We all want to have soft, smooth skin, but when we see countless photos of celebrities and models posing in their bikinis with hairless, irritation-free skin, we can’t help but wonder how they do it. Waxing has long been a common method to get a soft and clean bikini line, but one can’t help but wonder, will it hurt? More importantly, is it safe? Before you heat up your DIY waxing kit, be sure you understand the risks and rewards of bikini waxing.
Wax On: The Benefits
- Since waxing pulls hairs out by the roots, it takes longer for the hair to grow back, leaving your skin feeling smoother, longer.
- When hair does grow back, it may grow back, thinner, finer, or not at all, due to damage caused to the follicle.
- Waxing is less costly and time consuming than such permanent methods as electrolysis or laser hair removal.
- Many women who get frequent pubic hair waxes report that they feel more hygienic, which can enhance their comfort during sex.
- As Americans in general are maintaining less pubic hair, there have been fewer reported cases of pubic life, or “crabs.”
Wax Off: The Worries
- Too hot wax can cause mild skin burns.
- Skin tears can cause pain or, at worst, infection.
- As with exposure to any foreign substance, allergic reactions could result from exposure to waxing products.
- Susceptibility to ingrown hairs, which could become infected.
- Permanent scarring of the skin caused by chronic skin irritation.
- Mild to severe infections of the skin, vagina, or blood system. In the most severe cases, the infections can lead to hospitalizations.
- Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Any infection that requires contact to spread will be more easily caught if there is any damage to the skin in the area. This could result in increased risks of contracting such STIs as herpes, human papilloma virus (HPV), and HIV.
- Deeper cellulitis due to skin damage caused by pulling the hair out by the root.
The bikini-bottom line? If you choose to wax your pubic hair, minimize your risks for complications by seeking out a licensed aesthetician at a reputable salon that is experienced in the technique. Make sure that the waxing instruments and wax being used appear clean and sanitized. It is also important to make sure you are comfortable with the technician performing your service, especially since you are going to be exposed in a very personal way during the procedure.
With appropriate safety and sanitation measures, waxing can be a safe, and convenient way to obtain smooth skin that lasts longer than shaving, but it can also increase your risk for serious infections and skin damage. Make sure to weigh the benefits and risks before you decide to wax on, or wax off.
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It is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that women ages 21 to 65 receive an annual routine Pap smear test. The purpose of this routine screening is to check for precancers, or cervical cell changes that might become cervical cancer if they are not properly treated. Before your next annual Pap smear test, learn what a positive Pap test could mean. With proper education and routine testing, you can put yourself in the best position to protect yourself from the risk of cervical cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12,900 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed every year. A Pap smear test is a non-invasive way to identify the presence of cervical precancers. During the Pap test, your doctor will collect a few cell samples and some mucus from the cervix and surrounding area. The cells will then be tested to identify any abnormalities.
There are four terms typically used to describe Pap test results, and the first step in understanding what your Pap test results mean, is familiarizing yourself with the following terms:
- Normal – Your cervix is healthy.
- Unsatisfactory – The sample of cells taken was not a good sample and can’t be read. Your Pap test will likely need to be repeated.
- Benign changes – Your Pap test was basically normal, however you may have an infection that is causing inflammation of the cervical cells. Your doctor may need to do a pelvic exam to check for the cause of the infection and prescribe treatment if necessary.
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) – There is the appearance of abnormal cells in your sample. More tests may be needed to determine the cause.
If your test results are positive for abnormal cell growth, it could be due to the presence of precancers, however understand that there are many reasons why Pap test results might not be normal and it frequently does not mean you have cancer. One of the following factors could be at play instead:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that causes an abnormal rate of cervical cell growth. HPV can remain in your body for years and could go undetected, which means that your abnormal Pap test results may appear years after your exposure to the virus.
- A bacteria or yeast infection. Such infections can be treated after proper diagnosis.
- Menopause. Women who have been through menopause may see changes to their cervical cells, however the abnormal cells are not precancers.
- Smoking. Tobacco use may increase your chances of seeing cell changes in your cervix. Abstaining from tobacco use will help your cells return to normal levels.
- An impaired immune system. Your immune system could become damaged as the result of such factors as alcohol use, drug abuse or withdrawal, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or chemotherapy.
The first step to reducing your risk of cervical cancer is ensuring that you receive a routine Pap smear test annually from your OBGYN. If your tests results show abnormal cell growth, your doctor will know how to interpret the results and proceed with any necessary treatment to help you maintain optimal health.
If it’s been some time since you’ve seen your gynecologist, make sure you schedule an appointment. A healthy woman should be seen at least once each year.
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Sexual intercourse should be a comfortable and mutually desirable experience for both individuals involved. If you are experiencing pain during sex, also known as dyspareunia, the pain you feel could result in greater complications or emotional distress between you and your partner. There are several factors that cause women to experience pain during sex. Speak with your OBGYN to determine if one of the following conditions is present:
- Insufficient lubrication – This is often related to a woman feeling anxious during sex. By relaxing, lengthening foreplay, or utilizing a sexual lubricant, this issue can be resolved and comfort can be increased.
- Vaginismus – This is a condition caused by the involuntary squeezing of a woman’s vagina muscles during insertion. The sensation can range from mildly uncomfortable to painful. There are exercises that a woman can do to help reduce the occurrence of the muscle spasms within only a few weeks.
- Vaginitis – This term encompasses various conditions that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina, including vulvovaginitis. Often resulting from a vaginal infection caused by such factors as bacteria, yeast, or viruses, vaginal infections can result in pain during sex.
- Cervical infection – Sometimes during sex the penis can reach the cervix when at maximum penetration. If the cervix is infected, a woman can experience pain.
