Why vaginal and pelvic health deserves attention

Vaginal and pelvic health is an important part of overall health, yet it is often something we don’t talk about until a problem develops. Changes in vaginal tissue, sensation, comfort, sexual function, or pelvic floor health can occur throughout life. They can be influenced by hormones, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, medications, stress, pain, and many other factors.

Some changes are expected. Others may be worth investigating.

Most importantly, common does not always mean something you simply have to live with.

Vaginal and pelvic health can affect much more than reproductive health. Changes in these areas can influence:

·   Comfort and daily activities

·   Sexual function and intimacy

·   Sensation

·   Urinary and bowel function

·   Pelvic pain

·   Physical activity and exercise

·   Confidence and quality of life

Yet concerns such as dryness, irritation, pain with sex, changes in sensation, or pelvic discomfort are often normalized or dismissed.

Someone may be told that their symptoms are simply part of aging, menopause, or having children. While these factors can contribute, they don’t necessarily explain the whole picture.

Taking the time to understand what is happening can be an important first step.

How vaginal and pelvic health can change throughout life

Our bodies change continuously, and vaginal and pelvic health is no exception.

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and menopause can influence the tissues and function of the vulva, vagina, and pelvic floor.

Other experiences can also play a role, including:

·   Pregnancy and childbirth

·   Pelvic or abdominal surgery

·   Recurrent infections or irritation

·   Changes in sexual activity

·   Medications

·   Pelvic floor dysfunction

·   Injury or physical activity

·   Chronic pain or other health conditions

These factors can affect tissue health, sensation, lubrication, comfort, muscle tone, and sexual function. There is also significant individual variation, which is why understanding your own body and changes over time can be valuable.

When should you pay attention to changes?

Not every change indicates a problem. However, persistent, new, worsening, or bothersome symptoms deserve attention.

This may include:

·   Vaginal dryness or irritation

·   Burning or discomfort

·   Pain with sexual activity

·   Changes in sexual sensation

·   Vulvar or vaginal discomfort

·   Changes in the appearance or feel of the tissues

·   Pelvic pain or pressure

·   Pelvic floor tension or discomfort

·   Recurrent or unexplained vulvovaginal symptoms

·   Changes that occur around perimenopause or menopause

You also don’t need to have a specific symptom to seek information. Sometimes the question is simply:

“Is this change normal for me?”

That can be a worthwhile question to explore.

Why assessment matters

Symptoms can tell us a lot, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Similar symptoms can have different underlying contributors, which is why looking at the broader picture can be valuable.

When symptoms persist or something has changed, an appropriate physical assessment can provide information that cannot always be obtained through conversation alone.

A clinical assessment can help identify changes in tissue health, areas of pain or tenderness, altered sensation, irritation, or other physical findings that may provide additional context for what someone is experiencing.

The purpose isn’t simply to identify whether something “looks normal.” It is to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and concerns and help guide conversations about appropriate next steps.

What is a Vaginal & Pelvic Health (VPH) Assessment?

At Longev, the Vaginal & Pelvic Health (VPH) Assessment is a dedicated clinical assessment for people who have questions or concerns about their vulvovaginal and pelvic health.

The assessment is individualized according to the person’s symptoms, concerns, and clinical needs.

It may provide information about:

·   Tissue health and changes

·   Pain or tenderness

·   Sensation

·   Irritation or other tissue changes

·   Changes associated with hormonal shifts

·   Pelvic floor function

·   Factors that may be contributing to discomfort or sexual health concerns

Just as importantly, the appointment provides time for education and discussion.

This is not simply an examination. It is an opportunity to better understand your body and have your questions addressed in a dedicated clinical setting.

The importance of education

Understanding your own body is an important part of pelvic and vaginal health.

Many people have never had someone explain their vulvovaginal anatomy, how hormonal changes can affect their tissues, what different symptoms may mean, or what changes they should pay attention to.

This can leave people feeling uncertain—or assuming that discomfort is simply something they are expected to accept.

A VPH Assessment provides an opportunity to ask questions, better understand your anatomy and symptoms, and learn how different factors may influence your health.

The goal is not simply to tell you what was observed. It is to help you understand what those findings may mean.

Who may benefit from VPH?

A VPH Assessment may be appropriate for someone experiencing dryness, irritation, pain with sexual activity, changes in sensation, pelvic discomfort, or other vulvovaginal concerns.

It may also be useful for people navigating hormonal transitions such as perimenopause and menopause who have noticed changes in their vaginal or pelvic health.

You don’t need to know what is causing your symptoms before seeking an assessment. Part of the purpose of VPH is to gather more information and help make sense of what you are experiencing.

What happens after a VPH Assessment?

Following the assessment, the findings will be discussed with you and communicated to your referring practitioner, who can then follow up with treatment and ongoing care based on the assessment findings.

If you were not referred by a practitioner, an ND at Longev will follow up with you to review the findings and develop an appropriate care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it normal to experience changes in vaginal or pelvic health as I age?

Changes can occur throughout life, particularly during hormonal transitions such as perimenopause and menopause. However, something being common does not necessarily mean you have to live with bothersome symptoms or that further assessment isn’t warranted.

Is a VPH Assessment right for me?

A VPH Assessment may be helpful if you have noticed changes in your vaginal or pelvic health, are experiencing symptoms, or simply have questions about something that has changed. You don’t need to know what’s causing your symptoms before seeking an assessment.

Do I need to have symptoms to have a VPH Assessment?

Not necessarily. Some people may simply have questions or concerns about changes they have noticed and want a better understanding of their pelvic or vaginal health.

Is a VPH Assessment the same as a routine pelvic exam?

No. VPH is a dedicated assessment focused on understanding vulvovaginal and pelvic health, including symptoms, physical findings, function, and education.

What if I’m nervous or have questions about the assessment?

That’s completely understandable. You can discuss your questions, concerns, and preferences with our VPH practitioner before and during the appointment. Your comfort level and wishes remain important throughout the process.

Is an internal assessment always required?

No. The assessment is individualized according to your concerns, clinical needs, comfort level, and wishes. Any recommended component of the assessment will be discussed with you beforehand.

How can I access a VPH Assessment?

A referral is not required to access VPH. You may self-refer or be referred by another healthcare practitioner.

If you are new to Longev or would like to establish naturopathic care alongside your VPH Assessment, an ND at the clinic can follow up with you and help determine the appropriate next steps for your care.

Understanding your body is part of your health

Vaginal and pelvic health is a part of overall health that deserves attention throughout every stage of life.

You don’t need to wait until a symptom becomes severe to ask questions. And you don’t need to accept persistent discomfort simply because it is common.

Sometimes the first step is simply having the opportunity to understand what is happening.

You deserve to understand your body.

Curious about a change you’ve noticed?

You don’t have to figure it out on your own. A VPH Assessment can help you better understand what may be happening and what your next steps may be.

To learn more about these services or book an appointment – Call us (416)594-9994 or email.