Although we may not often consider it, our vagina and vulva are an integral part of our bodies and must be cared for appropriately.
Things such as antibiotics, douching, tight pants and vaginal products such as sprays and lubricants can contribute to an imbalance of bacteria in an area.
Wash Daily
Your vulva and external pubic area (the outside of your penis) should be washed regularly with warm water and mild soap, to maintain optimal pH balance in your vagina. Avoid using scented gels as they may upset this balance and lead to irritation or infection; alternative remedies such as vinegar, garlic, sea salt or douching pads can irritate this area further. Also make sure you wipe in front when leaving the toilet as doing otherwise could introduce bacteria from your vulva into the urethra and cause urinary tract infection!
Your vulva, or vagular region, contains your pubic mound, clitoris and labia as well as providing access to your urethra and uterus. Maintaining good vulva health is vitally important to maintaining overall wellness as this area provides essential nutrients as well as prevent infections.
Don’t Scratch
Society often conveys an idealized image of what women’s vulva and vagina should resemble; however, each vagina may differ a bit in appearance and that’s perfectly normal.
Your vulva (voo-LEE-a) covers your external genitalia, including the pubic mound and clitoris as well as inner and outer lips of labia. The vulva opens into the vagina, leading to your cervix and uterus for monthly menstruation and childbirth.
The vulva and vagina are protected by ligaments and tissues that keep them secure, but when these become weak they can lead to prolapse – in which the uterus, bladder, vaginal walls can slip down through your pelvic canal, creating pain during sex as well as giving an unsightly appearance. Prolapse may also indicate infection such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection in women.
Don’t Douch
Douching, which involves adding water or an antiseptic solution into the vagina, to “wash” it is called doucheing and is five times more likely than not to lead to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections than not doing it.
Douching can alter your vaginal pH, disrupting healthy bacteria and making you more prone to infection. Furthermore, it may lead to irritation or worsen your odor.
Gumucio suggests gently cleansing your genital area during bathing or showering with warm water and mild soap as needed, before opting for cotton undergarments that minimize sweat and moisture around the groin, which may increase odor levels. You could also try powders or sprays that help mask odors; just avoid those containing fragrances or chemicals.
Don’t Wear Thongs
Society gives us a particular idea of what a healthy vagina and vulva should resemble, yet variations exist between individuals. Because there may be normal variations among women’s bodies, we must avoid certain things which could upset its pH balance and cause infections and irritation – antibiotics, douching, tight underwear (thongs/G-strings), period panties etc are some examples that must be avoided to maintain health in our vulvae and vaginum areas.
Thongs are constructed with non-breathable synthetic fabrics that trap bacteria in the pelvic area and create an environment conducive to infection, leading to yeast or urinary tract infections. Instead, opt for cotton underwear which allows your skin to breathe; cotton also prevents sweat accumulation during exercise which could reduce anal odor as well as decrease the need for daily doucheing sessions.
Change Your Underwear
Over time, underwear accumulates sweat, skin oils, dead skin cells, urine traces and even fecal bacteria – potentially increasing odor, itching, irritation and infection risk.
Cleaning and changing undergarments regularly is key to combatting such issues, with cotton underwear tending to breathe more freely than its synthetic counterparts, reducing the chances of bacteria growth that causes foul odor. Also consider wearing looser fitting pants such as women’s boyshorts which won’t restrict breathing as much and allow more space for bacteria growth.
Education on vaginal hygiene can enhance patient-physician relationships and help prevent issues like yeast infections. Proper feminine care practices can improve quality of life for women while decreasing health care costs; so make sure your Moreland OB-GYN informs you about its significance.
