The age at first menarche, however, is always a function of interplay between genes, nutrition, and socioeconomic status. While it does not dictate the future for a girl, the age when she starts her periods clearly says much about her health and further success. Irrespective of a girl’s age at the time when she gets the first periods, one has to remember that menstruation is such a natural process, and the experiences of all girls are different.
1. Using scented products
Many women use scented products such as douches, sprays, and wipes to keep their vagina smelling fresh. However, these products often contain chemicals and fragrances that can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, leading to irritation, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis. The vagina has a delicate balance of good and bad bacteria, and using scented products can disrupt this balance, causing more harm than good.
Instead, it is recommended to simply wash the external area of the vagina with warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap. The vagina is self-cleaning and does not require any additional products to maintain its natural scent. Furthermore, using scented products can mask the odor of potential infections, making it difficult to detect any issues early on. Therefore, it is best to avoid these products and allow the vagina to maintain its natural balance.
2. Douching
Douching is a common practice among women, where they use a device to flush water or other solutions into the vagina to clean it. However, this can be harmful as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infections. Douching has been linked to a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even cervical cancer. Moreover, douching can also mask the odor of infections and make it difficult to detect any issues early on.
The vagina is designed to clean itself, and douching is not necessary for maintaining good vaginal health. In fact, it can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and cause various issues. If you are experiencing an unusual odor or discharge, it is best to consult a healthcare professional rather than trying to clean the vagina with a douche.
3. Using harsh soaps and body washes
Many women use their regular body wash or soap to clean their vagina, thinking it is safe and convenient. However, these products often contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can cause irritation and disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina. Using these products can lead to dryness, itching, and infections.
Instead, it is recommended to use a mild, fragrance-free soap or a specially formulated intimate wash that is gentle on the delicate skin of the vagina. These products are designed to maintain the natural pH balance of the vagina and prevent irritation.
4. Wiping from back to front
Many women have the habit of wiping from back to front after using the restroom, especially after a bowel movement. This habit, while seemingly harmless, can potentially introduce harmful bacteria from the anus to the vagina, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other vaginal infections.
When wiping from back to front, the bacteria from the anus, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), can be transferred to the urethra and vaginal opening. This transfer can lead to the colonization of these bacteria, causing UTIs, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and yeast infections. UTIs, which are characterized by symptoms such as burning during urination and lower abdominal pain, can affect the urinary tract, including the urethra and bladder. BV, on the other hand, is a condition that is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina and can lead to symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge and itching.
To prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria and maintain proper vaginal hygiene, it is important to always wipe from front to back after using the restroom. This simple change in habit can significantly reduce the risk of UTIs and other vaginal infections.
5. Not changing pads/tampons frequently enough
During menstruation, it is important to change sanitary pads or tampons frequently to prevent the build-up of bacteria and avoid the risk of infections. Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
It is recommended to change pads or tampons every 4-6 hours, or more frequently if you have a heavy flow. It is also important to use the right absorbency product for your flow to avoid any leakage.
In brief, good vaginal hygiene means good health. There are, however, ways in which we could be cleaning our vaginas wrong. Keeping off scented products, douching, harsh soaps, improper wiping techniques, and frequently changing pads or tampons are vital for a healthy, balanced vagina. If you have unusual symptoms or concerns about vaginal health, it is always best to see a health professional.
