Dr. Shalu Wadhawan

No matter how outspoken you may be, something happens to us in a gynecologist's clinic. And though we have a million questions, most of them stay unasked. However, it is important to be frank and open with a gynecologist to ensure good sexual health. To make it a little easier, here are the answers to five embarrassing questions.

1. Is vaginal discharge normal?: A little vaginal discharge is a normal occurrence in all women. This discharge is a way for the vagina to cleanse itself. The amount of vaginal discharge varies from one woman to the next and also depends on your menstrual cycle. It is very easy to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy discharge by merely looking at it. Normal discharge is clear, whitish or light yellow. If your vaginal discharge is excessive or thick and odorous and accompanied by itching, you should see a gynecologist at the earliest.
2. Will hormonal birth control affect my libido?: Hormonal birth control affects each woman in a unique way. While for some it can cause weight gain, for others it can result in a weakened libido. This is because hormonal birth control suppresses ovulation and thus controls the production of natural hormones. If you feel your sex drive is being effected by your pills, talk to your gynecologist for alternative birth control techniques.
3. How can you make intercourse less painful?: Sex should be a pleasurable experience for both partners. However, sometimes, the act of penetration can cause discomfort to women. This is mainly because of a lack of lubrication that results from not being turned on enough or nervousness. You could experiment with lubricants and sexual positions to make this more comfortable. Also, go slow and take your time enjoying foreplay to stimulate your body.
4. Why is there an odor from my vagina?: Just because your vagina has a strange smell, it does not mean that something is wrong. The fluids in a woman's body are affected by a number of factors including her diet, hygiene, sexual activity and infections. Good hygiene habits can control most odor problems. If it persists, odor may be a sign of a yeast bacterial infection and should be shown to a doctor immediately.
5. Why do I leak urine when I laugh or sneeze?: Many women after giving birth are subject to urinary incontinence. This is mostly due to weak pelvic floor muscles after pregnancy and a drop in estrogen in post menopausal women. Simple exercises can often help strengthen your pelvic muscles and hence prevent leaking. In more serious cases, a gynecologist will also be able to prescribe medication for the same.

No question is too silly or too embarrassing to ask a gynecologist. So, choose your gynecologist with care and ensure that you are comfortable discussing your intimate health with her. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Treating Phimosis for Healthy Penis Function

Intact men have a lot of advantages, most notably the increased sensitivity they enjoy. However, there are also some downsides to having a foreskin, and one of those is the possibility of phimosis. Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is too tight to retract over the head of the penis. This can make masturbation or any other sexual activity painful; in some cases it becomes too painful to continue. Fortunately, there are treatments for this, and one of them includes a new regimen of penis care.

What is phimosis?

A man with phimosis might find that he can't retract the foreskin properly. This means as he gets an erection, the foreskin is too tight around the head. Trying to masturbate or have sex can force the foreskin a bit, which then leads to pain. Phimosis usually isn't spotted until a guy starts becoming sexually active and realizes that most activities hurt. In addition to the problem of painful activity, a foreskin that is too tight means a man can't retract it to clean properly underneath. This can lead to serious penis problems, including infections from accumulated oils and dead skin cells that wind up trapped under the foreskin.

Treatments for phimosis

Fortunately, there are many treatments that work for a guy who has phimosis. Most men want to keep their healthy penis intact and so don't want to go for circumcision as their only option. There are other ways to help the foreskin stretch and retract appropriately.

One of the most common ways is a home treatment. A man with phimosis can use heavy-duty moisturizers to soften the skin as much as possible, then gently pull it back and forth over the head. This gentle motion should be used at least once a day, every day, until the skin begins to move more freely. Though this might lead to some discomfort at first, there should be no pain - it is important for a man to stop the activity if he feels any pain.

This might work over a period of several weeks. However, if the foreskin doesn't stretch properly for retracting, it might be time for a man to consider other options. One of these is surgery. A full circumcision is possible, but depending upon his situation, a man might also be able to go through a partial circumcision. This consists of cuts at strategic areas so that the foreskin has more room to stretch.

Other things to keep in mind

When a man is working with his penis to stretch the foreskin, he should be very aware of the possibility of paraphimosis. This is a condition in which the foreskin does stretch enough to go over the head, but then gets stuck behind it. This condition is more likely in someone who has a tight foreskin, so those who are trying home treatment for phimosis are at greater risk. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency that requires a guy to get treatment immediately.

Assuming all is well, a man should take care to condition the skin every day. Stretching out the skin is hard work, and the penis should be rewarded with nutrients that keep it healthy. This can be found in a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Among the most important ingredients are Shea butter and vitamin E. Shea butter is a high-end emollient, and vitamin E is quite common as a skin hydrator. When these are used together, they create a moisture lock that keeps the skin's precious oils right where they belong - in the healthy penis skin. Other great options in a crème include vitamins A, B, C and D, as well as antioxidants and amino acids that help keep the skin as healthy as possible during the phimosis treatments.