What Do You Know About Your Vaginal Microbiome?

We know you’ve all been thinking it, so we’ll just come right out and say it: bacteria are awesome! They help do everything from supporting immunity and heart health to promoting a healthy weight and reducing anxiety. Believe it or not, though, bacteria haven’t always been the health heroes they are today.

Before all of the interest in gut health and probiotics, bacteria were known for little other than causing harmful conditions like food poisoning, pneumonia and sinus infections. But the tide has turned—which is great news considering our bodies are literally filled with trillions (yes, trillions) of bacteria.

And while the idea of flourishing gut bacteria is something we can all get behind, a thriving vaginal microbiome—not so much. We get it, vaginal bacteria just doesn’t have the same ring to it as gut bacteria does.

So even though the thought of bacteria thriving down there may give you the heebie-jeebies, your vaginal microbiome may be more important than you thought. Here are 5 things Sheila Warren, RN, GMC's Wellness Navigator, wants you to know.

1.    Bacteria are vital for a healthy environment. You may prefer not to think of your vaginal area as an ecosystem, but with numerous bacteria coexisting in perfect harmony, that’s actually the perfect way to describe it.

"When the bacteria are balanced, everything runs smoothly and your vagina can go about its business, maintaining a low pH (ideally 3.8 to 4.5), performing its self-cleaning and preventing infection," explains Warren. 

2.    But not all bacteria are created equal. While good bacteria—like lactobacilli and corynebacterium—typically rule the roost, they aren’t always successful at keeping out harmful bacteria. "This is because good bacteria thrive in low, acidic pH levels (below 4.5), but when pH levels rise—like during your monthly cycle—this can allow harmful bacteria to grow unchecked," says Warren.

3.    So don’t mess with a good thing. While you may be tempted to go out and get some fancy antibacterial wash, or cleaning product to help maintain vaginal health, you may be doing more harm than good. "It isn’t just harsh soaps that can impact pH," adds Warren, "other things like unprotected sex, antibiotics, your period, stress, even eating carbs and sugar, can all rock the boat and cause a higher-than-normal pH."

4.    Higher pH levels = higher risk of infection. It’d be great if vaginal pH levels could rise and fall without anyone being the wiser, but that’s often not the case. Unfortunately, with an imbalanced pH, your risk of getting an accompanying infection is much higher.

"If you suspect your pH is out of whack, brace yourself for the potential bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis or yeast infection to follow," notes Warren. "Also, it’s important to note that if you’ve had one of these conditions in the past, you’re more likely to have it again in the future."

5.    Don’t overlook minor changes. Whether it’s a change in vaginal odor, slight discomfort, abnormal discharge or something just feels off, it’s important to listen to your body.

"As convenient as it may sound to try and treat conditions—like a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis—at home, you may not be able to effectively distinguish between common symptoms, or it could be something else entirely," emphasizes Warren. "To get the relief you need and to ensure lasting vaginal and reproductive health, make sure to see your health care provider."

Restoring balance. By now you know that one of the best ways to keep your vagina happy and healthy is to ensure that you are supporting a balanced pH. But this means more than just avoiding common factors that can cause an imbalance. For instance, did you know that some women—25%—naturally have no lactobacillus (one of the key vaginal bacteria)? Or that vaginal bacterium can be passed down from mother to daughter?

That’s why, with so many factors to consider, GMC’s Health Navigator, Sheila Warren, RN, is here to help you find the health information, expert care and personal support you need. No matter your stage of life, Sheila would love to help ensure your lasting health and wellbeing.

5 Things You Don’t Want To Know About Gynecologic Cancers (But Should)

Besides the fact that all types of cancer are just downright scary—gynecologic cancers included—what do you actually know about this group of cancers that affect the nether region? If you’re like nearly 20% of women, you may not be able to name a single sign or symptom (yikes!) even though gynecologic cancers are the fourth biggest cause of cancer-related deaths. Something just doesn’t add up here.

So what are we missing? Why are gynecologic cancers so misunderstood and often overlooked by women under 40? It’d be nice if there was a quick and easy answer to this question. But like most things, it’s a bit complicated.

Not to worry, though, we’re working with Sheila Warren, RN, GMC’s health navigator, to put gynecologic cancers on your health radar. Here are 5 facts about gynecologic cancers that aren’t a want, but a need for every woman:

1.    There isn’t just one type of cancer to be worried about.

Most of think of the female reproductive system as a whole; lumping the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, vulva and fallopian tubes together. However, because they are all unique organs, they can each be impacted by a different type of cancer—five to be exact. This includes cervical, ovarian, endometrial/uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers.

And while ovarian and cervical cancers are the most well-known of the five, endometrial/uterine cancer is actually the most common.

2.    Most women have at least one of the risk factors (if not more).

It isn’t just post-menopausal women, or women who have other gynecologic conditions (like HPV) that are at risk for developing cancer. In fact, some of the most common risk factors are actually those seemingly harmless, everyday things that we’ve (almost) all experienced.  

Some of these risk factors include:

·         Smoking

·         Eating a diet low in fresh fruits and veggies

·         Being overweight

·         Artificial hormone changes (oral contraceptives or hormone therapy)

·         IUDs (intrauterine device)

·         Multiple full-term pregnancies

3.    The symptoms are super, super vague.

You’d know if you had something as serious as cancer—right? While we’d like to think that the symptoms would be obvious enough to immediately send up a red flag, most of them are easily mistaken for other common conditions like menstruation, irritable bowel syndrome, UTIs and more.

