Flawed 2002 WHI Study Still Has Women Confused

AskDrSeibel.com’s Mache Seibel, MD explains common vaginal health
issues and solutions

NEWTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–While 32 million women suffer with painful sex or vaginal dryness, and
await the outcome of the November, 2016 congressional hearings to remove
the “black
box” warning on vaginal estrogen, they can understand common
vaginal issues along with safe solutions so they don’t have to “grin and
bear it” or wonder if they are having a serious problem.

“Vaginal issues can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and scary, leading to
self-treatment which can make matters worse or just not fix the
problem,” says Mache Seibel, M.D. Editor of My
Menopause Magazine, and author of The Estrogen Window
(Rodale, April, 2016). “Women are still confused about the safety of
vaginal estrogen because of the flawed WHI study so it’s important to
consult with your doctor to get the right diagnosis.”

Some common issues include:

1. Vulvodynia – The skin around the outside of the vagina and the
   clitoris can burn, itch and lead to painful sex. While treating the
   underlying problem, wear cotton underwear, avoid hot tubs or pools,
   use mild detergent and rinse with cool water to keep the area clean
   and dry after urination and sex. Non-hormonal Replens
   moisturizer can help relieve dryness for days.
2. Trichomoniasis “trich” – Some have no symptoms, others
   experience irritation, inflammation, itching, burning, an unusual
   discharge and/or odor. Trichomoniasis must be treated with antibiotics
   like metronidazole. A condom can prevent this STD, but both partners
   must be treated or it will “bounce” back and forth.
3. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) – Almost half of all vaginal
   infections are BV, and if left untreated, BV can lead to Pelvic
   Inflammatory Disease, infertility, an increased risk of UTIs, STDs and
   early delivery in pregnant women. Gardnerella vaginalis, E-coli and
   other bacteria can lead to an abnormal vaginal ecosystem intended to
   maintain a healthy pH of 3.5-4.5. Sex, menstruation and hormonal
   changes can elevate the pH, causing a fishy, musty odor, itch,
   abnormal discharge, irritation and sometimes infection. Antibiotics
   are used for treatment but can lead to a yeast infection and the
   uncomfortable cycle of infections begin. RepHresh
   Gel can be used once every 3-days to maintain healthy pH.
4. Yeast Infection – Yeast and bacteria are naturally present in
   the vaginal environment and need to remain in balance to avoid
   infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection include itching and burning,
   with an odorless vaginal thick discharge. RepHresh
   Pro-B contains strains of vaginal probiotic lactobacilli that
   balance yeast and bacteria daily to help maintain vaginal flora in a
   normal, healthy range.
5. Bumps and Lumps – The area around the outside of the vagina is
   loaded with lubricating glands, sweat glands and hair follicles that
   can plug up and fill with fluids or become inflamed. These cause
   lumps, bumps and sometimes painful infections. Often they need to be
   lanced by a healthcare provider and treated with warm sitz
   baths and/or antibiotics.
6. Vaginismus – An involuntary squeezing of the muscles of the
   vagina can make a pelvic exam, placing a tampon or having sex
   challenging. Try 20 Kegel’s exercises several times a day followed by
   the insertion of a Soul
   Source small dilator with a gentle water-based lubricant like Pre-Seed
   or Wet
   Original to ease insertion while doing the Kegels. Don’t suffer in
   silence with this; ask for help.

“Common vaginal symptoms are treatable. Just remember, if something
doesn’t seem normal, see your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis
and treatment,” adds Seibel. www.AskDrSeibel.com

Contacts

For AskDrSeibel.com
Brad Ginsburg, 646-964-4446
bradg@gcomworks.com