An effective and healthy vagina is an integral component of human anatomy. It protects external genitalia while connecting to the cervix for monthly menstruation and childbirth.
The vulva produces its own discharge which is typically slippery, clear or whitish in appearance and has minimal odor when moistened, however excessive douching and harsh cleansers may alter this delicate pH balance and lead to infection.
Cleanse Daily
Female bodies contain natural pH balances designed to prevent infections by encouraging healthy bacteria. Furthermore, it’s normal for the vulva to produce light discharge – typically clear or white with an odorless mild scent – from its opening.
Disturbed balance of bacteria can lead to serious infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections and irritation, and many things – antibiotics, tight clothing, douching, douching with scent products and poor diet are known culprits – can wreak havoc with our natural system.
Cleanse the external pubic area daily using a gentle cleanser without disrupting its natural flora, as well as avoid scented and other scented products, wear cotton underwear, practice safe sexual behavior and have regular gynecological exams.
Urinate After Sex
Women are frequently advised to pee after sexual encounter, in order to help protect against various infections including urinary tract infections. While men can benefit from this practice, due to differences in anatomy it becomes less essential.
Urinating after sexual activity helps flush bacteria, lubricants, contraceptives like spermicides and soap from your urethra while protecting it against moisture that may promote growth of odor-causing bacteria that leads to yeast infections.
Urinating after sexual activity will not help to prevent pregnancy; since urination does not reach into the vagina, nor will it remove any baby-making sperm from it. Birth control measures during sexual activity is the only surefire way of avoiding pregnancies.
Wear Cotton Underwear
From thongs to full coverage styles, there is an array of underwear on the market today. However, not all fabrics are created equal – gynecologists recommend cotton underwear as an effective solution for vaginal health.
Cotton’s hollow fibers allow air to circulate around your body and draw out excess moisture, keeping your skin cool while offering soft drapey comfort with each wash. Plus, cotton fabrics get even softer over time!
Your vulva is sensitive and delicate, like the lips on your face. For this reason, it’s best to treat it gently if you suffer from yeast infections or vulvodynia. According to a Medical Journal Sweden study, tight underwear such as thong underwear may promote infection by rubbing between anus and urethra or vulva; however, researchers concluded that no significant impact would be had by changing underwear type or panty liners on microbiome composition.
Avoid Scented Products
No scented products should come into or near the vagina. In addition to producing an unpleasant odor, scented tampons and pads may flush away beneficial bacteria found there naturally. Douching, the practice of flushing the vulva with water or various cleansers to “flush away” unhealthy flora such as healthy bacteria that help fight infections, may also have devastating results: flushing away healthy flora as well as washing away vaginal discharge which contains beneficial microbes that contributes to healthful immunity against future infections.
Instead of douching or disrupting the delicate vaginal pH balance with douching, try using a pH-balancing body cleanser like Good Clean Love to gently wash your vulva and labia, including inner lips of labia. A slight harmless scent of your vulva is completely normal – if this scent becomes stronger or there are unexpected colors or amounts of discharge, please visit your gynecologist immediately for evaluation.
Avoid Douching
Douching can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. Douching may also introduce harmful pathogens into your upper reproductive tract that could potentially lead to infection.
Douches use liquid solutions containing vinegar, iodine, baking soda or other chemicals which they squirt directly into the vagina. This raises its pH level which can destroy beneficial bacteria and fungi within it while encouraging harmful ones to thrive in its place – something which could ultimately result in vaginal infection or cancerous tumor growth.
Avoiding douches is the best way to keep a healthy vaginal area. Instead, clean it regularly with water and mild soap. Wearing cotton underwear may help reduce sweating, trapped odors and irritation that lead to frequent doucheing sessions. Finally, if any abnormal discharge or odor arises make an appointment with your gynecologist for diagnosis and treatment.
