Let's talk frankly, but sincerely, about what happens to your vagina and surrounding feminine parts during menopause. There are two key changes in the body that, for many women, cause a variety of sexual problems, including inability to properly lubricate, pain or discomfort during intercourse, increased urinary tract infections, and for some, urine leakage, especially when laughing, sneezing, or crying.
Not too pleasant, any way you look at it, is it? All this happens for two reasons: your body isn't producing as much of its feminine hormones as it once was, causing you to lose lubrication. Secondly, as you grow older, your muscles start to thin, including the muscles making up the walls of your vagina.
Fortunately, choosing diets rich in Vitamin E and soy products seems, for most women, to keep your muscles strong. In addition, pelvic exercises known as Kegels will strengthen your muscles, helping you to maintain a healthy and well-lubricated vagina. Kegels are deceptively simple to perform, and you can often exercise your pelvic muscles at the checkout line at the grocery store, while watching television, or while holding a conversation with someone - once you know what you're doing, no one will know!
To perform Kegels, imagine you're trying to stop your urine in mid-stream (or better, the next time you go to the toilet, go ahead and try it!). The muscles you engage in doing so are your pelvic muscles, and these are the muscles that you're aiming to exercise. The exercises themselves are as simple as flexing and relaxing your leg or arm muscles. Over a count of four, slowly tighten these muscles, making sure you're mimicking the action of trying to stop urinating and not engaging your abdominals, and hold the muscles tightened for a few seconds.
Then, in a slow and controlled motion, over the same count of four, relax these muscles. Do several sets of slow flexing and releasing, followed by repetitions where you flex and release the muscles as quickly as possible. Repeat this several times a day, whenever you think of it, and as the muscles grow stronger, increase the length of time you hold the muscles tight. Remember to keep breathing deeply and regularly throughout - this should not be a strenuous workout!
Remember to exercise your Kegels as often as possible, and don't be too modest or embarrassed to share the tip with others!
About the author:
Dawn M. Olsen is an Advocate for Better Women’s Health through Education, Recipe Developer, Soy Food Enthusiast and the Author of "Menopause A to Z - A Definitive Guide to Modern Menopause” available online now at http://www.MenopauseAtoZ.com
Flattering Styles For
Women With Curves
by: Her Plus Life
Are you one of those fabulous women that has curves, and you would like
to know a fun way of showing them off? There are several ways to make your
figure look the way that you want. It is all in the manner that you carry
yourself. Being confident and following a few basic rules on how to dress
will make you look like the woman you want to be.
The first rule is to go out and buy the correct size bra. A good bra
will make your outfits look the way that they should. Having curves is a
wonderful thing to have, but you need to know how to make them fit right
with your clothing style. It is amazing what a great bra can do for your
figure.
The second rule is buying clothes that are the right size for you. So,
go ahead and throw away all those clothes that are too baggy on you. Say
hello to a more fun, alive figure. Stop hiding it. Wearing sizes too big
or small for your body frame will only accentuate your weight, and not
your lovely curves. You do not want to wear shapeless styles. Try wearing
semi-fitted separates. It will make you look taller and thinner, and make
it look like you have a more sculpted waist. Wear tops that just skim your
waist and hips. Jackets should be worn just to the length of your
fingertips. As for your bottoms, select clothes that tend to taper
downwards. It will look better than other styles. Skirts will look good if
they are not too high. If you can sit in your skirt without it ridding up
on you, then you are all set. Shift dresses are great especially with a
round neckline. It will even out your proportions wonderfully.
The third rule is not to wear anything that is too bold, and that calls
extra attention to yourself. That means no super bold prints, no big patch
pockets, no oversized buttons or bows, and no horizontal patterns. You
want to wear a nice crisp line of color, and then accessorize with just a
few simple accessories such as jewelry or a scarf. Sometimes even just
wearing one solid color all over is great look. It will add height to your
frame, and shrink your width.
The last rule is very easy. You should buy the best quality that you
can afford. Quality fabrics can make all the difference in how you look.
Fine fabrics look better than stiff fabrics that can add inches onto your
body. In addition, well-made clothes will hold their shape better. Better
shape will improve your shape too. If you follow all these rules, you will
look and feel better. So go out, and let your light shine. Better clothes,
for a better you!
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