An optimally healthy vagina is home to both “good” and “bad” bacteria in balanced proportions, but things such as antibiotics, douching, tight underwear, vaginal products or herbal treatments such as tea tree oil can disrupt this balance and harm its inhabitants.
Jefferson nurse midwife Jessica Hayes offers tips to maintain a happy and healthy vagina. Achieve this requires proper diet, regular exercise and following safe sexual practices – all essential elements in maintaining an ideal environment for vaginal health.
Healthy Diet
Your diet affects every part of your body, including your vagina. Many vaginal health conditions (like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections) result from an imbalance in microbiome balance; healthy bacteria help keep vaginal conditions moistened while keeping pH balanced for balanced pH balance as well as helping fight off infections causing bacteria.
Cranberries, bananas, avocados and dark leafy greens can help maintain an appropriate vaginal pH balance. You could also incorporate probiotic-rich products such as yogurt with live and active cultures, kimchi or miso into your diet for extra support.
Avoid foods high in sugar as this can inhibit good bacteria and contribute to an imbalance. Also drink plenty of water as this will flush out toxins, diminish any unpleasant odors and help your vagina remain lubricated.
Exercise
There are various exercises designed to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. One such practice is performing regular squats. When executed correctly, this exercise not only targets buttock and core muscles, but it can also strengthen legs and lower back muscles.
Kegel exercises, commonly referred to as pelvic floor exercises or Kegels, can greatly enhance sexual life by making orgasm easier and aiding with urinary incontinence or prolapse prevention. Unfortunately, too many vigorous Kegel exercises could actually tighten muscles more and increase urine leakage5.
Individuals having difficulty performing Kegel exercises may benefit from using a weighted vaginal cone. These cone-shaped devices come in various sizes and strengths; however, they should never be used when passing urine or with an empty bladder as this could cause infection.
Hygiene
As is true for dental and skin hygiene, vaginal hygiene should also be prioritized. When cleansing the vulva (commonly referred to as vaginal lips or clitoris), always use mild soap with warm water and avoid anything abrasive that might irritate or infect it further.
Douching can throw the body’s natural pH balance out of balance and disrupt its natural defenses, while cleaning your vulva isn’t self-cleaning either.
Recent research demonstrated the power of proper hygiene practices, such as using a latrine with absorbent pads for defecation and walking to bathing locations nearby, to lower risk of bacterial vaginosis. Utilizing sanitary towels is another essential part of good hygiene; safe sexual practices also play an integral part. Incorporating safer sexual behavior also lowers risks like HPV infection that causes itching, vaginal discharge and cervical cancer risk – while regular pelvic exams keep pelvis health at optimal level.
Sexual Health
Healthy sexual activity and being able to feel orgasm are crucial components of sexual wellbeing, but sexual pleasure has more benefits than just sexual gratification: It promotes feelings of self-worth and satisfaction as well.
Vaginal microbiota provides protection from urogenital infections by maintaining an ideal balance of bacteria. Lactobacilli and other such species produce lactic acid which inhibit the growth of microbes that could potentially cause infections, as do those producing other acids like citric acid that produce lactobacilli lactic acid production and inhibit other forms of pathogen growth that might otherwise cause infection.
Candida bacteria can lead to painful and itchy yeast infections, making the immune system vulnerable. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables with vitamin C-rich sources such as citrus fruits may help lower the likelihood of yeast infections.
Women should refrain from douching (cleansing their vulva with water or other fluids). Douching alters the vaginal microbiome and is unnecessary; furthermore it may lead to skin issues, pain or irritation. Furthermore, avoid commercial products like jade eggs, oak galls or vaginal steamers as these could result in heat or chemical burns, vaginal infections and even anaphylaxis reactions that require medical intervention for treatment.
