Your vulva and labia are designed to clean themselves, so harsh cleansers aren’t needed to maintain good hygiene. In fact, overzealous cleansing can even kill off healthy bacteria that keep these areas clean, making way for harmful organisms to take hold.
Assist your vulva with some soothing water or use a feminine wash specifically formulated for sensitive skin, while adding some lubrication like virgin coconut oil or shortening is also soothing.
Cleanse Regularly
An ideal vagina is home to millions of beneficial bacteria that work together to keep its environment slightly acidic and warm – thus preventing harmful organisms from overgrowing in this space. When these organisms become out of balance, however, vaginal infections such as yeast infections can quickly follow suit.
Gynecologists warn that many products women use to clean their genital areas can actually worsen these issues by harming healthy bacteria in the microbiome, such as soaps, feminine washes, wipes and douches. Douching can even wipe away essential infection-fighting bacteria which exist within this microbiome – increasing your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HPV infections.
Instead, a woman should wash her vulva daily with warm water and mild, unscented soap, washing front to back each time – including the clitoris, folds and anus – making sure all areas around it have been addressed thoroughly. Cotton underwear allows more ventilation for this area than synthetic fabrics.
Don’t Douche
Douching, the act of rinsing the inside of one’s vagina with water or other fluid solutions, may be performed for personal hygiene or for feelings of cleanliness; however, no scientific evidence shows any beneficial effect from douching beyond increasing reproductive health risk factors such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases; although cross-sectional studies were used in their findings. Prospective research is necessary in order to understand if douching actually leads to such issues.
Douching can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the vulva and push pathogens toward the cervix, uterus and Fallopian tubes, reports Michigan Women’s Health. Furthermore, douching disrupts antibodies that produce antimicrobial proteins which protect from infections. Ideally, it would be wiser for women with an infection in their vulva to use mild, unscented soap rather than douche solutions available from feminine care aisles for cleaning up her area – douching must also be avoided in such instances! Douching should also be avoided at all costs – particularly in such circumstances!
Take Probiotics
The vagina is home to bacteria that naturally maintain a slightly acidic environment in its surroundings, making it harder for pathogens to flourish in this space. When this balance is upset due to factors like antibiotics, douching tight pants or using vaginal sprays/lubricants/pregnancy complications it can result in bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections in pregnancy and post-birth.
Probiotics may help alleviate symptoms of BV and prevent future infections by adding healthy bacteria into the vulva. Available as pills and vaginal suppositories for easier use directly within the area, these solutions offer numerous ways to benefit both current and future infections.
Before beginning any dietary supplements, always consult with a medical doctor first. A gynecologist or vulvar specialist can recommend the most suitable supplement for you based on your individual circumstances and help create a treatment plan with probiotics for healthier vagina. Probiotics may also help treat yeast infection issues as they encourage bacteria that outcompete Candida albicans for resources; this may reduce your chances of future infections significantly.
Seek Preventive Treatment When Taking Antibiotics
Many conditions that impact the vulva involve irritation or infection. Examples include bacterial vaginosis (BV), genital warts, scabies and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, herpes and syphilis. Other symptoms could include pelvic pain during sex; involuntary spasms of pelvic floor muscle dyspareunia) as well as abnormal vaginal discharge or itching.
Vaginas that are in good health each have their own signature aroma that varies with menstrual cycle and personal hygiene practices, and should always be discussed with an OB-GYN in Moreland for evaluation and advice. Changes to vagina odor can indicate signs of infection; any discrepancies should be brought to their attention immediately by visiting Moreland OB-GYN doctor.
Douching can wash away the beneficial bacteria needed for vaginal health and lead to an imbalance of organisms, increasing your risk for infection. Supplementing with probiotic supplements or eating yogurt might help. Also, wearing cotton underwear regularly will allow airflow into the area and prevent irritations from building up. A new trial testing whether treating male partners of women who have had BV reduces its recurrence rate is currently under way.
