Reviewed by: Qinping Liao (Tsinghua Changgeng Hospital, Beijing)
Author: Chen Yan (Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology)
Menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and old age are important periods that women experience. Due to changes in the body during these periods, coupled with the influence of menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, childbirth, abortion, contraception, intercourse, etc., it is very easy to cause the breeding of pathogens and gynecological inflammation. Therefore, the way of care during these periods is slightly different from usual.
1. Precautions for menstrual care
During menstruation, the vagina's ability to inhibit the growth of pathogens is reduced, and menstrual blood itself is easy to become a "hotbed" for bacteria to rage. At the same time, the cervical opening during menstruation is slightly open, so that the pelvic cavity, uterus, cervix, vagina and the external environment are connected, which is very easy to cause pathogenic bacteria to multiply in the vagina, and even upward infection. At the same time, the shedding of the endometrium during menstruation further increases the risk of pathogenic bacteria invading the uterus. Therefore, during menstruation we should follow the following nursing methods.
Choose a soft, cotton-mesh pad that is less irritating to the skin. Wash your hands before changing the sanitary napkin so as not to bring germs to the sanitary napkin. When the menstrual volume is large, it is best to change every 2 to 3 hours, and the frequency of replacement should not exceed 4 to 5 hours when the amount is small; at night, you can use a sanitary napkin with ultra-long and good absorption and breathability.
Wash the vulva with warm water 1 to 2 times a day. Showers can be taken during menstruation, but do not use body soap and lotion. Swimming, bathing, sitz bathing, vaginal flushing are strictly prohibited.
Try to wear loose, elastic, breathable clothing, do not penetrate poor gas tights. Tights can compress local capillaries, thereby affecting blood circulation, increasing perineal friction, easily causing perineal congestion and edema, and even causing infection of the genitourinary system.
It is strictly forbidden to have sex during menstruation. Intercourse easily carries bacteria into the vagina and breeds under the action of menstrual blood, which then spreads along many tiny wounds and ruptured small blood vessels in the endometrium, infecting the endometrium and even affecting the fallopian tubes and pelvis. What's more, uterine contractions during intercourse can squeeze endometrial debris into the pelvic cavity, causing endometriosis and infertility.
Do not have a gynecological examination during menstruation. Gynaecological examination during menstruation may carry outside bacteria into the body, or it may damage the uterine lining, causing infection or excessive bleeding. If a gynaecological examination is required, it should be done at least 3 days to 1 week after menstruation has been cleaned.
Image source: Stand Cool Helo
2. Tips for nursing care during pregnancy
After a woman becomes pregnant, vaginal discharge increases, the vulva is damp, and bacteria are easily bred. And women's resistance during pregnancy is relatively weak, more likely to be plagued by gynecological inflammation, which can lead to premature birth or fetal infectious diseases when the inflammation is severe.
In addition to daily basic nursing care during pregnancy, you must have regular and regular obstetric examinations, strictly follow the doctor's instructions, and pay attention to observing your vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy will increase slightly, milky white, tasteless and non-irritating, which is normal, and expectant mothers do not have to panic, let alone over-clean. If a slimy or okara-like vaginal discharge appears, grayish white, grayish yellow, or milky yellow with a special fishy odor, itchy vulva, flushing, or scratch marks, it may be infected with vaginitis, so get medical attention as soon as possible.
3. Menopausal care guidance
After the age of 40, the ovarian function gradually declines, the level of estrogen in the body decreases, the secretion of cervical mucus and vaginal epithelium decreases, the reproductive organs atrophy and tissue relaxation, and the vaginitis, uterine prolapse and urinary incontinence are prone to occur, resulting in the invasion of external pathogens, and the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis such as vaginal dryness, tenderness, itching, increased secretions (bloody), and dyspareunia.
Therefore, the daily care of menopause needs to do the following:
Maintain a comfortable mood, reduce mental burden, try to avoid adverse stimuli, eliminate nervous, negative, and anxious emotions, and maintain the stability of the nervous system.
Proper fitness activities and physical exercise can not only promote metabolism, activate organ function, enhance physical fitness, but also fight against anxiety, depression, irritability and other bad emotions.
Combine work and leisure, maintain good living habits, ensure adequate rest and sleep time, and maintain good interpersonal relationships.
Eat less or no foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fatty acids, choose vegetable oils, such as rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, eat cornmeal and vegetables, fruits, lean meat, fish and other foods with less cholesterol, and eat more soybean products, because they are all good plant proteins.
Menopausal women may experience edema and hypertension due to endocrine changes, so the diet should be light, and the salt should be controlled at 3 to 5 grams per day.
Pay attention to personal hygiene and choose cotton, breathable underwear. Change your underwear frequently, and your underwear will dry in the sun.
Do regular gynecological examinations and cancer screenings every year, and if abnormalities are found, your doctor will recommend early treatment.
4. Vaginal care for the elderly
After the age of 60, women have decreased sexual function, decreased libido, atrophy of sexual organs, decreased vaginal resistance, and are prone to enuresis, leakage of urine, etc., need to change underwear and underwear frequently, keep the vulva fresh and dry.
In addition, some experts believe that the appropriate sexual life of the elderly can promote blood circulation, promote metabolism, and contribute to health and marital harmony.
*The content of this article is a popularization of health knowledge and cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor is it a substitute for face-to-face consultation by a practicing physician, for reference only.
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