The rise of women’s intimate health: what every mum should know

With the increase of knowledge and the emergence of FemTech, women’s intimate health is (finally) having its moment. 

For far too long, this area of biology has been relegated to the sidelines, with male anatomy taking centre stage for the vast majority of medical studies. Now, though, women are getting the chance to know their bodies better, and it’s about time!

For mums, there’s a whole segment of intimate health you should be aware of. From vaginal dryness to urinary incontinence, get to grips with the basics and put your health first.

Vaginal Health After Pregnancy

Let’s start with the vagina. This is an area that sees a lot of trauma after pregnancy, resulting in a plethora of potential issues that can last long after your baby’s grown from a newborn to a toddler.

Bloody Discharge

If you’re not prepared for discharge after giving birth, you might be surprised to see a fair amount of blood. This is completely normal and not something to be concerned about. Bloody discharge (also known as lochia) typically lasts for around 4-6 weeks, though it can continue for upwards of 12 weeks.

When experiencing bloody discharge, be sure to use super absorbent pads (it can be quite heavy) rather than tampons, which should be a no-go until at least 6 weeks postpartum.

If you’re soaking through a pad every hour for more than 24 hours, seek medical help.

Vaginal Laxity

Changes to your vaginal muscles are common after giving birth. Although your vagina is amazingly elastic, the muscles can still become weaker and lose their tightness, leading to a loss of sensation or a general feeling of looseness.

For some mums, this returns to normal after a few months of pelvic floor exercises, while for others, it’s a permanent change.

Vaginal laxity can affect everything from your body confidence to your sex life, but treatments are available. We recommend speaking to a gynaecological clinic that offers post-pregnancy treatments to learn more about how you can restore your vagina’s muscle strength. 

Vaginal Dryness

Postpartum vaginal dryness affects 43% of new mums. This lack of natural lubricant is caused by sudden fluctuations in your hormones (after giving birth, your body experiences a rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone). 

It can be uncomfortable, lead to pain during sex, and even increase your chances of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). 

While vaginal dryness after giving birth is often temporary, you might experience recurrences throughout your life, including during menopause. To combat dryness, try using a vaginal lubricant as a quick fix, or explore non-invasive procedures with a trusted gynaecologist. 

Changes to Your Labia

Your labia are the folds of skin around the entrance of your vagina. During pregnancy and in the postpartum period, you might notice your labia changing as it becomes:

• Swollen and heavier
• Darker in colour
• More sensitive

After giving birth, it’s also common for the labia to stretch, swell, and change colour. Again, these changes can revert to normal in a few weeks or months, but some mums see a permanent change. 

It’s important to remember that everyone’s labia looks different, and there’s nothing wrong if yours has changed. Your body has just achieved something extraordinary, after all! If you do struggle with the appearance of your labia, though, or if it’s causing you discomfort, speak to a gynaecologist about treatment options.

Perineal Pain and Scarring

Tearing is common during vaginal birth, and it’s normal for your perineum to feel sore after delivery. For some women, this fades within weeks, while for others it can persist for months.

If you’re struggling with perineal pain, try using cold packs and witch hazel pads to reduce swelling. You can also take pain relief, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, and sit on postpartum cushions designed to relieve pressure on the perineum. 

Many mums also have perineal scars after childbirth. These can be raised, itchy, and tight, with problems especially common during exercise or when sitting for long periods. Speak to your GP or a gynaecologist about treatment options for painful scars. 

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is caused by weakened pelvic health after childbirth, with the muscles and tissue around your bladder not working quite as well as they used to. It can last anywhere from months to years after birth, with 31% of mums affected. 

The two main types of postpartum UI are:

• Stress incontinence: This is characterised by urine leaks when extra pressure is put on the bladder, such as when you exercise, cough, sneeze, or laugh. It’s the most common type of UI amongst mums.
  
• Urge incontinence: A little less common but still very normal, urge UI creates the sudden need to urinate. There’s usually very little time between the first signal that you need the toilet and urination, making it tricky to manage.

As with many other intimate health issues, advances in science and technology mean there are excellent treatment options for postpartum UI. 

Gynaecologists can use lasers, for instance, to stimulate collagen production and tighten weakened vaginal and pelvic tissues. There are also options for pelvic floor physiotherapy, electrical stimulation, and (in longer-term cases) minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Breasts and Nipples

Women’s health issues after having children aren’t limited to the vagina and bladder. Your boobs and nipples, in particular, can experience a lot of changes after giving birth.

If you’re breastfeeding, for instance, you might experience mastitis. This occurs when your breast tissue becomes inflamed, which can be incredibly painful and lead to firm, sore breast lumps. You might suffer from flu-like symptoms as a side effect of mastitis, too.

Usually, mastitis will go away on its own within a few days. You can speed up recovery by:

• Ensuring your baby is positioned correctly and properly attached when breastfeeding
• Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Placing a warm, wet cloth on your breast to encourage milk flow (make sure it’s not too hot, as this could increase inflammation)
• Reducing pain by using a cold compress

It’s also normal to see physical changes in your breasts and nipples. They may increase in size, for instance, and your nipples might become darker. Stretch marks, more visible veins, and loss of breast volume are all standard changes after giving birth, and a sign that your body is working exactly as it should.

There’s no doubt that your intimate health goes through real, lasting changes after giving birth. Some shifts show up in the early postpartum weeks, while others can surface months or even years later. The most important thing to remember? Your body is extraordinary, exactly as it is. 

For more articles on postpartum health, check out the latest on London Mums Magazine.