Genital health can be complex and women who never miss their annual pap smear or well-woman exam may still be misinformed about what’s going on down there despite receiving accurate medical advice. That doesn’t mean we should ignore our vulva health.
An optimally healthy vagina features an abundance of bacteria and fungi to keep infections at bay, but sometimes things go awry, leading to symptoms like strange odors or unhealthy discharge. These could be signs that something may have gone awry with its balance – so be wary if anything seems out-of-place in your vagina.
Soothing moisturizers
Vaginal health begins with maintaining an ideal pH level between 3.8 and 4.2. This slightly acidic environment prevents bad bacteria from flourishing, helping prevent yeast infections, painful sex and bladder infections. But several things can change this balance: antibiotics, douching tight underwear or wipes as well as sprays/lubricants can alter it significantly.
Healthy vaginae produce a white or clear discharge that is slippery when wet and free from an unpleasant odor, like pain during sex or itching, for example. Varying this discharge could indicate something is amiss; practicing safe sex, drinking lots of water and eating probiotic foods may all help promote better vaginal health.
Natural oils
Natural oils can provide soothing relief from itching, speed healing, and reduce bacterial infection. Lavender oil is often recommended due to its antiseptic and soothing qualities; tea tree oil offers both antifungal and antibacterial protection.
Many women don’t pay much attention to their vaginal health until something goes amiss, but taking steps to promote its wellbeing can be as straightforward as eating healthier. Add these nourishing foods to your diet:
Soothing suppositories
People may use suppositories for various reasons, including constipation, hemorrhoids and other conditions. A suppository is a type of medication you place directly onto the area to be treated; its outer shell melts with your body’s heat while its contents are released gradually into the bloodstream.
Hemorrhoid suppositories contain soothing probiotic formulations and hyaluronic acid to ease itching, pain, and discomfort caused by internal hemorrhoids. They should be used up to four times a day and after every bowel movement or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Natural oil balms
Natural oil balms can rehydrate dry vaginal tissue, leaving the vulva feeling soft and smooth. Ideal for daily use, natural oil balms can reduce itching, dryness and irritation caused by shaving, sexing, pregnancy nursing menopause or thin vaginal skin.
Many products containing probiotics to restore the local flora can be found as creams, lubricants, or suppositories.
Marula oil provides intense moisturization without clogging pores, while being an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Geranium essential oil reduces inflammation while supporting skin healing; tea tree oil kills yeast fungus to combat odor. Thus making it an excellent choice for women who suffer from bacterial vaginosis or are taking birth control pills.
Broccoli
Broccoli is an abundant cruciferous vegetable packed with vitamin C, folate and fiber. Furthermore, its high level of antioxidants such as sulforaphane can neutralize free radicals which damage cells and cause chronic inflammation.
Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli can help support vaginal health and protect against infections by providing essential cruciferous nutrition, and in particular protecting from saturated fat-induced severe bacterial vaginosis(4). However, it’s also essential that women consume a diet with balanced portions as an increase in saturated fat intake can increase risk significantly.
Citrus fruits
Food is essential to every body part, including your lady parts! A balanced diet that includes certain foods can help restore a healthy pH balance in your vagina and relieve symptoms such as itching, discomfort and smelly discharge.
Peppers contain capsaicin, which has long been recognized to help with issues pertaining to vaginal health such as itching and pain during intercourse. Furthermore, they’re high in lactobacilli which promotes good vaginal health overall. Try including dark leafy greens into your diet as well as plenty of Vitamin C-rich foods as these will all contribute to keeping vaginal health at its optimal.
