As you browse the drugstore aisles, more products targeted towards women’s intimate areas seem to emerge every year. Unfortunately, many are unnecessary or even harmful – they could interfere with pH balance that keeps intimate areas healthy.
Acquaint yourself with your vulva and vagina as fully as possible. Gaining knowledge about their appearance, feel, and scent can help you identify red flags for potential issues.
Hygiene
Vulvar hygiene may not be an enjoyable task, but proper vulvar hygiene is an essential requirement of women of reproductive age. This involves washing the external vulva (not inside of vagina) with gentle soap or warm water and avoiding douching as this may disturb pH balance and potentially strip bacteria away, leading to infections in vagina.
The vulva has its own specific, slightly acidic bacteria balance that needs to remain undisturbed; when this balance is disturbed by improper cleaning or the use of fragranced soaps, irritation and infection can ensue. Urinating regularly after having sex helps flush away any leftover bacteria, protecting you against bladder or urinary tract infections.
Cotton underwear should also be worn to reduce moisture accumulation that fosters smelly odor-producing bacteria growth, as well as to avoid tight clothing like thongs that collect fecal matter that could reach the vulva and reach its way down into it. Women should also receive regular screening tests for sexually transmitted infections and cervical screening.
Condoms
Condoms are affordable and widely available means of protecting against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They work by creating a barrier against semen from reaching the ovaries or anus; male condoms should be used during penetrative oral, anal, and vaginal sex to erect penis when penetrative oral, anal or vaginal sex is performed, while female condoms should be inserted into vulva during sexual contact between partners to break this chain transmission for STIs such as HIV transmission between partners when used correctly and consistently over time.
Condom use should not increase your risk for vaginal infections like BV or yeast infections; consistent condom usage may actually help decrease these infections over time. Furthermore, those who are allergic to latex should consider purchasing non-latex condoms which can often be found at drug stores, vending machines in some restrooms and online or through mail order.
Lubricants
Vaginal lubrication enhances sensual pleasure, increases penetration, and decreases friction between skin and anal tissue. Furthermore, it helps prevent friction-related damage to vulvae that could increase risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Although many lubricants can be purchased at drugstores, it is crucial that users read and understand their ingredients thoroughly. Many popular lubricants contain glycerin which acts as a humectant by drawing moisture to tissues, which over time could actually lead to tissue damage as it has higher osmolality than natural vaginal fluid.
Water-based lubes with lower osmolality and pH are healthier for the vulva than their oil-based counterparts. While many flavored and scented lubricants may be pleasant to the senses, some also contain additives which could hinder sperm function which may be an issue when trying to conceive.
Vaginal suppositories
Vaginal suppositories are small capsules designed to deliver medication directly into the vagina, such as treatment for candida or dryness; and may help fight bacterial vaginosis as well. In addition, they offer an easy and safe method of birth control using spermicide as birth control measures.
Vaginal dryness can lead to painful intercourse and itching, making life uncomfortable for women. A lubricant such as pH-D Feminine Health’s Moisturizing Suppositories may help alleviate this discomfort.
Before using a suppository, first wash your hands and the vaginal area with soap and water, carefully open its packaging, remove its contents from its applicator and insert. It may help if you dip its end in water first so as to make inserting simpler.
Set your suppository in your vulva using an applicator, aiming it as far in. Gently press in, push back out, and release more medication through its plunger until all has been used up. Discard and wash hands afterward to complete this step.
