There are various things women might be doing consciously or unconsciously that could damage their vaginas, from scented soaps to unhealthy diets. Keep reading because we have compiled 5 harmful habits that can damage a vagina.
- Overconsumption of sugary products
We all love sweet treats and having them from time to time is not a harmful habit. The sugar in sweet stuff gives us energy and can help our brain function better.
However, overconsumption of sugar, whether refined or unrefined, can have a negative implication on the health of a woman’s vagina. This is all related to yeast growth.
As reported in the study by the National Institutes of Health, there exists a connection between recurrent yeast infections and the level of sugar in your diet. An excess of sugar in the body can lead to a weakened immune system, rendering it less effective in combating harmful bacteria, which, in turn, can result in an overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal area.
Yeast is a natural part of the vaginal environment. Yeast feeds off sugar and by default, the more sugar content resides in your body the more food the yeast gets to eat as well.
The more the yeast eats the faster it multiplies and spreads throughout your vaginal tube. Then, this could cause a hormonal imbalance that leads to yeast infection.
Yeast infection is nasty, you know. It causes itching and burning and peeing can be painful. Usually, you will be prescribed antibiotics if your infection is severe.
- Thorough cleaning with soap
Many women are still under the habit of cleaning the inner tube of their vagina with soap.
We were taught before to thoroughly clean all parts of our vagina to remove odour and bacteria, but this practice is actually really damaging to the vagina.
This is because the vagina itself—the inner part of the vagina—is a self-cleaning organism; meaning it can clean itself whilst maintaining the right level of acidity.
As reported by Medical News, the vagina, being an internal organ, does not necessitate cleaning like external body parts. A diverse community of beneficial bacteria and microbes plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health. Cleaning, particularly with harsh soaps or douches, can disrupt the delicate vaginal pH balance, leading to an increased risk of infections and unpleasant odors. Therefore, it is essential to avoid such practices to promote a healthy vaginal environment.
A healthy pH level is crucial for the health of a vagina because it is this mechanism that keeps bacteria growth in check.
When you clean the inner part of your vagina with soap, the harsh chemicals disturb the natural environment of the vagina and decreases its defence mechanism.
Yeast infection and UTI could potentially attack more easily when your vagina is not acidic. Therefore, you are recommended to clean the inner part with only warm water.
- Wearing sweaty underpants for too long
Bacteria growth becomes uncontrollable when you keep on wearing the same underwear for too long. Essentially, we usually need only to change our underwear once a day (preferably right after a shower).
However, if you live in a very hot and humid place, or maybe if you do a lot of physical activities that make you sweat a lot, it is a good idea to change your underwear more than once a day.
Your underwear is useful for keeping your vagina safe from harmful external influences, but at the same time, it also easily traps humidity inside—this is especially the case if your underwear isn’t made of cotton or silk.
With that said, try to carry spare underwear if you sweat a lot when out of the house. This way you can keep your vaginal area clean and fresh. Don’t forget a zip plastic bag for the used underwear, though.
- General lack of hygiene
A general lack of hygiene itself is also a very bad habit that can lead to many problems afflicting the female reproductive system. If you take a shower only once a week, for example, wow that’s really bad.
Although we have mentioned that the vagina is a self-cleaning organism, the skin surrounding it is not. The self-cleaning part of the female reproductive system is only the vagina, which is the inner tube that isn’t readily visible to the eye.
Meanwhile, the so-called lips of the vagina, which is an outer part of your reproductive system and called labia majora, needs to be washed daily.
This outer skin is just like the other parts of your body and bacteria, dirt and sweat can build up around here.
Daily cleaning with mild soap is necessary to wash away any bacteria build-up and keep your reproductive health in tip-top shape.
- Masturbating with a cucumber
Have you ever thought of doing masturbation with a piece of cucumber? There are plenty of anecdotes about the use of cucumber in solo play.
Some pieces of advice suggest that cucumber even has some cleaning and purifying effect on the vagina, which is why it is highly recommended for the purpose of pleasuring oneself through solo play.
However, the truth is far from what is being said. Fresh veg or fruits that have yet to be cooked still carry dirt and dust that can contribute to bacteria growth.
As per the study conducted by the Health and Education Resource Center, using cucumbers in the vaginal area may not be suitable, as they can potentially carry germs that could harm the vagina. The vaginal region is highly sensitive and susceptible to infections, so it is not advisable to experiment with such practices. It is essential to avoid using cucumbers for any purpose other than consumption to maintain vaginal health and prevent potential complications.
Even if you have peeled and washed the cucumber, bacteria transfer could still happen because your hands that were handling the veg already touched the bacteria before the thing was even washed.
The vagina is very fragile and sensitive and the introduction of foreign bacteria could easily make it face many unwelcome problems like a yeast infection and a horrible rash.
To round things off, several things can damage vaginal walls or a vagina. We recommend that if you want to improve your vaginal health, you better avoid the mentioned harmful habits and prioritize self-care if you’re going to have good vaginal health.
4 Things You Should Never, Ever Do To Your Vagina
The vagina is a complex and delicate part of the female reproductive system that requires special care and attention. Unfortunately, many women are unaware of the harmful things they may be doing to their vaginas, which can lead to discomfort, infections, and other health issues. In this paper, we will discuss four things you should never, ever do to your vagina in order to keep it healthy and happy.
