Dr. Anita Manihal

The stereotype about pornography is that they are meant for single men who surf the web whenever they are lonely, which, in turn, testifies to the fact that it is the only pastime to overcome solitude. But the reality is that people who are in steady relationships also consume porn which brings the question whether pornography affects the quality of their relationship.

Popular media has been cautioning youngsters against porn addiction since it may lead to men objectifying their female counterparts and having desires that expect them to behave like porn stars. But studies conclude that most young men and about half the women population think that watching pornography does no harm to their relationship.

The disagreement between men and women:
In most cases, men and women show a disagreement on two issues: first, how porn is consumed, i.e., alone or with a partner or in groups and secondly, the frequency of its consumption. Young men enjoy watching porn with their peers and their porn choice tends to be different from older men and women. Some might enjoy extreme scenes with all sorts of humiliation including bondage sex and find such things enjoyable where they can together have fun just like the women present in the act. On the other hand, older men mostly love watching porn with their partners and prefer stuff showcasing instances where the female in the film is filled with desire and enjoys every bit of the act.

Understanding the effects of pornography on a relationship:
It is time to consider whether consuming pornography is really as benign as people think it to be. Let us take a deeper look at it:

Relationships without pornography consumption are much stable and stronger:
In a research conducted in America comprising men and women aged between 18 and 34 who were in a relationship, the researchers took into consideration the intensities of negative communication, dedication, level of commitment, sexual satisfaction and infidelity. It was found that people who didn’t indulge in pornography suffered from lower levels of negative communication while having higher levels of physical satisfaction.

Indulging in porn consumption reduces commitment:
The researchers also found that watching porn makes a person vulnerable to the thoughts of all the prospective sex partners which can lower down the amount of fidelity and dedication that you have for your soul mate. It may also make you disinterested in the person lying right beside you in the bed in favour of a person you are fantasizing.

There is no harm in watching porn but the key word here is the frequency. You can consume porn but make sure it doesn’t interfere with your personal relationship and ruin anything between you and your partner.

Rashes in the vulva, which might be caused due to various health problems or due to irritation on skin, usually constitute all the vaginal rashes. The vaginal rashes might be the result of non infectious conditions (it might be an allergic reaction) or it might also be the result of a sexually transmitted infection. The vulva may become red and might have sores and blisters. Many times, the vulva doesn't change color at all, but visible bumps are present in the area. 

SYMPTOMS:
The symptoms of vaginal rashes are as follows:

1. Blisters or sores
2. Reddening of the vulva
3. Visible bumps
4. Vaginal discharge
5. Pain in the pelvic region
6. Painful urination with a burning feeling
7. Itchiness
8. Pain while having sex
9. Lice or insects in the pubic hair
10. Fever
11. Enlarged lymph nodes
12. Ulcers on the groin

Although the symptoms are not usually fatal, sometimes the conditions might become life threatening. If your body temperature rises above 101oF and if you are suffering from a severe abdominal and pelvic pain, the best option is to consult a doctor immediately.

CAUSES:
Vaginal rashes can be due both noninfectious causes as well as due to sexually transmitted infections. Some of the infectious causes are:

1. Genital herpes
2. Granuloma inguinale
3. Human papilloma virus
4. Molluscum contagiosum
5. Scabies
6. Pubic lice
7. Yeast infections
8. Syphilis

Some of the noninfectious causes are:

1. Allergic reactions
2. Eczema
3. Chemical irritants like soap, lubricants, creams, etc
4. Lichen simplex chronicus
5. Psoriasis

COMPLICATIONS:
Although the vaginal rashes aren't very serious in nature, you might face certain complications like infertility, secondary or tertiary syphilis, and transmitting the infection to your partner. 

TREATMENT:
Vaginal rashes are usually treated with home remedies. Here are a few treatments you could try out if you are afflicted with vaginal rashes:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: This particular substance is known for having antifungal and antibacterial properties. It will help you get over the itching which takes place when you are suffering with a vaginal rash. If the rash is due to a fungal or bacterial infection, then apple cider vinegar will help to clear out the infection. Wash your vagina with apple cider vinegar and warm water mixture. 
2. pH balanced intimate/vaginal cleansing gel
3. Avoid toilet seats at public places
4. Keep the area dry
5. Safe sexual practices
6. Seek help from experts/ Dermatologist.

Consult your doctor if the rash becomes serious and requires immediate attention.