As women age, their bodies undergo numerous changes, including those that can affect their vaginal health. Here are 5 potential vaginal problems that women may experience as they age, and what they can do to prevent or manage them.
- There is not much natural lubrication there
As we all grow older, many changes happen to our bodies, and that includes the functions of our sex organs, too. It is natural for the vagina to produce its own natural lubrication.
This is good for the protection of the vagina itself. However, as you get older, hormonal changes happen and much of your sex hormone will have decreased, leading to a decrease in the vagina’s natural lubrication, too.
Based on the study reported by Women’s Health, hormonal changes that occur with aging lead to a decrease in vaginal elasticity. This condition is known as vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVR), where the vaginal walls thin out, leading to dryness and inflammation. Consulting a doctor is essential, as they may recommend a vaginal moisturizer or prescribe topical or oral estrogen to address the symptoms of VVR and improve vaginal health.
This dryness could cause itchiness, microtears and general discomfort. But when it comes to sex, it could be downright painful, too.
Consuming avocado or omega-3 sources of food regularly is advised for elderly ladies because this type of food can help produce more natural lubrication.
Also, the less frequently you have sex, the drier your vagina gets. So if you can have sex regularly, you can be at ease knowing that things can get better the more sex you have.
- Your labia major droops
Just like boobs and cheeks that go south over time, the vulva can also droop the older you get—more precisely, it is the labia majora that seems to be more stretchy.
Of course, this isn’t a given as different women will experience this differently, too. But if a woman has given birth through the vagina, this becomes more likely to happen, too.
Women who have given birth multiple times may experience sagging that is more extreme. Of course, nobody will see this since this is inside your pants, however, you could still be discomforted by the bulk down there.
If you have this kind of vaginal sagging and it is very uncomfortable, you can choose to get a cosmetic procedure that can repair the appearance of your labia majora.
Many elderly women do need this type of surgery for self-esteem and also an overall better comfort.
- Your vulva goes through a change of colour
Your vulva also can change colours as you grow older. Whatever your base skin tone is, the vagina can simply turn darker the more years you stack up. Of course, this may be more visible if your original skin tone is on the lighter side.
Based on the study reported by Healthline Media, hormonal changes in the body can lead to a loss of thickness in the vagina and vulva. Additionally, the color of the vulva may undergo changes, transitioning from pink to a paler or darker hue. These alterations are a result of the hormonal fluctuations that occur within the body, which can impact the appearance and characteristics of the vaginal and vulvar tissues.
This change of colour is not necessarily a sign of a disease though. This change of colour is brought about by hormonal changes and also the experience of giving birth.
But also, because you are losing collagen and the skin down there also loses its natural elasticity and moistness. This is all a natural part of ageing though, so it is hardly a source of concern.
However, it is important to maintain the health of your vagina at any age. As long as you keep clean and are free of diseases, you should be happy with your body.
- Hair loss down there as well
Just like how it is on the top of your head, pubic hair can also be affected by signs of ageing. As a woman enters menopause, she might realise that the hair down there has gotten thinner.
Based on the study published by the Mayo Clinic, your hair goes through natural cycles of growth and shedding. As your hair ages, its growth cycle shortens, and a decrease in estrogen leads to testosterone becoming the dominant hormone in your body. Testosterone can contribute to hair loss. When the rate of hair falling out exceeds the rate of replacement, you may notice areas of thinning on your scalp, and this can also occur in other areas, including the pubic region. Hormonal changes play a significant role in both scalp and pubic hair loss.
The same mechanism that governs hair growth on your scalp also applies to pubic hair. The hair growth cycle becomes shorter after menopause, thus growth is not very fresh anymore so there could be less hair there.
Of course, as long as your reproductive system is healthy, this is hardly a source of concern. If anything, you may even like the fact that you are not as bushy anymore down there.
Depends on each person though. Before hair loss though, you may even see your hair down there turn to grey or even white as well. But this doesn’t happen all exactly the same way for every woman.
- Your vagina shrinks and gets shorter
Once a woman enters menopause, many unusual changes could occur. One of those changes include how your vagina could simply get shorter. This may sound similar to how a man’s penis shrinks, and so, the vagina could also shrink in size.
This is due to a lack of oestrogen that is produced in your body. Once menopause hits, oestrogen productions drops significantly and this causes many different kinds of physical changes that may come as a shock.
But since this is a normal part of ageing, you should not worry too much and just let yourself go with the flow. Just because these changes are uncomfortable, doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to cope with them.
In this case, you could also apply the mindset of ‘you use it or you lose it’. The more regularly you stimulate your vagina, the healthier it remains. If you don’t have a partner, use a vibrator.
All in all, it can be concluded that the vagina also ages as people age, which can lead to several health-associated issues. We provided a list of five bad things that happen to the vagina as women age.
Is It Normal For A 80 Year Old Woman To Have A Discharge?
As women age, their bodies go through a natural process of changes. One of these changes is the production of vaginal discharge. While it is common for younger women to experience vaginal discharge, it is often a concern for older women, particularly those in their 80s. The question arises: Is it normal for an 80-year-old woman to have discharge? In this paper, we will explore the factors that contribute to vaginal discharge in older women and whether it is considered a normal occurrence.
Firstly, it is essential to understand what vaginal discharge is. Vaginal discharge is a fluid that is produced by the cervix and the walls of the vagina. It is a normal bodily function that helps to keep the vagina clean and healthy. The amount, color, and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary depending on various factors, including age, menstrual cycle, and hormonal changes.
As women age, their estrogen levels decrease, causing changes in the vaginal tissues. This decrease in estrogen can lead to a thinner, drier, and less elastic vaginal lining. This change can result in an increase in vaginal discharge in older women. Additionally, the decrease in estrogen can also affect the pH balance of the vagina, making it more susceptible to infections that can cause abnormal discharge.
Another factor that contributes to vaginal discharge in older women is menopause. Menopause is a natural process that occurs in women around the age of 50-60. During menopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone decreases, leading to changes in the vaginal tissues. These changes can result in an increase in vaginal discharge, which is considered normal in menopausal women.
Furthermore, vaginal discharge can also be a sign of an underlying health issue in older women. As women age, they may be more prone to certain medical conditions that can cause abnormal discharge, such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections. These conditions can cause changes in the color, consistency, and odor of vaginal discharge, and can also be accompanied by other symptoms like itching and burning. In such cases, it is essential for older women to seek medical attention to rule out any potential health concerns.
It is also worth noting that the use of certain medications, such as hormone replacement therapies and antibiotics, can also affect vaginal discharge in older women. These medications can alter the pH balance of the vagina, leading to an increase or decrease in discharge. Therefore, it is crucial for older women to communicate with their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking and any changes they may notice in their vaginal discharge.
In conclusion, it is normal for an 80-year-old woman to have discharge. As women age, their bodies go through natural changes that can affect the amount, color, and consistency of vaginal discharge. However, it is essential for older women to pay attention to any significant changes in their discharge and seek medical attention if they experience abnormal discharge accompanied by other symptoms. Maintaining good hygiene and communicating with a healthcare provider can also help older women manage and understand the changes in their vaginal discharge.
