[T]he care of the vulva and the vagina is not rocket science. It’s as easy as getting to know your body and knowing what works for you, also being in contact with your doctor when the need crops up.
The health of the vagina is very important when it comes to a woman’s overall health. When there’s a problem with the vagina, it would affect the sex life of the woman, cause fertility issues, cause a strain in relationships, and make the woman so uncomfortable with herself.
These days, there are a lot of products in the market which is supposed to be for the vagina and vulva and really, not all of these products are necessary. The vagina is naturally self-cleaning and you have the responsibility to make sure the vagina is healthy and is not exposed to factors that may cause harm to it. You should know when there’s an issue with you down there and try to keep there healthy.
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Signs Of An Unhealthy Vagina
You should contact your Gynecologist if:
- The smell, look and amount of vagina discharge changes
- There’s vaginal itching and discomfort
- There’s a pain, especially during sex
- There’s a swelling in the vagina
- There is abnormal bleeding
There are factors that affect the health of the vagina and they are:
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- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contraceptives
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Psychological problems
- Hormonal imbalance
Most of these issues can be avoided and in this article, we have put together, tips that can help to maintain the health of the vagina.
1. Clean the vaginal area
Now, this isn’t difficult. It’s simply to wash the vulva with warm water. Do not insert your fingers into the vagina; this may disturb the pH balance of the vagina and this may cause infections and irritation.
Please do not wash with soap if necessary and please, always run to your OB-GYN when you experience itching and discomfort, and be sure to get the best treatment.
Be careful when wiping after using the toilet. It is advisable to wipe from front to back. If you wipe from back to front, you may introduce bacteria into the vagina and this may cause different issues.
2. Engage in safe and Clean intercourse
Your vulva should be handled with premium care because it is very important and it would guarantee sweet pleasure between you and your partner.
Before you have sex, be mindful of the contents of the lubricants to be used, and know what condoms would be good. Do not use lubricants that have parabens, glycerine, flavours, scents, petroleum products, dyes, or non-natural oils.
Also, look at the ingredients of condoms. A lot of condoms are produced with spermicides which can destroy the good bacteria in the vagina. This also changes the pH balance of the vagina and can cause infections and irritation.
After sex, make sure you urinate to get rid of bacteria that may have been introduced into the vagina during sex and also make sure you wash the vagina area with clean water.
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3. Wear the proper clothing
Your vulva and vagina need to breathe sis. Eliminate the habit of wearing multiple stuff, either at home or when going out. It is wrong to wear your panties, tights and trousers at the same time. This will cause the build-up of excess heat which may cause the growth of bacteria and disturb the pH balance of the vagina, and you need not be told the consequence of that.
Instead of silk or polyester underwear, go for cotton underwear. Cotton has a slim tendency to hold moisture which may help the build-up of bacteria that can result in yeast infections.
Change your underwear after exercising and do not wear damp underwear for long.
4. Have a safe sexual life
It is advisable to keep one clean sexual partner. This will help in the transfer of several sexually transmitted infections, and if you make use of sex toys, endeavour to keep them clean.
5. Go for vaccinations
This will so much keep you safe from certain viruses which may harm some of your organs like the cervix and the liver which may be damaged by hepatitis B which can be contacted sexually.
6. Have general vaginal hygiene
These hygienes are as follows:
- When on your period, don’t wear a pad or tampon all day. Change them 2-3 times a day.
- Stay away from scented pads, liners and tampons.
- Wash your vulva always during your period.
- Make probiotics your friend. This can help keep yeast infections away because it helps to maintain the vagina’s pH level. Yoghurt is a great probiotic and please, resist the urge to put it into your vagina.
- Drink water regularly.
- Visit your OB-GYN for checkups and when you have concerns about the vagina.
- Be mindful of the vaginal tablets and creams you use.
- Reduce the intake of alcohol and smoking.
