WOMENS HEALTH: THE VAGINA (part 2)
The muscle fibres that entwine the vagina are largely under voluntary control. They may be readily contracted. The movement is similar to that occurring when suddenly shutting off the flow of urine, or cutting short a bowel action; the tighter the muscles are contracted, the more the vaginal canal is squeezed. This is worth remembering, for it can give added delight to your partner during intercourse. All males enjoy internal massage of their penis, and this is the way to do it. Alternate contracting then relaxing, contracting-relaxing of these muscles will inevitably impart a joyous sensation to himin fact, with skill he may be soon brought to a climax.
There are other important structures closely related to the vaginal canal.
In front, the urethra runs upwards from its external opening, to join the urinary bladder. There, urine formed in the kidneys is stored until it can be conveniently voided.
Behind, the external bowel opening, called the anus, joins with the rectum where waste matter is stored until it also may be conveniently expelled. So, it is urethra and bladder in front; anus and rectum at the back. (These close relationships may become vitally important later on if the vaginal walls become weak, lax and lose their elasticity because of repeated childbirth.) The bladder may bulge into the vagina, causing an unpleasant condition called a cystocele. Behind, the bowel may also press inwards, producing a swelling called a rectocele. Bit by bit, if left untreated these may gradually pull on the uterus above, causing a condition called prolapse. Left, the entire vaginal tract and womb can literally fall out or 'prolapse' from the vaginal vestibule, an uncomfortable condition often suffered by older women.)
The superficial cells that line the vagina are constantly being shed and replaced with new ones. In some women, the shed cells together with normal secretions can produce a discharge that is often a little frightening. But a certain amount of moisture is quite normal, and usually inoffensive. The broken-down cells release glycogen which is converted to lactic acid, giving the fluid an add consistency. This is fortunate, for it acts as a barrier against infection. The vaginal canal, despite the thrashing it gets during normal reproductive life, remains amazingly free from infections. The copious blood supply readily replaces damaged cells and tissues; and a frequent thrashing, thrusting penis can remove millions of superficial cells.
Another capability of the lining cells is their ability to absorb chemicals; and the female hormone oestrogen, if present, is readily absorbed. This plays an important part with many women in later years when the vaginal canal tends to become dry and thin and atrophied. The insertion of creams or suppositories rich in oestrogen quickly enable a return to a normal, moist, vagina. Problems that an atrophied vagina have when active intercourse is still being pursued are legion. But treatment, is usually simple, rapid and eminently effective, as well as safe.
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Womens health
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ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE IN PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH: MISUSE
Originally, when Alexander discovered that he was stiffening his neck and pulling his head back, and creating tension throughout his body, he thought that he was the only person to do this, but his investigations confirmed that this pattern of 'misuse' is common to the vast majority of people.
The effect of this misuse is that it interferes with the head/neck/back relationship, which means that a high degree of muscular tension is needed to maintain upright posture and for movement. This muscular tension is distributed unevenly through the body, with an excessive amount in some areas and too little tension in others, and there is a lack of interaction between the muscle groups. Obviously this brings about the very opposite of what we find with good use: being upright becomes an effort, there is a limited range of movement, the joints are stiff and breathing is impaired.
As with good use, misuse refers to our 'thinking'. It involves performing activities in a habitual and automatic way that is harmful to overall use and functioning. This could mean that we allow our emotional state to affect our musculature adversely, for example if we are worried about something we let tension build up in the neck muscles. Or it could be how we perform everyday activities. Observing people in action, we often see a great deal of effort being used, in parts of the body that are not directly involved in the activity. Check for yourself how tightly you hold your toothbrush while cleaning your teeth - or how tightly you are holding this book right now! You will probably find that, like most people, you are using an excessive amount of effort in holding what is a very light object, and in a task that actually requires a minimum of force.
People misuse themselves in different ways. Broadly speaking, a person may hold himself up with too much tension - the 'sergeant major' approach - or he may 'collapse', with over-relaxed muscles. In practice, of course, it is not as clear cut as this; both forms of misuse involve a combination of excess tension and over-laxity. For example, even in someone with collapsed posture, only some muscles are 'over-relaxed', and therefore others have to work all the harder in compensation, and are over-tense.
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Womens health
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