The five things your vagina is trying to tell you revealed

When it comes to aches and pains, while we are very much in tune with what to do if we have a headache or a stomach ache, what we’re not so accustomed to dealing with is discomfort ‘down there’.

But one Australian integrative medicine expert, Dr Cris Beer, is out to change all of that – claiming that ‘vaginal flora imbalances’ are not as uncommon or embarrassing as you might think.

Here, speaking to FEMAIL, Dr Beer revealed the five things your vagina might be trying to tell you – and why you should be listening. 

First things first, discomfort in your nether regions can be as much to do with a bad diet – whether it’s sugar, MSG or bread you’re filling your body with yeast (stock image)

1. Your diet is poor 

First things first, discomfort in your nether regions can be as much to do with a bad diet as it can anything else:

‘If you’re grazing on a diet high in foods like bread, sugar and MSG, and drinking a little too much and too often, then you’re likely to be fuelling your body with yeast,’ Dr Beer told FEMAIL.

She added that not only does all of this spur on the production of yet more yeast, but you’re also ‘being unkind to your body’:

‘Cut back on processed foods and sugars to ensure you’re eating a mix of nutritionally-dense foods,’ she advised – citing fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, protein and fibre as all good ideas.

‘This will give you the best cover against bugs, infections and other nasties.’

The medical expert also said that stress can manifest on your nether regions – and it pays to be mindful of sleep, exercise and caffeine consumption (stock image)

2. You’re stressed

While you might think that stress most obviously manifests itself in your brain, it can also affect your body:

‘Stress not only brings tension and unease, but it can also release stress hormones call corticosteroids, which can suppress certain cells in the immune system, inhibiting our body’s ability to find infection,’ Dr Beer explained.

To help manage daily stressors, the integrative medicine expert advises making sure you’re getting enough sleep – at a minimum seven hours each night – and that you’re exercising moderately each day:

‘It can also help to be mindful of your caffeine consumption – no more than two cups of coffee daily – to help reduce anxiety and tension,’ Dr Beer added.

3. You’ve been on a course of antibiotics

If your vagina is experiencing some discomfort, it may be down to the fact that you’ve just completed a course of antibiotics, Dr Beer said:

‘Women can often get thrush after a course of antibiotics, due to the loss of good bacteria from the vagina,’ she said.

‘So I always recommend supplementing with a good quality probiotic both during and after the antibiotic course, to help keep your good bacteria in check.’

Dr Beer recommends opting for a probiotic with ‘clinically-trialled strains and one specifically designed for women’s health’.

She said you can also supplement your diet with probiotic-rich foods, including kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and full-fat yoghurt. 

If your vagina is experiencing some discomfort, it may be down to the fact that you’ve just completed a course of antibiotics or are ovulating, Dr Beer said (stock image)

4. You’re ovulating

‘Do you notice that you have more discharge than usual at certain times of the month?,’ Dr Beer asked.

‘It’s probably just a sign that you’re ovulating.

‘Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy way for your body to get rid of fluid and old cells, and it’s not uncommon to have a little more than usual during ovulation.’

However, the expert added that if you notice a change in texture, colour or odour, it’s worth speaking to your health practitioner to ensure it’s nothing more serious.

5. You need to up your hygiene

Last but not least, though you may not like to hear it, your vagina may be trying to tell you that you need to look after it a little better:

‘Women are more prone to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) than men, which refers to a bacterial infection in the bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra,’ Dr Beer said.

‘It’s therefore crucial that good hygiene is adhered to, particularly after sexual intercourse.’

She concluded by saying that ‘urinating after sex can help to flush out bad bacteria before it has time to travel to your bladder, helping to minimise the risk of infection’.

For more information, visit Blackmores here.