After menopause, painful intercourse is a typical condition. According to study, over 40% of postmenopausal women suffer with the disorder known as dyspareunia. 

Despite this, the majority of women do not seek treatment or even recognize that aid is available. Your sex life, relationship, and self-image may all be affected by the disease.

Reduced estrogen levels after menopause induce dyspareunia, which affects the vaginal tissue, leaving it thin, inflammatory, and dry. And, unlike hot flashes following menopause, the problem isn't going away on its own.

Can lead to UTIs

In fact, if left untreated, the problem may worsen because the tissue is readily inflamed and may even bleed after intercourse. Vulvovaginal atrophy is the general term for the disorder, which is linked to an increased risk of urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, and bladder leaks.

Researchers examined 3,520 postmenopausal women aged 55 to 65 residing in the United States, Canada, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Sweden for the Vaginal Health: Insights, Views, and Attitudes (VIVA) study, which was published in 2012. The researchers discovered that 58% of women experiencing vaginal discomfort were unaware that it was an indication of menopause.

In the Revealing Vaginal Effects At MidLife (REVEAL) study, 80 percent of women who had dyspareunia stated they had just learned to deal with it, and many continued to have sex despite the discomfort.

Over-the-counter and prescription treatments

You can attempt over-the-counter remedies to relieve the pain, at least briefly. Personal water-based lubricants, such as Astroglide or K-Y Ultragel, can make intercourse more comfortable, and they're safe to use with latex condoms and clean up with soap and water. However, because they evaporate faster than other types, reapplication may be necessary on a regular basis.

Replens or Vagisil Prohydrate are vaginal moisturizers that replicate the vagina's natural secretions and can hydrate the vagina for two to three days.

Your doctor can prescribe vaginal or oral estrogen therapy to address the underlying problem of estrogen insufficiency in the vaginal tissue. Low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy is safer than systemic therapy, and vaginal creams, rings, and tablets are quite successful (pills or patches).

Many women are hesitant to take oral hormones because they are concerned about cardiovascular disease or breast cancer. However, a study published in September 2017 in the Journal of the American Medical Association followed more than 27,000 women who took oral hormone therapy for an average of five to seven years and then followed them for an additional 18 years found no link between hormone therapy and increased or decreased death rates.

Another, more recent option is Osphena (ospemifene), a nonhormonal, once-daily medication available only by prescription that acts on estrogen receptors in the vaginal tissue and thickens it. Osphena is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), the same class of medicine as tamoxifen and toremifene, which are used to treat breast cancer. Daily use of the medicine is well tolerated and helpful in lowering the severity of painful intercourse, according to studies conducted before and after its approval in 2013. On the other hand, Osphena has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, blood clots, and uterine cancer.

Laser therapy is a newer treatment option that has shown promise in studies for treating dyspareunia, repairing premenopausal vaginal tissue, and enhancing a woman's quality of life.

Getting the courage to talk to your doctor

According to surveys, many women are hesitant to discuss painful intercourse with their doctors. They may be embarrassed, thinking there is nothing that can be done to help them, or that their sex life is private and not something they should share with their doctors.

Many people say they hope their doctors would bring up the subject so they wouldn't have to bring it up themselves. Doctors should inquire about it, but if they do not, you should bring it up on your own. It's a common issue, so your doctor won't be startled when you ask.

The nerves in your hands provide a variety of functions. They're part of the network that sends pain, pressure, temperature, and tactile sensations back to the brain, in addition to regulating muscle movements.

Radiating pain, tingling, and numbness can occur when these are harmed, which can happen as a result of misuse, pressure, injury, or autoimmune illnesses, diabetes, or other health conditions. This severely restricts the motion and function of the hand, causing major disruption in your daily life.

The anatomy of the hand is extremely intricate. The radial, ulnar, and median nerves, as well as several branches, regulate both sensation and mobility in this area of the body, which is made up of bone, muscle, and ligaments.

Because of this complication, there is a considerable degree of variance in nerve pain, as well as a variety of illnesses that might cause it. The reason of nerve discomfort in the hands determines the treatment. To take it on, though, everything from house management to surgery may be required.

Causes of Nerve Pain in Hands

In general, nerve discomfort in the hands is caused by three sorts of diseases: overuse injuries, muscular or skeletal problems, and damage caused by other medical conditions.

Several factors can contribute to injuries, including falls and car accidents. They can produce discomfort by compressing the nerves too tightly, straining them too much, or destroying them.

Pinched Nerve

Nerve impingement in the hand can cause discomfort, numbness, and tingling. A pinched nerve can be caused by a number of things, including injury or arthritis, but it's most commonly linked to carpal tunnel syndrome. It affects persons of all ages, but it is more common in those over 50.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome, the most prevalent compression-related nerve ailment, is a progressive condition that affects around 5% of the population.

This disorder, which is caused by continuous nerve irritation and results in pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand, is more common in older persons and women.

This syndrome can develop as a result of excessive hand use, during pregnancy, or as a result of chronic illnesses like diabetes.

