Feminine health can be an enigma to some women. But it’s essential that we understand how and why the vagina functions, as well as when something might go amiss.
A healthy vagina is packed with beneficial bacteria and has a naturally acidic pH balance. Things that could disrupt this include antibiotics, douching, scented products, tight underwear or having sexual relations.
Vaginal Hygiene
Women of reproductive age require daily intimate hygiene practices in order to keep the vulva clean. Vaginal pH tends to be acidic, so any disruption of this balance by soaps, douches or any other products that can be applied directly can lead to irritation, itchy sensations or pain in the vaginal area.
Ideal is using hypoallergenic liquid wash with mild detergency and pH range between 4.2 to 5.6 to clean external vulvae, rather than bar soaps, bubble baths or scrubs which could irritate skin further.
Regular washing with an emollient-based liquid has been linked to improved vulva health, including reduced vaginal discharge odor and fewer bacterial infections such as BV. Panty liners can also aid feminine hygiene as it limits contact between clothing and your genital skin, and cotton underwear tends not to irritate. If allergic testing is necessary perfumes and deodorants should also be avoided (unless allergy testing has already been performed ). Douching has been linked to vulvodynia; while less frequent practiced is linked with reduced recurrences of BV.
