XOXO Leah: Vaginal Health Guide

How to take care of your vagina

By Leah Keith

hi Leah,

this is kinda personal, but I have nowhere else to turn. recently, my vagina has been smelling very fishy and I have no idea why. this has caused a lot of issues in my life… please give advice on how to improve my fishy odor and vaginal health <3

sincerely,

pungent person

Dear pungent person,

I am so sorry you are dealing with this issue!! Plenty of people deal with vaginal health related problems, but it can sometimes feel as if you are alone in your dilemma because of the lack of awareness of this stigmatized issue. Last week, I got STI tested at the health and wellness center, but prior to my appointment, I had no idea St. Kate’s provided that type of resource. 

Although my results came back negative, I definitely recommend getting tested for any vaginal health concerns, especially when you have a new sexual partner. If you are looking for a place that offers that type of service, I loved the Health and Wellness Clinic and had a great experience! I found the whole process to be incredibly convenient, and the providers at the center did a great job of making me feel comfortable. Here’s a link to their website if you are interested in scheduling an appointment. Otherwise, you can always set up an appointment with your provider at a different location.

Lauren Petersons is one of the healthcare providers on campus.

I am not an expert on this topic, so I interviewed one of the primary care providers at the Health and Wellness Center, Lauren Peterson (MS, MPAS, PA-C), to offer us some advice on vaginal health!

What gynecological services does the Health and Wellness Center offer?

Pap smears, STI testing, general gynecological complaints or concerns, birth control counseling and prescriptions.

Why do you feel as though coming to the gynecologists is so stigmatized?

There is a misconception by many that people with uteruses must go to a specialist (gynecologist). Many and most primary care providers offer most, if not all, the services that a gynecologist does. At the Health and Wellness Clinic, we are primary care providers so we offer a one-stop shop to get all your healthcare needs met.

I think society as a whole stigmatizes sexual and reproductive health, especially for those with uteruses. Sexual health is rarely talked about openly and honestly in society, thus adding a level of nervousness due to the lack of normalization.

What advice would you give people you want to seek these services but are too nervous to reach out?

Nerves are normal, especially when it comes to something like sexual health. The providers here in on campus are trained to approach every person with an open and inclusive lens. It often helps to establish with the provider first so you can get to know them. Once you feel more comfortable, it gets easier to see them for sexual health-related items.

We are also trained in how to provide a comfortable setting for sensitive exams and will walk you through everything we are doing and will make sure we only do what you are comfortable with. Oftentimes, many STI tests don’t need a vaginal exam to be completed. We also have a Health Promotion Coordinator, Emmy Romer, who can help you navigate sexual health concerns. She is a great resource to reach out to if you are feeling nervous. (Contact Emmy at efromer994@stkate.edu) 

Can you provide a list of common symptoms of STIs, yeast infections, or other vaginal health-related issues that might warrant a trip to the gynecologist.

Vulvas/Vaginas come in all different shapes, sizes and variations of “normal.” Vaginal discharge can be normal depending on your vagina's bacterial flora. But generally speaking, if you have smelly discharge or your vulva/vagina is itchy, that's not normal. Some other abnormalities to keep an eye out for are white, clumpy or green/yellow discharge, any rashes/lumps/or bumps or vaginal pain/burning. 

It's recommended to get STI testing after any new sexual partner. We offer free condoms and dental dams in the clinic and can walk you through how to use them as well. Again, if you are feeling nervous that’s totally normal - our health promotion coordinator is a great place to start for basic sexual health questions and can help you determine if you might need to see a medical provider.

Hopefully, that answered your question, pungent person, and thanks so much to Lauren Peterson for the interview!

I hope you all are taking care of yourselves,

xoxo Leah