Peripheral Neuropathy 

Damaged nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are referred to as peripheral neuropathy. In addition to pain, this illness can cause muscle weakness, numbness, and loss of coordination in the hands. Injury, autoimmune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and infection are all possible causes of peripheral neuropathy.

De Quervain’s Disease

De Quervain's tenosynovitis, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a nerve injury caused by inflammation of the tendons of the hand and thumb. It happens when the sheath of the tendon that connects the thumb to the wrist gets inflamed, causing discomfort, weakness, swelling, and a "grating" sensation in the wrist.

It can happen as a result of an accident or repetitive hand actions that put pressure on the thumb, such as knitting, carrying large objects, or squeezing hard.

Trigger Finger

Tendonitis that affects the index finger and thumb is known as trigger finger or trigger thumb. The predominant sign of this illness is catching or locking of the affected finger when straightened or bent. It can be caused by endemic illnesses like arthritis or diabetes, as well as excessive hand use.

Ganglion Cysts 

Nerve pain can also be caused by the formation of these fluid-filled sacs on the hands and wrists. Ganglion cysts are the most common type of growth seen in this area of the body, and they are noncancerous. They usually go away on their own, but treatment may be required.

These appear in the joints—often affecting the wrist—and can become serious when they impinge on the nerves, causing pain and compromising function.

Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects are found in aloe vera. Antioxidants abound in this plant. As a result, some people use aloe vera to cure and alleviate inflammation associated with gum disease and other dental problems.

Chemical compounds found in the yellow liquid that oozes from the clipped leaves of an aloe plant can help to relieve pain. Aloe vera also includes potent antioxidants that fight cell damage caused by free radicals.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a gum condition in which plaque builds up on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film that forms spontaneously. However, too much might induce gum tissue inflammation, resulting in painful, bleeding gums.

Professional dental cleanings are often used to remove plaque. Oral hygiene can also help to minimize inflammation. Furthermore, evidence suggests that aloe vera may aid in the healing process.

For three months, one group took aloe vera mouthwash twice a day. The second group received simply scaling treatment. The third group received treatment that included aloe vera mouthwash and scaling.

Participants' gingival inflammation was reduced by all three approaches. The group who received scaling and aloe vera mouthwash, on the other hand, saw the greatest reduction in irritation.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis that isn't treated can lead to periodontitis. Gum disease that is this severe kills the bone that supports the teeth.

According to a 2011 study In study of the benefits of aloe vera gel in periodontal pockets, Trusted Source discovered that the gel's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities could help to alleviate these symptoms.

A total of 15 adults with periodontitis took part in the study.

The results of treating the illness with scaling and root planing as well as inserting aloe vera gel in periodontal pockets against merely scaling and root planing were compared in the study.

After one month and three months, the different test locations were compared. The use of aloe vera gel in conjunction with scaling and root planing produced greater outcomes than scaling and root planing alone, according to the researchers.

Other mouth irritation

Aloe vera's therapeutic capabilities may help prevent or improve the mouth from other mouth problems.

These are some of them:

- canker sores

- cold sores

- lichen planus

Using the gel may prevent bacterial infections caused by dental implants due to its capacity to manage microorganisms in the mouth.

How to use aloe vera gel for oral care?

It's simple to incorporate aloe vera into your oral hygiene routine.

Some oral preparations, such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, contain aloe vera. To prevent or cure gum disease caused by inflammation or germs, use these products on a regular basis.

Another approach to incorporate aloe into your dental care routine is to drink aloe vera juice. Aloe vera dental products can be found online or at local retailers.

Drawbacks and risks

While aloe vera has many advantages, it is not suitable for everyone. If you have diabetes, see a doctor first. If you take blood sugar medicine, aloe vera may cause your blood glucose to drop dangerously low.

Also, if you're sensitive to aloe vera or allergic to it, taking the gel or juice by mouth can produce stomach pains or diarrhea.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or think you may be pregnant, check with a doctor first before taking aloe vera.

The bottom line

Aloe vera provides a lot of benefits. It is antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory.

It may also be an effective treatment for gum disease and other dental disorders, according to limited study. To completely justify the use of aloe vera in dentistry, more long-term research are needed.

Though aloe vera has promising outcomes, you should consult a dentist before taking it as part of your dental care program.

Low back discomfort is one of the most prevalent causes for a doctor's visit in the United States, according to the American College of Physicians. Low back pain is responsible for more years of disability than any other condition in the world. The reason for low back pain is frequently unknown, and imaging studies may fail to reveal it. Your lower back could be affecting you for a variety of reasons. Some of the possible causes are listed below.

Muscle and ligament injuries

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the most common causes of low back pain are strain and injury to the muscles and ligaments that support the back. The discomfort is usually more widespread in the muscles surrounding the spine, and it may be accompanied by muscle spasms. The pain may spread to the buttocks, but it is uncommon for it to spread much further down the leg.

Sciatica 

If you suddenly start feeling pain in your lower back or hip that extends to the back of your thigh and down your leg, you may have a bulging (herniated) disc in your spinal column pressing on a nerve in your lumbar spine, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Sciatica is the medical term for this condition.

