Your vagina is a very sensitive and important part of your body that plays a big role in your menses, sex, and getting pregnant. We have put together these 5 things you should never do to your vagina and put yourself at risk.
- Cleaning the inside with harsh soap
By now, you may have heard that the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism. It is true. The inner tube of your sexual organ, which is the actual vagina if we are being strict with terminologies, do not need cleaning with soap.
Despite several warning from Ob-Gyn experts, women still douche their vulva. The temporary feel for being summer-fresh induce them to continue this unhealthy activity.
Most soaps are too harsh for the delicate vaginal skin. On top of that, chemicals in whatever type of soap can simply disturb the natural pH balance of your vagina.
Removing the vagina’s natural acidity could actually invite yeast to produce even more rapidly. The vagina’s natural state is acidic exactly to keep the bacterial spread in check.
Douching eliminates both the useful and harmful bacteria, significantly distorting this delicate balance. This action, according to an article appearing on the Healthline publication, could result to vaginal irritation and itchiness.
At most, the vagina only needs gentle cleaning with warm water. The labia, the lips of the vagina, can be washed with mild soap for just a few seconds.
With this knowledge, you should also avoid the practice of douching as it will only make your vagina more prone to unpleasant smells and yeast infections.
- Insert a cucumber for masturbation
Maybe you have heard of the practice of using a fresh cucumber for masturbation. Whoever said that doing so is good practice because cucumber has purifying qualities was probably highly misinformed.
In reality, it is not recommended at all to put any type of food near your vagina. It is mainly because the natural chemicals in even fruits and veggies have the ability to disturb the natural pH balance of your vaginal environment.
Meanwhile, uncooked cucumber is a natural plant that has come out of the earth. Even if you have washed and peeled the veg, some specks of dirt will still remain and thus get into your vagina.
This, of course, could lead to yeast infections and other types of irritation. The same barring should apply to any other types of fruits and foods, especially those that contain sugar as yeast thrives on a supply of sugar.
- Shave without soap or cream
Basically, grooming pubic hair has been suggested as good practice for its benefits relating to hygiene. However, if you must shave your pubic hair in the comfort of your own home, make sure you always use shaving cream.
If you don’t have shaving cream at hand, you could also use soap or a hair conditioner. However, soap can often be too harsh for the vagina, so if you really must shave closely, it is better to rely on a hair conditioner.
A hair conditioner is the second best thing after shaving cream. But you could be wondering why dry shaving isn’t such a good idea.
Well, there are side effects to shaving your pubic without any lubricant. They could range from mild irritation to major infections, per an article on the Health Shots website.
Using cream for shaving your pubic hair is important to prevent knicks and cuts. After all, your labia skin is very sensitive and fragile.
Also, when you shave without any so-called lubrication, shaving may not be so smooth that you risk pulling a hair out by extreme force. This may lead to irritations, which when happen on that area of the skin, can be uncomfortable for days.
Other results of this shaving style include a dry skin. The dryness occurs due to the removal of the oils on the skin surface. But ingrown hair cropping as a result is a major issue.
The curled back hair is painful and the unsightly bumps may involve additional treatment.
- Pierce any part of the labia
Are you one of the females interested in the idea of piercing your vagina? Well, in this case, we mean specifically, the labia.
This is because the vagina is actually the inner tube inside. The outer skin that you can really pierce is the labia, most of the time, the labia majora. The labia majora is the thick lips of the vagina that are often decorated by piercings.
Although the labia majora is indeed thick and strong, this part of your skin is more delicate and sensitive than other parts of your body.
Plus, given the fact that piercings can tend to have problems with scarring, bleeding, allergic reactions, and infections, the labia is the last part of your body you want to get piercings on.
Allergic reactions to metal and other types of infections post-piercing could be very uncomfortable. In some cases, yeast infections or more serious injuries could affect your fertility rate as well as overall sexual health.
- Engage in vaginal steaming yourself
Thanks to actress Gwyneth Paltrow, more people have become interested in the idea of doing vaginal steaming. In some countries, there are spa places that offer this service for a high price.
It is said that vaginal steaming helps with a variety of health problems and can even increase fertility or sexual desire/performance. Well, the practise of vaginal steaming is indeed not new as it is considered an alternative health practice now.
In many Asian countries, this method of cleaning the vagina is centuries old.
However, although there has been a resurgence of fancy towards alternative medicine, it does not automatically mean that all kinds of traditional practice actually have real health benefits.
According to an article appearing on the Healthline website, vaginal steaming works well when done in a spa with the right gadgets. At home, you may do it using a basin with water.
But despite the touted benefits, vagina steaming is dangerous. Any slight temperature variation could bake the delicate inner vaginal lining as well as distort the fragile ecosystem.
Vaginal steaming could actually cause a plethora of problems when done improperly; ranging from miscarriage (when done during pregnancy) and changing your vagina’s natural hormones.
The last one could invite bacteria to cause yeast infection instead.
To summarize everything, it can be stated that it is better to leave your vagina alone sometimes. The five things mentioned above should be avoided, and it is better to participate in activities that enhance vaginal health.
Five Things You Didn’t Know About Vaginas & Vulvas
Vaginas and vulvas are an important part of female anatomy and have been a topic of curiosity and fascination for generations. However, despite their significance, there are still many misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding these body parts. In this paper, we will explore five things you may not have known about vaginas and vulvas.
1. They are not the same thing
Many people use the terms vagina and vulva interchangeably, but they are actually two separate parts of the female reproductive system. The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia, including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. The vagina, on the other hand, is the internal canal that connects the cervix to the vulva. Knowing the difference between the two can help in understanding various health concerns and sexual pleasure.
2. They come in different shapes and sizes
Just like any other body part, vaginas and vulvas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Every woman’s anatomy is unique, and there is no ‘normal’ or ‘ideal’ appearance. Some have larger labia, while others have smaller ones. Some have a prominent clitoris, while others have a less visible one. These variations are perfectly normal and should not be a cause for concern.
3. They have their own ecosystem
The vagina has a delicate balance of bacteria and yeast, known as the vaginal microbiome. This ecosystem is responsible for maintaining the vagina’s acidity levels and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to conditions like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good vaginal hygiene and avoid using harsh products that can disrupt this delicate balance.
4. They can change during different stages of a woman’s life
Just like the rest of the body, vaginas and vulvas also go through changes as a woman ages. During puberty, the vagina and vulva develop and grow, and the labia may become more prominent. During pregnancy, the vagina and vulva may become swollen and sensitive due to increased blood flow. After menopause, the vaginal walls may become thinner and drier due to hormonal changes. It is essential to understand these changes and seek medical advice if there are any concerns.
5. They can provide pleasure and not just for reproduction
One of the most common misconceptions about vaginas and vulvas is that their sole purpose is for reproduction. While they do play a crucial role in childbirth, they also have a significant role in sexual pleasure. The clitoris, located at the top of the vulva, is a highly sensitive organ with thousands of nerve endings that can provide intense pleasure when stimulated. The vagina also contains nerve endings that can provide pleasure during penetration. Understanding and embracing the pleasure potential of vaginas and vulvas can help in promoting a healthy and positive attitude towards female sexuality.
In conclusion, vaginas and vulvas are complex and fascinating parts of the female anatomy that deserve to be understood and celebrated. By debunking the myths and misconceptions surrounding them, we can promote a better understanding of women’s sexual health and empower women to take care of their bodies.
