Vaginal health is as important as physical health, and many doctors and gynecologist stress vaginal health. However, if you don’t visit a gynecologist, don’t worry because we have found 5 vaginal health tips they give their patients.
- Don’t use anything else but lube as lube
When you are in a pinch or in a hurry, it may be the case that you don’t have a bottle of lube around. In this kind of scenario, sometimes people get creative and use whatever they can find as a lube.
The most common items are petroleum jelly and any type of oil (including cooking oil) that they can easily grab from the kitchen.
But experts and doctors warn against such creative behaviours because not all of that stuff is actually healthy for your vagina. Using a lube that is not intended for use near the vagina could disrupt the balance of your vaginal environment.
But you may have an extra sensitive skin. In this case, include skin-friendly natural lubricant alternatives. These help prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions.
But the best options are the silicon or water-based variants. These are latex- friendly and skin-friendly, as per an article on the Cleveland Clinic website.
When the pH of your vagina is disturbed, all kinds of sexual problems could occur. You could, as a result, suffer from itching, burning, or even develop a yeast infection.
It’s better to use a lube that’s specifically made for this purpose.
- Don’t use soap for the inner part of your vagina
Cleaning the vagina daily is crucial for maintaining the health of your sex organ. However, many women still don’t know that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ.
What that means is that it can clean itself without the help of soap. And if anything, the vagina should never be cleaned with soap.
Doing this will only disrupt the natural pH of the vagina and can remove its natural acidity that works to prevent bacteria from spreading. The vagina is the inner tube that’s unseen by the eye, though.
If we’re talking about the vulva, which is often mistaken as the vagina, then this part needs simple soaping for a few seconds.
This part of the outer skin can accumulate sweat and bacteria, so soaping this part is recommended. But you really don’t need any special kind of soap for the vagina.
- Use a new condom if you switch from anal to vaginal sex
Generally, practising safe sex is paramount for maintaining good vaginal health. Sex without a condom could help spread STIs, thus infecting your entire genitals.
Per an article written on the Topline MD publication, you should use condoms every time you have sex. Better still, wear a fresh latex whenever you switch from one orifice to the other, or each time you withdraw from a penetrative sex.
This may be surprising to you, but the vagina and anus do not share the same makeup of bacteria. There are bacteria in the vagina that can cause irritation to the anus if they get there.
Likewise, there are vaginal bacteria that can cause anal irritation (or even infection) if they get there.
With that said, it is important to change your condom if you are switching between anal and vaginal positions—and vice versa.
A new condom should always be used to ensure that you are not transferring bacteria from one place to another.
Also, when you switch back to a position you have done before, don’t use the same condom you were using just minutes ago. Always get a new one.
You may be spending a few extra condoms if you have this sexual preference but it is better safe than sorry.
- Visit a doctor if your vaginal discharge is unusual
The vagina always produces vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge that is normal will be quite liquid but consistent enough to be a little sticky.
It should be cloudy white or almost clear without any strong smell that feels unpleasant. A lot of women find their vaginal discharge changing from time to time.
This is normal because your hormones also fluctuate and vaginal discharge is heavily influenced by it. Sometimes your vaginal discharge may exude a stronger smell than usual and it is okay.
The type of food you eat also can affect that. But, if you ever find that your vaginal discharge is especially foul-smelling for days on end, it may be a sign of a more serious health problem.
This is especially the case if your vaginal discharge has an unusual colour. Plan a doctor’s visit to get yourself checked for any dramatic irregularities.
- Bring spare underwear if you sweat a lot
If you are a woman who is often active outside of the house and you sweat a lot, always bring spare underwear.
Our underwear functions as protection from external factors, but it is also a kind of protection from vaginal discharge for our pants or trousers.
As functional as it may be, wearing underwear can cause heat and humidity to be trapped there. If left for too long this could cause a bacteria build-up.
If you find yourself sweating a lot when you’re outside, and you’re outside for long hours, it is a good idea to carry a spare panty.
Doing so will ensure that you are wearing underwear that’s clean and fresh throughout the day. This will ensure your vagina is protected from bacteria spread or even a yeast infection.
Of course, don’t forget to bring a resealable plastic bag for the underwear that you have used.
On the flip side, if the vaginal discharge is pretty light and absent, then try to improve air circulation around your groins.
How do you do this? Well, according to a Yahoo!life article, you may consider sleeping without putting on an innerwear.
Inner pants trap dirt and sweat which may irritate your petals. And anything you do to eliminate this situation helps to improve your vagina health.
In conclusion, vaginal health is not taken seriously, and doctors are trying to help people become more aware of the issue. These vaginal health tips provided by OB/Gyns can help women put more focus on vaginal health.
What Are The Signs Of A Healthy Virgina?
A healthy vagina is essential for overall physical and emotional well-being. It is a crucial part of a woman’s reproductive system and plays a significant role in sexual pleasure and childbirth. However, many women are not aware of what constitutes a healthy vagina and how to maintain its health. This paper aims to discuss the signs of a healthy vagina and how to keep it in optimal condition.
The first and most apparent sign of a healthy vagina is a balanced and normal vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a combination of dead cells, bacteria, and mucus produced by the cervix and vagina. It is a natural mechanism that helps to keep the vagina clean and free from infections. A healthy vagina produces a clear or white discharge that is odorless or has a mild, slightly tangy smell. This discharge should not cause any discomfort or irritation and should not be excessive. Any significant changes in the color, consistency, or amount of vaginal discharge may indicate an underlying issue, and it is essential to seek medical advice.
Another sign of a healthy vagina is the absence of unpleasant odors. A healthy vagina has a slightly acidic pH level, which helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and prevent infections. Therefore, it is normal to have a slight odor, which is often described as musky or tangy. However, a strong, foul odor may indicate an infection or an underlying health issue, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is crucial to seek medical attention if there is a persistent, unpleasant odor.
The appearance of the vaginal area is also an important indicator of vaginal health. The external genitalia, including the labia, should be free from any redness, swelling, or sores. The skin around the vaginal opening should be smooth and uniform in color. Any changes in the appearance, such as bumps, blisters, or lesions, may be a sign of an infection or a skin condition, and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
A healthy vagina is also characterized by comfortable and pain-free intercourse. Pain or discomfort during sex can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as an infection, vaginal dryness, or a condition called vaginismus, which causes involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles. It is essential to communicate with a partner and seek medical advice if there is any discomfort or pain during intercourse.
Proper hygiene is crucial for maintaining a healthy vagina. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and using harsh soaps or douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infections. It is recommended to wash the external genitalia with warm water and mild soap and to avoid using scented products or douching. Proper wiping after using the bathroom, from front to back, can also help to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
In addition to these signs, a healthy vagina also requires regular check-ups and screenings. Women should have an annual pelvic exam and Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer and other reproductive health issues. It is also essential to practice safe sex and get tested for STIs regularly, especially if there is a change in sexual partners.
In conclusion, a healthy vagina is characterized by normal vaginal discharge, a slight odor, comfortable intercourse, and a clean and smooth appearance. Maintaining proper hygiene, regular check-ups, and safe sex practices are crucial for keeping the vagina in optimal condition. Any significant changes or concerns should be addressed with a healthcare provider to ensure a healthy and happy vagina.
