Women can do serious things to their vaginas knowingly and unknowingly, which can cause severe damage to their internal organs or outer labia. For these reasons, we have listed five things you should stop doing to your vagina immediately.
- Washing the vagina with soap or douche
One of the most common things we do to the vagina is wash it entirely with soap. We also use a douche to completely get rid of the odour and other perceived uncleanliness.
We do all of these things to our vagina because we want to keep it nice, clean and healthy. But the sad thing is that this is a totally wrong approach to keeping our vaginas healthy.
When we clean the vagina thoroughly with soap—especially scented soap—we are only inviting the very thing we try to get rid of. The vagina’s natural flora gets disrupted when harsh soap and other chemicals get into its environment.
Thus, effectively inviting bacteria to grow out of control. And then, we feel like we must clean more and more. But the more products we use to make the vagina smell nice, the more problems we invite.
According to information from Medical News Today, numerous research studies have indicated that using water, soap, or herbal douches can disrupt the natural bacterial equilibrium in the vagina. This disturbance can lead to heightened susceptibility to infections, including sexually transmitted infections, and elevate the likelihood of cervical cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Ignoring a bad smell
The vagina shouldn’t smell like a flower garden. We all know that the human body does not do that. However, the vagina shouldn’t smell bad either. The vagina naturally produces discharge after puberty has come around.
Vaginal discharge is normal as it is part of the vagina’s mechanism of its self-preservation. Your vaginal discharge does not necessarily have to look like another girl’s vaginal discharge.
However, it is usually clear or white in colour, and shouldn’t produce a strong odour. When your vaginal discharge has produced a very strong and unpleasant smell, this is a sign of hormone imbalances and bacterial attacks.
You could even be suffering from a yeast infection that has caused this bad smell. Once you notice this happen to your body, try to change the way you clean your vagina.
But if the problem persists for more than a week, quickly make a gyno appointment to get treatment.
- Being shy about talking with your gyno
One of the biggest mistakes a girl can make about her vaginal health is not talking to her gyno. It is true that female sexuality has been rather oppressed throughout history.
A lot of females feel that it is taboo or plain uncomfortable to talk about their vaginas. Heck, even the word vagina has been painted as something bad you shouldn’t say in a carefree manner.
But this mindset could lead women towards being silent about problems afflicting their vaginas. When this happens, women don’t get the treatment they deserve.
So, we must fight this ignorance by learning to be more comfortable speaking with a gyno. A gynaecologist is a doctor who’s trained to deal with vagina problems.
They meet all kinds of patients with all kinds of problems, and it is their duty to help their patients. Don’t be shy about getting advice from a professional.
In an interview featured on the John Hopkins Medicine website, Dr. Shari Martin Lawson emphasizes that your gynecologist is a professional who has encountered a wide range of concerns and discussions. Regardless of any embarrassment you might feel about specific matters, the gynecologist’s role is to provide assistance, not to make judgments.
- Not using protection when having sex
If you are someone who is sexually active, one of the biggest mistakes you could do to your vagina is not using protection when having sex.
This is especially the case if you are not ready to bear the responsibilities of having a child, too. It is dangerous to have casual sex without any protection when you have no plans on getting pregnant.
However, this isn’t even the only thing that’s concerning about not using protection when having sex. Without the use of a condom, you could easily get some kind of infection from your partner.
Do you even know whether or not your partner is a clean person? What if they are not? What if they have bad hygiene and they transfer foreign bacteria to your vagina?
Worse still, if you have sex with someone you don’t know well, what if they have an STD?
- Not cleaning yourself after sex
Do you clean yourself after sex? No? Because you see all of these people in movies not doing that? Big mistake. Movies don’t show people cleaning themselves after having sex because it doesn’t add to the story.
Fine. But in real life, people should always clean themselves after having sex. That’s just basic hygiene and you will sleep more comfortably knowing you are not dirty.
After having sex, you don’t necessarily have to do a full-body shower. But it is important to at least clean your vagina with warm water for at least 1 minute.
This is done to just get rid of all the fluid and natural lubrication that came out during sex. Just use warm water to wash your vulva, don’t use soap.
Cleaning your vagina after sex can help you prevent common vaginal infections like urinary tract infections and yeast infections.
Medical News Today provides valuable information regarding the significance of embracing effective post-sex hygiene practices. These habits can help minimize the potential for infections and contribute to a sense of freshness. Additional post-sex factors to consider encompass tidying up after engaging in anal intercourse or when actively trying to conceive.
All things considered, it can be said that the vagina is a sensitive part of the female body and must be cherished with care and love. Avoiding the five listed things can improve your vaginal health and increase your libido.
What Not To Put In Your Vagina
The vagina is a sensitive and delicate part of the female body, and it requires proper care and attention. Many women may not realize that there are certain things they should not put in their vagina, as it can lead to irritation, infection, and other health issues. In this paper, we will discuss what not to put in your vagina and why it is important to avoid these items.
1. Douches
Douching is the act of rinsing or cleaning the inside of the vagina with a mixture of water and other ingredients, such as vinegar or baking soda. Despite the popular belief that douching can help maintain vaginal hygiene, it is actually harmful. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and douching disrupts the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels, leading to irritation, infections, and even an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. Scented products
Many feminine hygiene products, such as tampons, pads, and wipes, are scented to give off a fresh and clean scent. However, these products can contain chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the delicate skin of the vagina and disrupt its natural pH balance. Scented products can also increase the risk of developing yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
3. Condom substitutes
Condoms are the only form of birth control that also protects against STIs. It is important to always use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent the transmission of infections. However, some people may try to use alternative methods, such as plastic wrap or plastic bags, as a makeshift condom. These substitutes are not designed for this purpose and can easily break, leading to an increased risk of pregnancy and STIs.
4. Food
There is a common misconception that inserting food items, such as cucumbers or bananas, into the vagina can enhance sexual pleasure. This is not only false but can also be dangerous. Food can introduce harmful bacteria into the vagina and increase the risk of infections. Additionally, fruits and vegetables can break or leave residue inside the vagina, causing irritation and discomfort.
5. Sharp or rough objects
Objects like sex toys, tampons, or even your fingers should be used with caution when inserted into the vagina. Sharp or rough objects can cause cuts, tears, or abrasions in the delicate tissue of the vagina, making it more susceptible to infections. It is essential to use properly designed and clean sex toys and to be gentle when exploring with your own fingers.
6. Drugs or medications
Some people may try to insert drugs or medications into their vagina for recreational or medical purposes. Not only is this ineffective, but it can also be harmful. Drugs and medications are designed to be taken orally or injected, and inserting them into the vagina can lead to irritation, allergic reactions, and even toxic shock syndrome.
7. Anything that is not specifically designed for the vagina
The vagina is a sensitive and unique part of the body, and it requires special care. Therefore, it is essential to only use products that are specifically designed for the vagina, such as tampons, menstrual cups, and lubricants. Using products that are not intended for the vagina, such as body lotions, oils, or hair products, can cause irritation and disrupt the natural balance of the vagina.
In conclusion, the vagina is a delicate and self-cleaning organ that requires proper care. It is essential to avoid putting anything in the vagina that can disrupt its natural balance or cause harm. Douches, scented products, condom substitutes, food, sharp objects, drugs, and anything not specifically designed for the vagina should not be used. If you are experiencing any discomfort or symptoms in your vagina, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Remember, when it comes to your vagina, less is more.
