Vaginal Health: Five “Down There” Care and Upkeep Tips
Contrary to popular belief, maintaining good genitalia and vaginal health is not too complicated. The first steps include studying your own body, understanding what works for you, and speaking with your OB-GYN specialist if anything unusual occurs. Essentially, your vagina was designed to clean itself, but your primary responsibility is to regulate and sustain a healthy and sterile environment.
Ignoring the issues connected with poor vaginal health might lead to a slew of future concerns. Being unaware of your vaginal health might have negative consequences like decreasing your sex drive or the ability to reach an orgasm.
Do not overclean or under clean
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Harsh chemicals, premade wipes, or douching can disrupt its regular functioning. It can also alter the vaginal pH balance, causing discomfort and encouraging the growth of harmful germs. Wash with warm water every day—soap isn't required, but if you want to use one, a soft soap like Dove-Hypoallergenic, Revlon, Basis, or Pears is recommended. If you have very sensitive skin, keep an eye out for harmful vaginal care products.
For optimal safety and accessibility, use your fingertips instead of a washcloth. Use special scrubs, perfumed soaps, and douching sparingly, especially if the product claims to be for vaginal health. Wipe the front and rear of the toilet seat after use to avoid germs entering the urethra and causing urinary infections.
Wear appropriate material
Your underwear's material plays a major role in vaginal health upkeep. Cotton underwear is preferable to silk or synthetic underwear. Choose apparel that allows your vulvovaginal region to breathe freely while keeping it dry. Cotton is less likely to retain moisture, making it comparatively difficult for microorganisms that cause odors to proliferate.
When you don't wipe the vagina after peeing, the panties get moist, generating a terrible odor and putting you at risk for vaginal infections. Moisture encourages bacterial development, which can develop into a yeast infection. As a result, it's always a good idea to clean the area with toilet paper or a soft cloth to keep your undergarments dry.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting apparel, such as thongs, which can retain feces and create infections and smells in the vaginal area. Choose women's boyshorts for a much more relaxed fit between the legs. By staying commando and allowing the region to rebalance, you may let your vagina breathe comfortably at night.
Semi shave for the best of both worlds
The pubic hair protects the vulva from germs and viruses. It protects the delicate flesh it covers from discomfort during intercourse by shielding and cushioning it. Pubic hair does not represent a health danger if it is washed regularly.
Some women prefer to shave their pubic hair because they believe it is disgusting and dirty. Others believe that keeping it manicured and trimming the hair with scissors helps to ease such issues. Others, on the other hand, like to keep it natural; the decision is ultimately yours to make.
Blade burn, irritation, itching as the hair grows back, and inflammation from ingrown hair are different side effects of shaving. Bacteria may enter the body through cuts and nicks. Less shaving also implies less itching when the hair regrows and fewer bruises, cuts, and ingrown follicles. Hair removal lotion, which burns off growth and is extremely harsh on the vulva's fragile skin, should be avoided. It is best to trim or prune the pubic hair, use organic shaving products and lotions as much as possible.
Practice safe sex
As the vulva is such a vital source of pleasure, it's crucial to keep it safe from hazardous chemicals and germs. Responsible sex is one of the finest and easiest actions you take for your vaginal health.
Sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) such as gonorrhea, genital warts, hepatitis, HPV, syphilis, and HIV can spread during unprotected intercourse; use a condom, dental dam, or gloves if possible. It isn't revolutionary science, and it's better to be safe than sorry. But, when you use one, make sure you're not allergic to the condom's composition and choose the right one for yourself.
Use a fresh condom every time you move from anal to vaginal intercourse or vice versa. Your anus may have germs that irritate or contaminate your vagina, and your vagina may also contain bacteria that aggravate the urethra. Peeing after intercourse can help minimize the risk of UTIs.
Check the ingredients of your lube
Vaginal lubrication is incredible. It has the potential to elevate sex for all those involved. Even yet, some components aren't particularly good for your health. Lubricants are available in a range of bases, including water, silicone, oil, and hybrid. Water and silicone are frequently used in hybrid lubes. There are a variety of formulas available to meet your specific requirements.
Coconut oil or olive oil could be preferable vaginal lubricants and moisturizers for organic vaginal care than synthetic goods. However, they're a good choice for women who don't use contraceptives.
When it comes to vaginal intercourse, never use vaginal lubrication in the form of flavored lubes, as glycerin is similar to sugar. While it's wonderful for keeping lubes wet, it can also encourage the growth of germs in the vaginal area. Your vaginal pH balance should be maintained by the lubrication you use. Petroleum products should be avoided since they might alter the vaginal pH balance.
Last but certainly not least, do not disregard any indications or symptoms of vaginal infections. Visit your gynecologist right away if you have a foul odor, profuse vaginal discharge, or colored vaginal discharge. Also, an itching vagina or soreness in the genital region should not be ignored because it might indicate an actual health problem.
Conclusion
To maintain vaginal health, every woman should implement these fundamental feminine care practices. It takes more than one step to achieve optimal vaginal health. However, there are several basic and straightforward things you can do daily to ensure that your vagina is well protected and happy. Eat well, maintain a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. This is beneficial not just to your body but also to your vaginal health.