So how can you tell the difference between cancer warning signs and other conditions? It starts with knowing your body and what’s normal for you. But if you notice any one or more of these symptoms when you’re not on your period and they last for up to two weeks, it’s definitely time to see a healthcare expert:

·         Abnormal bleeding and/or discharge (all types of gynecologic cancer)

·         Feeling full or a loss of appetite (ovarian cancer)

·         Pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort (ovarian and uterine cancer)

·         An increase in the frequency and urgency of urinating (ovarian and vaginal cancer)

·         Chronic bloating (ovarian cancer)

·         Pelvic and/or back pain and cramping (ovarian cancer)

·         Itching, burning or changes in color of the vagina or vulva (vulvar cancer)

4.    There aren’t any regular screenings for most types of gynecologic cancers.

Despite the fact that gynecologic cancers impact thousands of women every year, there aren’t routine screenings for most types. And it isn’t just that. For some types of gynecologic cancers, like ovarian and endometrial/uterine, even if you wanted to be screened, there are no reliable or simple screening options available before the onset of symptoms.

Most experts emphasize the importance of knowing the most common symptoms (listed above) and noting any changes or warning signs to your healthcare provider. You are your best method of prevention.

5.    Most women choose to skip the most common preventative test there is.

Even though proactive screening isn’t available for ovarian, endometrial/uterine, vaginal or vulvar cancers, that isn’t the case for cervical cancer (thank goodness!). As a part of routine pap smears, cervical cancer screenings are surprisingly simple and undeniably easy. However, recent studies estimate that as many as one-third of women are opting to skip their paps—and for shocking reasons.

Things like not waxing or shaving their pubic area, feeling uncomfortable about their body shape or how they look and worrying about whether or not they smell, have all stopped women from getting their routine pap.

Now if you’re one of those women who has skipped over a routine pap, you’re not alone. But let’s not dwell on the past. Instead, let’s focus on a healthier future. By working with a compassionate and supportive expert like GMC’s Health Navigator, Sheila Warren, RN, you can find the health information, expert care and personal encouragement you need. No matter your stage of life, Sheilawould love to help ensure your lasting health and wellbeing.

Get Your Glow On With These Superfoods

Gorgeous, glimmering, supple skin? Yes please. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some way to capture summertime radiance without baking in the sun for hours or spending a small fortune on assorted lotions, creams and serums? Oh wait, there is. And the best part is you can enjoy tasty foods while you nourish your skin—and the rest of your body—at the same time.

It seems like that old saying of true beauty starts from within is absolutely true in this case. That’s because your skin thrives with nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, E, K (basically the whole alphabet), collagen, fatty acids and more. And because it’s difficult—if not impossible—to find a magic lotion with all of these ingredients, why not go straight to the source instead?

Sheila Warren, RN, GMC’s Wellness Navigator, shares the key skin-loving nutrients you should be eating (and what foods you can find them in).

1.    Antioxidants (aka: vitamins C & E, plus Selenium): If pesky free radicals are your skin’s top enemy, then antioxidants are basically superheroes. That’s because antioxidants help to protect your skin from damage, toxins and aging factors.

To keep everything from wrinkles and dry skin to hyperpigmentation at bay, stock up on: blueberries, green tea (it’s most potent when hot), citrus fruits, spinach and sweet potatoes.

2.    Vitamin A (aka: beta-carotene, retinol): While you’ve probably heard of retinol as one of the most popular anti-aging ingredients in lotion, you may not know that it’s also something you can eat. Well, sort of. Beta-carotene, which the body converts into retinol, helps your skin with cell turnover and renewal, as well as luminosity.

To keep your complexion clear and your glow game strong, make sure to eat: carrots, bell peppers, blueberries, apricots and sweet potatoes.

3.    Fatty Acids (aka: Omega-3, 6 and 9 Fatty Acids): You’ve likely heard the most about omega-3 fatty acids, but omega-6 and -9 fatty acids are no slouches, either. Omega fatty acids can help with everything from lowering cholesterol and reducing joint pain to helping strengthen and hydrate your skin, as well as fight off inflammation.

To give your skin that youthful, dewy look, enjoy: tuna, avocados, salmon, walnuts and safflower oil.

4.    Collagen: As the most abundant protein in your body, collagen is essential for muscles, bones, digestion, skin and more. Unfortunately, though, as we age collagen production continues to slow down (womp, womp) and eating sugary foods doesn’t help that process.

To give your skin a boost of elasticity and plumpness, try bone broth—which may sound weird, but it’s full of collagen.

Summer-proof your skin. Now that you have a menu fit for goddess-level skin, let’s not forget the importance of healthy habits, like washing your face, using a balanced lotion and staying hydrated. However, despite your best efforts to have a normal skin routine and eat all the blueberries and sweet potatoes you can, if you’re still having trouble (bug bites, sunburn, dermatitis…etc., or all of the above) ask an expert for help.

Whether you’re in search of medical information, preventative care or recommendations for diagnostics and treatment, GMC’s Wellness Navigator is there to offer support at every stage of your health journey. Remember, there is no health concern too small.