How to Maintain a Healthy and Hygienic Vagina

The vagina is one of the most delicate and precious parts of the female body. A healthy and hygienic vagina forms the very basis of excellent sexual health and wellness. Practising healthy habits and awareness on a daily basis helps to avoid rashes, itches, and infections. It must be monitored for any bumps, weird growths, foul smells and proper hygiene must be maintained. Every body part has bacteria, and so does the vagina; however, these bacteria may or may not be harmful. In fact, most of the time, the bacteria protect the vagina from infections. In most cases, the vagina has an acidic pH and contains abundant quantities of beneficial bacteria that help to fend off the infections and helps maintain lubrication. It is also mandatory for a healthy and hygienic vagina to secrete some amount of discharge. Most women notice anywhere between a teaspoon or tablespoon of release a day. It is good to have a certain amount of vaginal discharge as it is nothing by the essential shedding of cervical and vaginal cells. However, if women notice any change in the vaginal odour or change in colour of the discharge, it is a matter of concern. Some of the recommended ways to keep the healthy vagina include-

Avoid Douching to protect vaginal PH

The vaginal pH is anywhere between 3.8 to 4.5, and douching can affect the vagina's pH levels. It reduces the acid level in the body and disrupts the healthy vaginal functioning, which sets the stage for bacterial infections. If the vagina has a strong or unpleasant odour, it is best to see the doctor than covering up the smell through such procedures. It is also advisable to avoid using harsh cleansers or soaps inside the vagina as they may affect the healthy pH balance too.

Choose the undergarments wisely

Underwear shopping should include nothing besides cotton underwears. Most underwears come with a thin strip of cotton fabric in the middle. This is because cotton absorbs moisture and is the most comfortable way to walk around. If one has an option to forego the underwear for some time, it is an excellent thing because it gives the vagina breathing space. Dr Kavita Kanuja, an obstetrician, and gynaecologist by profession confirm the same. However, she advises not to go to the gym without underwear because the extra layer protects the vagina from germs and bacteria in the gym equipment.

Maintain a Healthy Diet for a healthy and hygienic vagina

It is mandatory to follow a balanced and nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids for great vaginal health. Vaginal health largely depends on certain foods that are proven to be effective. Time and again, doctors have emphasised on the fact that food makes a difference. For example, yoghurt prevents yeast infections and also aids in treatment. It is rich in probiotics, which is why women prone to yeast infections must consume yoghurt or greek yoghurt each day. If a woman is prone to urinary tract infections, research by the Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan suggests taking cranberry supplements daily.

Treat Infections as soon as they come to notice

There are a few types of vaginal infections that are very common, which include yeast infection, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. If one is prone to these infections and the symptoms are recognisable, it is best to go for treatment at the earliest.  It is crucial to treat these infections because if left untreated, it may be painful, unpleasant and pose a serious threat to reproductive health. Women already had a vaginal infection are more prone to being infected with other diseases if exposed.

Follow Good Hygiene

Common sense can go a long way in protecting the health of your vagina. After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to avoid bacterial contamination of the vagina. And it also lowers down the risk of bladder infection. Change sanitary pads and tampons regularly during your period. Dr Millheiser notes that it’s fine to wear panty liners to absorb normal vaginal discharge as long as you change them frequently, though she adds that women who wear them all the time may experience some vulvar irritation.