Herniated disc

A bulged, slid, or ruptured disc, often known as a herniated disc, is a common cause of severe back pain and sciatica. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, a lumbar disk herniates when it ruptures or thins out and degenerates to the point where the gel within the disc pushes outward into the spinal canal. The herniated disc puts pressure on the spinal nerves, causing pain.

Fear

When it comes to back pain, fear is a complicated concept that has the ability to exacerbate the problem. When a person's back is taught that it is susceptible, degenerating, or damaged, there is evidence that pain-related fear is a natural reaction to deal with pain. Fear can lead to a lack of exercise and mobility, resulting in back pain. Physical therapists can assist you in overcoming your fears and resuming safe movement.

Disc degeneration

The discs in your back act as shock absorbers between the spine's bones. The elastic discs continue to shrink as people become older, causing the vertebral joints to rub against one another. Back discomfort is not a symptom of disc degeneration. Degenerative disc disease, according to the Arthritis Foundation, is defined as pain caused by deteriorated discs that cannot be traced to another cause.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis was once thought to be caused by the gradual wear and tear of joints. Scientists now regard it as a joint illness, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Genetics, weight, injury, overuse, and other illnesses are all thought to play a role.

Spinal stenosis

The narrowing of the spinal canal or the holes where spinal nerves exit the spinal column is known as spinal stenosis. As a person grows older, the discs begin to shrink, resulting in this disorder. At the same time, arthritis and chronic inflammation cause the bone and ligaments of the spine to swell or get larger. According to the American College of Rheumatology, osteoarthritis is the most common cause of spinal stenosis.

Spondylolysis

A crack or stress fracture in one of the vertebrae is known as spondylolysis. The stress fracture may weaken the bone to the point where it is unable to retain its correct position in the spine, allowing the vertebrae to shift or slip out of place, resulting in lower back pain.

Osteoporosis

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is a bone condition that develops when the body loses too much bone, creates too little bone, or both. While it rarely causes discomfort, it can weaken your bones, making them more susceptible to breaking in the event of a fall. If you're 50 or older, talk to your doctor about whether a bone density test is necessary at your next exam.

Scalp psoriasis is a scaly, silvery coating on the scalp. Itching and discomfort are common symptoms of this illness. Scratching your scalp will aggravate the problem and may result in temporary hair loss, which can be upsetting.

Treatment might help you manage your psoriasis on the scalp. A doctor can suggest a number of therapy alternatives that will clear it up in a few months. Your scalp irritation and hair loss should be reduced as a result of these therapies.

Hair loss can be caused by scalp psoriasis, although this does not mean you need a hair transplant. 

Scratching your head can help reduce itching caused by scaling. It's possible that your hair will fall out as a result of this. Hair loss can occur as a result of methods for removing scales forcefully to cure psoriasis.

Because of the thickness of the skin on the scalp and hair, scalp psoriasis often necessitates therapies that differ from those used on other parts of the body. So, before you reach for any lotions or pills, here are some do's and don'ts when it comes to scalp psoriasis.

Do Investigate symptoms

Despite the fact that half of psoriasis patients experience symptoms on their scalp, many mistakes the white flakes for dandruff and wait until the illness becomes severe to seek treatment. And it might be a difficult condition to handle at that stage.

Do use shampoos that contain tar or salicylic acid

For decades, tar has been shown useful as a psoriasis therapy, but applying it is dirty, effort consuming, and results take time. Salicylic acid is also effective, but if left on the scalp for too long, it might cause temporary hair loss. Scale softeners sold over the counter can also be applied to the scalp to help release scales. The disadvantage is that, while these products can assist with psoriasis, they can also dry out your hair.

Do not use harmful chemicals

Many people use relaxers to straighten their hair for years, but the chemicals eventually proved too harsh for the scalp to endure. So it’s a good idea to quit using relaxers. Even if you don't use relaxers or perms, you could still be utilizing chemicals that are excessively harsh for your scalp.

Do use natural products

The greatest natural hair and scalp products frequently contain components that you can also eat. My grandma used apple cider vinegar to oil my scalp when I was a kid since it can assist with infections and scaling. Olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado are some more scalp-friendly products.

Do not use hot water

The scalp, like the rest of your body, can be damaged by hot water. It can also make your disease worse by drying out your skin and making you more prone to flare-ups. Try lukewarm water for scalp psoriasis, as recommended by nurses years ago.

Do consult a doctor before you use meds for your body or scalp

Just because something can be used on your body doesn't mean it can't be used on your head. According to the NPF, a range of topicals are safe for both the body and the scalp, including anthralin, Dovonex, Taclonex, and Tazorac. Also, unless recommended by a doctor, do not use anything indicated for the scalp on your body.

Do not wear dark colored shirts

It's vital to wear whatever feels comfortable, whether dark or light, however, some people avoid dark colors since it can cause flakes to become more visible. Flakes can be camouflaged or reduced in appearance by wearing lighter-colored clothing or shirts with designs.

Do not be afraid to speak up about symptoms and treatment options

If you see plaques on your scalp, contact your doctor right once. Ignoring these signs and symptoms may aggravate the condition and raise the likelihood of hair loss. You might also wish to discuss systemic medications with your doctor, which target the entire body, including the scalp, without the need for topical therapies.