Society often sends us clear signals about what a vulva should look like, yet there can still be variations among individuals.
An ideal vagina is an intricate micro-ecosystem comprised of billions of bacteria dominated by Lactobacillus species. Anything that disturbs their balance may lead to itching, odor or irritation as well as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
Hygiene
An optimally healthy vulva relies on the delicate balance between different kinds of bacteria that exists within. When this system becomes out of balance, women can suffer from issues like vaginal infections. When this balance shifts due to hormonal shifts, menstruation or pregnancy, or hygiene practices like douching tight underwear and using vaginal products (sprays/lubricants etc), problems arise that could potentially become harmful.
At minimum, it is advisable to cleanse the external genital area daily using warm water and mild soap. Avoiding harsh bar soaps, shower gels, bubble baths and scrubs that could irritate delicate vulvae is recommended; opt instead for hypoallergenic liquid wash designed specifically to promote intimate feminine hygiene.
These wash products should contain lactic acid to provide targeted antimicrobial activity while supporting skin homeostasis. In addition, it’s crucial to keep all areas surrounding the external pubic region dry as moisture encourages bacteria growth.
Diet
Diet plays an essential role in vaginal health, affecting both immune function and vaginal pH levels to keep them within healthy parameters and thus stop bacteria or yeast growth from taking hold in vaginal areas.
Eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables is key to supporting a strong and healthy mucosal lining in the vagina. Avoiding foods high in sugar or processed fats is also beneficial.
Minimally processed soy products and supplements containing isoflavones may help ease postmenopausal vaginal dryness by mimicking estrogen in the body – this is especially useful for women experiencing low estrogen levels due to medication or menopause.
Probiotic foods such as yogurt, kombucha and sauerkraut contain beneficial bacteria that will strengthen your natural defenses against infections and promote good health. Also opting for cotton underwear instead of douching is beneficial in maintaining clean vulvae; douching upsets the natural balance of bacteria that exists there and increases your chances of UTIs.
Supplements
Many supplements have been marketed to support vaginal health, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and fish oil; however, more research needs to be conducted into their effectiveness.
The vagina contains numerous microorganisms, including beneficial “good” bacteria that keep it healthy. Sometimes however, the good bacteria become overwhelmed by harmful ones which cause yeast infections (known as bacterial vaginosis).
Oral probiotics may help balance your vaginal microbiome, but many don’t survive the digestive tract and don’t work effectively in treating yeast infections. Suppositories provide more targeted support. Evvy’s suppositories contain clinically studied probiotics like Lactobacillus combined with prebiotic lactulose to restore balance to vaginal bacteria while relieving symptoms like itching, odor, and excess discharge. It’s essential that when choosing supplements you consider all aspects of health; consult your gynecologist or registered dietitian nutritionist (RD).
Self-diagnosis
An ideal vagina contains many different kinds of bacteria, both “good” and “bad.” Good bacteria help keep the vagina slightly acidic to keep bad ones at bay; when disturbed, however, you could experience vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis or candida infections (candida).
Changes to hormone levels during pregnancy, menopause or breastfeeding may also have an effect on vaginal health, causing more slippery and thick discharge and possibly leading to discomfort during sex encounters.
As well, some types of vaginal tests may not accurately detect BV. For instance, pH tests designed to identify it have high sensitivity but low specificity; an incorrect pH cut-off might identify intermediate flora that misdiagnoses it as normal; this could lead to unnecessary treatment options and prolong symptoms significantly. Therefore, it’s crucial that you consult your physician regarding self-diagnosing and treating a vaginal infection effectively.
