How To Connect with Our Guest:

Guest: Dr. Marlene Kalouyan

Make an appointment with Dr. K at Womens Health Specialists West Hills - (818) 887-5000.

Products Recommended In This Episode:

“Down There” Wipes

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No material from our hosts or guests is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. We strive to provide you with education and information so that you can then go to your own provider and get an individualized approach to your medical needs and questions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this podcast.

Show Notes:

After childbirth, a woman can experience both functional and aesthetic changes to her parts.

Labia growth, swelling, lack of control over your bladder, etc. can occur right after childbirth. Long term changes might be where you have to go to the bathroom more often or you may experience stress incontinence (peeing when you laugh, sneeze, cough). Looseness of the vaginal canal post childbirth where sex doesn’t feel the same can also occur (Coital Laxity). There’s help for all of these symptoms.

Pregnancy alone causes urological changes, despite having a c-section or vaginal birth.

Lasers can help heal vaginal trauma or c-section scars.

Post-birth care recommendations: Epsom salts (to sit in and soak after birth), Depends underwear (soak the Depends with witch hazel, lavender, and aloe vera. Pour this solution on pads and put them in the freezer).

Bleeding after birth: First 7 days are the heaviest where you might be changing a pad every hour (this is fine as long as you aren’t soaking through the pad or seeing palm-sized clots). After a week you might change a pad every 3-4 hours, followed by changing it 2-3 times a day. Having a light liner up to 6 weeks is typically normal.

Sex after birth: Wait at least 6 weeks to make sure that no tissue would be compromised with the friction that comes with sex. You also want the stitches to be dissolved which can take up to 6 weeks.

Vaginal Dryness: Usually related to breastfeeding due to a low estrogen state. You can apply prescription estrogen topical to the vaginal walls or use over-the-counter lubricants. If you have residual pain after birth with sex you will have a negative experience with sex which can also lead to dryness.

There’s nothing you can do before childbirth to prevent tearing, incontinence, vaginal problems, etc.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: These exercises have been proven to help with the functionality.

Laser Therapy: Ask what type of laser your MD will use. CO2 fractionated, Radiofrequency, Ultrasound lasers, YAG lasers, and IPL laser, have an element of healing skin and muscle. Some will have more efficacy. CO2 and radio frequency are most commonly used. This is really helpful to people who have pain issues, mild urologic issues, laxity, and dryness.

Lasers have been on the market for skin healing for years. The data from the skin is just being gathered and it is an up-and-coming technology that people are applying to the inner vaginal tissue. The research hasn’t caught up with the technology. The research that has been proven is the effectiveness of laser treatments in menopausal women.

Closing Recommendations, Resources & Tips:

Sleep Sacks: Cut off arms or make them yourself

Sleep rituals: Using lavender spray, meditation and crystals can help you have a peaceful night’s sleep

Down There Wipes by Good Wipes can give you a quick refresher down there, especially before intimacy.