1. Douching
Douching is the practice of using water, vinegar, or other solutions to clean the inside of the vagina. Many women believe that douching is necessary for feminine hygiene, but in reality, it can do more harm than good. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and douching disrupts its natural balance of bacteria, which can lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Douching can also wash away healthy bacteria, making the vagina more susceptible to harmful bacteria and infections. Furthermore, douching can cause irritation and dryness, making sex uncomfortable and increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections. It is best to avoid douching altogether and let your vagina clean itself.
2. Using scented products
Many feminine hygiene products such as scented tampons, pads, and vaginal sprays contain fragrances that can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina. These products can also contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the delicate skin of the vagina and cause allergic reactions. Using scented products can also increase the risk of developing yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. It is important to opt for unscented products and let your vagina maintain its natural scent.
3. Wearing tight clothing
Wearing tight clothing, especially underwear made of synthetic material, can create a warm and moist environment in the vaginal area, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. This can lead to infections, irritation, and discomfort. Tight clothing can also cause friction and irritation, leading to chafing and ingrown hairs. It is important to wear breathable, cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to allow proper air circulation and prevent moisture build-up in the vaginal area.
4. Using harsh soaps and cleansers
The vaginal area is sensitive and does not require harsh soaps and cleansers for cleaning. In fact, using these products can cause irritation, dryness, and disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina. The vagina has its own self-cleaning mechanism, and using soap or other harsh cleansers can interfere with this process. It is best to use warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap to clean the external area of the vagina. Avoid using scented soaps and cleansers inside the vagina, as they can cause irritation and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria.
In conclusion, the vagina is a delicate and self-regulating organ that requires proper care and attention. By avoiding these four things, you can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and prevent discomfort and infections. It is also important to practice safe sex, maintain good personal hygiene, and see your gynecologist regularly for check-ups. By taking care of your vagina, you are taking care of your overall health and well-being. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to treat your vagina with the care and respect it deserves.
What Are The Signs Of A Healthy Virgina?
The vagina is a vital part of the female reproductive system and plays a crucial role in sexual intercourse, childbirth, and overall reproductive health. As such, it is important for women to be aware of the signs of a healthy vagina in order to maintain good vaginal health and prevent any potential issues. In this paper, we will discuss the signs of a healthy vagina, including its appearance, odor, and discharge.
Appearance:
One of the most obvious signs of a healthy vagina is its appearance. A healthy vagina is typically pink or reddish in color and has a smooth, moist texture. It may have folds or ridges, but these are normal and should not cause any discomfort. The labia, which are the folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening, may vary in size and shape, but they should not be swollen, red, or painful.
It is also normal for the vagina to have some hair on the outside, but excessive hair growth or changes in hair color may be a sign of an underlying issue. In addition, the skin around the vagina should not be dry, itchy, or irritated. Any changes in the appearance of the vagina, such as a rash, bumps, or sores, should be promptly addressed by a healthcare provider.
Odor:
The vagina has a natural scent that can vary from person to person. This scent is influenced by factors such as diet, hygiene, and hormonal changes. Generally, a healthy vagina will have a mild, musky odor that is not unpleasant or offensive. This odor may become stronger during sexual arousal or after sweating, but it should not be foul or fishy.
If there is a strong or unpleasant odor coming from the vagina, it could be a sign of an infection or other underlying issue. For example, a strong fishy odor may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, while a foul odor accompanied by discharge may indicate a yeast infection. In such cases, it is important to seek medical attention in order to properly diagnose and treat the issue.
Discharge:
Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy part of the menstrual cycle. It is a way for the vagina to cleanse itself and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. However, the amount, color, and consistency of vaginal discharge can also be indicative of a woman’s vaginal health.
In general, a healthy vagina will produce a clear or milky white discharge that is odorless or has a mild, musky scent. This discharge may increase in volume during ovulation or pregnancy, but it should not be excessive or accompanied by a strong odor. Any changes in the color or consistency of vaginal discharge, such as a yellow or green color, a cottage cheese-like texture, or a foul smell, may be a sign of an infection or other underlying issue.
Other signs of a healthy vagina:
Apart from its appearance, odor, and discharge, there are other signs that can indicate a healthy vagina. These include:
1. Comfort during sexual intercourse: A healthy vagina should be able to stretch and accommodate a penis during sexual intercourse without causing pain or discomfort.
2. Regular menstrual cycle: A regular menstrual cycle (28-35 days) with minimal cramping and a normal amount of bleeding is a sign of a healthy reproductive system.
3. No urinary or bowel issues: A healthy vagina is not connected to the urinary or digestive system, so issues such as pain or discomfort during urination or bowel movements may be a sign of an underlying issue.
4. No pain or discomfort: A healthy vagina should not cause any pain, itching, or burning sensation, either during daily activities or sexual intercourse.
In conclusion, there are various signs that can indicate a healthy vagina, including its appearance, odor, discharge, and overall comfort. It is important for women to be aware of these signs and to seek medical attention if they notice any changes or abnormalities. Maintaining good vaginal health is essential for overall well-being and can help prevent potential health issues in the future.