- Uterine Fibroids – These benign lumps grow on the uterus, and can cause pain during sex among other symptoms.
- Endometriosis – This condition is caused by the development of uterine-lining outside of the uterus and causes abdominal pain, including during sex, heavy periods, and infertility. Treatment options include pain relievers, hormones, and surgery.
- Ovarian cysts – These cysts are closed, sac-like structures within the ovary that are filled with a liquid or semisolid substance. Ovarian cysts cause abdominal pain as well as pain during intercourse.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – This disease occurs when tissues deep inside a woman’s pelvis become severely inflamed. The pressure of intercourse irritates the issue and causes deep pain.
- Ectopic pregnancy – An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg develops inside the fallopian tube, instead of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1 of every 50 pregnancies. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, sharp abdominal cramps, pain on one side of the body, and pain during sex.
- Menopause – During menopause, a woman’s vaginal lining can lose its normal moisture and become dry, leading to pain during sex.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) – Pain during sex has been linked to such STDs as genital warts and herpes. If you are experiencing pain during sex, and think you may have an STD, speak with your OBGYN immediately.
- Injury to the vulva or vagina – An injury that causes pain during sex may include a tear from childbirth or an episiotomy. In addition, having sex too soon after surgery or childbirth may result in pain during intercourse.
Of course, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to discuss with your gynecologist. He/she can discuss ways to alleviate pain during intercourse. If you are looking for a new gynecologist and live in the Western New York area, please call our practice. We are accepting new patients.
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Know the risks, signs, and symptoms of the most common STDs in women
Women who are sexually active, or who are thinking of becoming active, should know the risks involved, which includes the potential contraction of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). There are several STDs that sexually active women should know and understand before engaging in sexual behavior. The chart below outlines the most common STDs impacting women, how they can be contracted, their symptoms, and how they can be prevented.
STD: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Contraction: With more than 30 types of HPV, nearly every sexually active person will contract a form of HPV at some point in their lives. HPV can be contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and by skin-to-skin contact.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Most types of HPV have no symptoms, cause no harm, and your body will cure itself
- Other forms cause genital warts, while others infect the mouth and throat
- The worst strains can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, or cervix
Prevention: Two vaccines are available to protect against HPV, and one also protects against genital warts, vaginal cancer, and anal cancer. The CDC recommends young women ages 11 to 26 to get vaccinated for HPV.
STD: Chlamydia
Contraction: Chlamydia is the most common STD in the United States. It is spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Signs & Symptoms: Only 25 percent of women see symptoms, which can include:
- Odd discharge from your vagina
- Pain or burning during urination
Prevention: As with all STDs, practicing safe sex practices can help protect against contraction. Safe sex practices include:
- Abstinence
- Committing to one monogamous, long-term relationship with someone who has been tested for STDs
- Using latex condoms correctly and consistently
STD: Gonorrhea
Contraction: Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD, often contracted with Chlamydia during oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Signs & Symptoms: Only 20 percent of women see symptoms, which can include:
- Odd discharge from your vagina
- Pain or burning during urination
Prevention: Follow the safe sex practices listed above and get tested right away in you develop genital warts.
STD: Syphilis
Contraction: Contracted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It is spread through direct contact of sores on a sexual partner, usually found on the genitals, anus, rectum, mouth and lips.
Signs & Symptoms: There are four stages to Syphilis, each with varying symptoms:
- Stage 1: Development of a sore that can look like a cut, an ingrown hair, or a bump
- Stage 2: Development of a rash on your body followed by sores in your mouth, vagina, or anus
- Stage 3: Symptoms usually disappear. This stage can last for years, or the rest of your life
- Stage 4: Affects 15 percent of those untreated and includes organ, nerve, and brain damage
Prevention:
- Follow safe sex guidelines
- Get tested regularly for STDs
- See your doctor if you develop any sores, blisters, bumps, or rashes
- Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has visible sores, discharge, blisters, or bumps in the genital area
STD: Herpes
Contraction: This easily contracted STD is spread by skin-to-skin contact with an infected sexual partner, including contact with the areas of the skin that a condom does not cover.
Signs & Symptoms:
- The primary symptom is painful blisters around the vagina or anus, or inside the vagina and anus, where they can be neither seen nor felt
- Both strains of herpes, HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause genital herpes
- Other symptoms include flu-like symptoms, fever, and swollen glands
Prevention: Practice safe sex or absinence.
STD: Trichomoniasis
Contraction: This STD is caused by a tiny parasite, and infects more women than men. Trichomoniasis is contracted through vaginal contact.
Signs & Symptoms:
- 30 percent of those with the disease experience symptoms, which include itching, burning, or sore genitals
- Smelly, clear, white, yellowish or greenish discharge
Prevention:
- Practice safe sex practices
- Avoid sexual contact with anyone displaying the symptoms of Trichomoniasis
STD: HIV/AIDS
Contraction: HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. The virus is passed through fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It can be transmitted by vaginal or anal intercourse or sharing a needle with someone who is infected.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Slight fever
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Eventually, HIV will destroy the immune system, stopping the body’s ability to fight off infections
Prevention:
- Practice safe sex guidelines
- Use a condom correctly every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex
- Do not inject drugs, but if you do, only use sterile injection equipment and water, and never share your equipment with others
If you are experiencing anything out of the norm, don’t wait to get see your OB-GYN. He or she is familiar with STDs and can get you the help and treatment you need.
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We all want to have soft, smooth skin, but when we see countless photos of celebrities and models posing in their bikinis with hairless, irritation-free skin, we can’t help but wonder how they do it. Waxing has long been a common method to get a soft and clean bikini line, but one can’t help but wonder, will it hurt? More importantly, is it safe? Before you heat up your DIY waxing kit, be sure you understand the risks and rewards of bikini waxing.
