Causes of Vaginal Dryness

What is Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness occurs when the lubrication in the vagina does not flow as it should. This can occur at any time, but is most noticeable during sexual activity because extra lubrication is usually produced upon arousal. Vaginal dryness affects women of all ages and is usually no cause for concern. Use lubricants to help you have more comfortable sexual activity as well as for walking and inserting a tampon if you find it helpful. If you are experiencing vaginal dryness, do not be alarmed. You may want to see your gynecologist to get it checked out if it seems unusual, but unless your discharge has a foul smell or has a cottage cheese consistency, most likely your body is just experiencing some changes and you have no cause for concern.

What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
Vaginal dryness can be caused by many different factors. One cause is menopause. Because of hormonal changes, your body will secrete less fluid from the vagina than it has in the past. This fluid comes through the vaginal walls as a result of arousal. When you are aroused, the blood vessels in your vagina will allow more blood to flow more quickly, causing more fluid to be secreted. When estrogen levels fall in the body, less fluid is secreted from the vaginal walls. Vaginal dryness can also be caused by certain medications, especially antidepressants, cold medicines and allergy medicines. If you are breastfeeding or have had your ovaries removed, you may also experience lowered estrogen levels and therefore more vaginal dryness.

Warnings About Vaginal Dryness
If you experience severe itching, burning or swelling in the vagina before or after sexual intercourse, there may be another problem that causes vaginal dryness. Vaginitis is a disorder that can cause vaginal dryness and irritation, but it can easily be treated with antibiotics. Other causes of vaginal dryness are yeast infections or bladder infections, which can also cause stinging, burning or itching in the vagina. Go to your doctor as soon as you feel any of these symptoms so he or she can prevent a serious infection. You can purchase over-the-counter remedies for a mild yeast infection, but a bladder infection will need antibiotic treatment so it does not get worse.

How to Lose 5 Pounds in a Week (Safely)

Want to lose some quick weight? Well you're in luck, losing 5 pounds in a week is a very doable task. The following information will provide you with the proper steps to drop a quick 5 pounds in a time span of 7 days.

1. Step 1

Diet
To start you are going to need to review you current diet. Cut out sweets, fatty/greasy foods, soda, etc. To get really serious about losing those 5 pounds you are going to need to cut out unhealthy foods all together. Replace junk food with fruits, vegetables, low fat yogurt, whole grains, and lean meat. Keep your portions reasonable but don't starve yourself. I have included a few websites that offer weight loss meal recipes in my resources section towards the bottom of the page.

2. Step 2

Exercise
Exercise for 45-60 minutes for day. Burn away that fat on a brisk walk or light jog. Exercise incorporated with a well balanced diet is a great way to lose weight fast.

3. Step 3

Drink Water
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day will boost your metabolism and help you lose those 5 pounds.

Note: If drinking water is a just too bland for you, consider squeezing a twist of lemon in it for flavor.

4. Step 4

Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is crucial towards any weight loss goal. Aim to get around 8 hours of sleep per night. If you are having trouble sleeping, try to coordinate your exercising routine so it is scheduled right before you go to sleep. This will ensure that you are all tuckered out and ready for a healthy nights sleep.

5. Step 5

Resources
Check out my resources section for more websites that offer tips on how to lose 5 pounds in a week.

How Long After an Abortion Can You Get Pregnant?

An abortion can be an extremely emotional and sensitive situation. There are some things to keep in mind after the procedure before moving on with your life.

What Is An Abortion
1. Medical abortions are when doctors administer prescription drugs to stop the pregnancy. A surgical abortion is when a doctor removes the embryo from the uterus, generally using a vacuum device.

Physical Effects of Abortion
2. Either form of abortion can result in vaginal bleeding and cramping. Surgical abortions may result in scarring of the cervix, which may require surgery to repair, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Future Impacts
3. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, neither surgical nor medical abortions are considered to be linked to future infertility problems. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women with concerns regarding future pregnancies should consult their doctors.

Physical Restrictions Following an Abortion
4. Because the cervix may remain open following the procedure, women should not use tampons, swim, take baths or have sexual intercourse for two weeks following the abortion.

How The Body Reacts
5. Most women's bodies will stop displaying pregnancy symptoms within a week, according to the Feminist Women's Health Center. Also, a woman's regular menstrual cycle should resume within four to six weeks.

Pregnancy After an Abortion
6. Woman can become pregnant at any time following an abortion and birth control is recommended if future pregnancies are not desired.