!

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About Ruth Davy
Ruth is a regular contributor to wisanow.  Ruth Davy is co founder and trustee of WONS, Well Women and Family Trust. A social entrepreneur she leads the organisation to address inequalities in health for high need women and their families.

Keeping the women well keeps the family well. Having recently completed her Master in Public Health in reducing inequalities for Maori and Pacific women in cervical screening, Ruth combines her public health and nursing background to enable innovative public health programmes to develop. Working with Maori, Pacific and Asian communities building their capacities through self empowerment has resulted in Ruth initiating the Asian Foundation of New Zealand; the Chinese Women’s Wellness Community Group; the Korean Women’s Wellness Community Group; the Maori and Pacific Short Courses in Community Women's Health Promotion.

Ruth is currently working with Maori key stakeholders to address the high mortality rate for Maori women in New Zealand. She also mentors Pacific trusts in capacity building to address their wide range of health issues. Ruth is also dedicated to increasing the capacity of the primary health care sector through training in cervical screening, women’s health and vaccinations.

Developing new training programmes that support cultural competency and wellness models has resulted in Ruth publishing articles and presenting nationally and internationally.

Contact:
Ruth Davy
Women’s Health Nurse
CEO Well Women Clinic / Education
Ph 846 7886
admin@wons.org.nz

Contact details for private clinic or education sessions on a range of menopausal issues:
Phone: (09) 846 7886 ext 0        or                  Email us at: admin@wons.org.nz