Vaginal health is tied to our general health and may be affected by many factors. There is one factor that is hardly ever talked about: how our vagina health changes when we are sick. Presumably, illnesses and infections are going to turn everything around regarding our vaginal health. Some of the changes might actually surprise us. In this paper, we will explore five weird ways your vagina health changes when you are sick.
1. Changes in Vaginal Discharge
One of the most noticeable changes that can occur in the vagina when an individual is sick is a change in vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a natural and healthy occurrence that helps to keep the vagina clean and moist. However, when the body is fighting off an illness, the immune system is busy combating the infection, which can lead to changes in the composition of vaginal discharge.
For example, if an individual has a cold or the flu, their body may produce more mucus, which can also affect the mucus membranes in the vagina. This can result in a thicker, more abundant discharge, or even a change in color and consistency. In some cases, the discharge may also have a stronger odor due to the presence of bacteria or other pathogens.
These changes in vaginal discharge are typically temporary and resolve once the individual has recovered from their illness. However, if the discharge is accompanied by itching, burning, or pain, it is essential to seek medical attention, as these symptoms may indicate an infection.
2. Increased Risk of Yeast Infections
Illness can also impact vaginal health by causing a heightened risk of developing yeast infections. These infections are the result of an excess of the fungus Candida albicans, which is normally found in the vagina in limited quantities. The vagina’s natural balance of bacteria and yeast can be disturbed, allowing for an overgrowth of yeast and leading to an infection.
When an individual is sick, their immune system is weakened, making it easier for yeast to grow out of control. Additionally, antibiotics, which are commonly prescribed for illnesses, can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to a yeast infection. As a result, women who are sick may be more susceptible to developing a yeast infection.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, burning, and irritation in the vagina and vulva, as well as thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese. If left untreated, yeast infections can cause discomfort and pain, as well as lead to more severe complications.
3. Changes in pH Balance
The pH balance of the vagina is a critical factor in maintaining vaginal health. A healthy vagina has a slightly acidic pH range of 3.8-4.5, which helps to keep harmful bacteria and yeast at bay (Martin, 2019). However, when we are sick, our body’s pH levels can become imbalanced due to changes in our diet, medication use, and other factors. This can create an environment that is more conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, leading to infections such as bacterial vaginosis (MIT Medical, 2021).
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection that affects women of reproductive age. It occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, resulting in an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (Mayo Clinic, 2021). When the pH balance in the vagina shifts towards a more alkaline state, it can provide a favorable environment for harmful bacteria to thrive, leading to bacterial vaginosis. Common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include a thin, gray or white vaginal discharge, a strong, fishy odor, and vaginal itching or burning (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
4. Increased Sensitivity
When we are sick, our body’s stress response system kicks in, causing the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021). The increased production of stress hormones can have several effects on the body, including a decrease in blood flow to the pelvic region. Decreased blood flow to the pelvic region can lead to decreased sensitivity in the vagina, making sexual activity less enjoyable and potentially causing discomfort or pain during intercourse (National Library of Medicine, 2021).
Additionally, some medications used to treat illnesses, such as antihistamines, can cause vaginal dryness and discomfort (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2021). Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, which can lead to symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and a runny nose (Mayo Clinic, 2021). However, histamine also plays a role in vaginal lubrication, and antihistamines can disrupt this process, leading to vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual activity (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2021).
5. Vaginal Dryness
Last but not least, being sick can also cause vaginal dryness. As mentioned earlier, when our body is fighting off an illness, it may redirect resources away from the pelvic region, leading to decreased lubrication in the vagina. This can make sexual activity uncomfortable or painful, and it can also increase the risk of developing tears or irritation in the vaginal tissues.
Furthermore, certain medications used to treat illnesses, such as antihistamines, can also cause dryness throughout the body, including the vagina. This can make it even more challenging to maintain vaginal health and can lead to discomfort and irritation.
Conclusion: Our vaginal health is thus closely linked with our general health and can be influenced by many factors—one of them being illness. While we are ill, our body’s focus is solely on fighting the disease; a lot of changes may be brought to the vagina: change in vaginal discharge, heightened chance of developing yeast infections, shift in pH balance, increased sensitivity, and vaginal dryness. In view of this, it is necessary that we heed these changing symptoms and care for our vaginal health, particularly when sick.
