Knowing tips for a healthy vagina is essential since it contributes to your overall health and well-being. As one of the most essential female genital organs, the vagina has significant roles and demands good care that keeps it free of infections.
Since it is a part of the body we don’t often see, many women don’t spare a thought for vaginal health. But paying attention to the upkeep down there is crucial. So what constitutes a healthy vagina?
The answer begins with understanding what it is that a vagina does. It performs three crucial functions within the female reproductive system:
- Allows unwanted uterine tissues and menstrual fluid to leave your body during periods.
- Allows the entry of the penis during sexual intercourse and holds the sperm until it enters your uterus for pregnancy.
- Expands and provides a channel for childbirth from the uterus.
Maintaining good vaginal health is generally not a high-maintenance job. Your vagina is one of the most self-sufficient parts of your body, and the attention it needs is relatively straightforward and simple.
This could include a healthy diet or doing pelvic floor exercises. But we owe our vaginas that much, don’t we, ladies? Keep reading to know more about the easy tips for a healthy vagina.
Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Vagina
A healthy vagina is essential for your overall health. Vaginal issues can affect fertility, sexual desires, and the ability to reach orgasm. They can also lead to stress, relationship troubles, and a loss of self-confidence.
Let’s discuss the common vaginal problems and what you can do to prevent them.
Signs and Symptoms of an Unhealthy Vagina
Abnormal Vaginal Odor
Every woman has her own natural, unique smell of the vagina. The smell changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. It may also become stronger after sexual intercourse or exercise. A ‘healthy’ vaginal smell is best described as having a musky scent. But a vagina can have other smells, too; for instance, during menstruation, you may catch a whiff of metallic odor. This shift in smells is natural and generally nothing to worry about.
But, if you notice an unpleasant, strong odor – like something that reminds you of chemicals or fishy smells, it can indicate an infection, especially if an itching or a burning sensation accompanies it. It’s best to consult your doctor in these situations.
Vaginal Discharge
A healthy vagina produces clear, mucus-like secretions. A vaginal discharge consists of secretions from the vagina, the cervix, and the cells of the vagina. The cervical mucus lubricates and keeps your vagina clean by removing old cells. The discharge also helps maintain the pH of your vagina, which helps prevent infection.
Cervical mucus changes during your menstrual cycle. About 12-14 days before your next period, the discharge increases. This is when your ovaries release an egg, a process known as ovulation. Here’s your guide on tracking changes in your cervical mucus and how tracking the changes can also help you predict early pregnancy.
However, heavy discharge with a foul smell, unusual color, texture, and sometimes with pain can indicate an infection. For instance, unusually clotty discharge or of a particular color such as a green or gray tint should not be ignored. Consult your gynecologist for early diagnosis and treatment.
Itching
Vaginal itching can be caused by many different reasons, including irritation from shaving, waxing, or rough intercourse that causes more friction. The latter can also lead to bruises in the cervix; know more about it here. Most genital itching and irritation are not cause concern. But, if the itching is severe and causes extreme discomfort, you should see your doctor or gynecologist. This may indicate an infection, a skin disorder, or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Dryness
A thin coating of clear fluid lubricates the walls of your vagina. The hormone estrogen aids in the maintenance of that fluid and the health, thickness, and elasticity of your vaginal lining. This liquid can typically increase during sexual intercourse when the genitalia is aroused and the lubrication helps with the process. This moisture decreases when estrogen levels fall.
Vaginal dryness is usually caused by hormonal changes, although they are not the only factors. It can occur at any age due to various factors that can include allergies or infections.
Vaginal dryness rarely means the presence of a serious medical condition. But, if left untreated, it can cause pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. It may also cause sores or cracking in your vagina’s tissues, resulting in painful urination. If the discomfort lasts for a longer time, contact your doctor.
7 Tips For a Healthy Vagina You Can Follow:
Maintaining a healthy vagina is easy and you need not be overwhelmed. For the most part, the vagina can maintain its internal functions by itself, but you can do much to assist it in its processes.
Here are some simple ways that you can follow to keep your vagina healthy and happy:
1. Clean your vagina but avoid douching
It is considered best if you clean your genitals daily. But, it is not necessary to clean your vagina from the inside as it is a self-cleaning organ. Washing the inside of your vagina, a process called douching, flushes out your vaginal secretions. This can affect your vaginal pH balance, usually 3.8 to 4.5. Douching can also reduce essential vaginal acidity and disrupt a healthy vaginal biome. This can increase your risk of developing bacterial infections, making such deep vaginal cleaning unnecessary and harmful.
Cleaning your vagina healthily and adequately is an easy process. All it needs is some warm water. Use warm water to wipe your vagina from the front and move backward after using the toilet. Cleaning it this way will prevent the risk of bringing bacteria from your anus into your vagina.
2. Avoid chemically loaded hygiene products
You may have seen shiny products in ads or on supermarket shelves, claiming to be the ultimate cleanser your vagina needs. Believe it or not, these products are futile and hardly have any constructive use.
Besides, your vagina is a humble organ and does not require expensive maintenance.
These products do more harm than good. The natural pH of your vagina is slightly acidic, while most vaginal washes are basic. Regular use of such products may alter the natural health of your vagina. These products reduce healthy vaginal bacteria and make it dry and itchy, thus increasing your risk of fungal infections.
Your vagina can maintain a healthy pH by itself. But, if you experience signs and symptoms of an unhealthy vagina, consult your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe soaps, gels, or medications to cure the symptoms.
3. Practice pelvic floor muscle exercises.
Pelvic floor muscle strength is vital during childbirth, and keeping them active through exercise is beneficial to health. But that’s not all. Strong pelvic muscles can assist with urinary control and improve your sexual experiences.
Kegel or pelvic floor muscle exercises keep your vagina strong and flexible. They improve blood flow to your vagina and pelvic floor. This is important since it helps keep your vagina relaxed and prevents pain during sexual intercourse.
Check with your doctor what type of exercises are suitable for you. You will also find access to step-by-step explainers for easy pelvic floor workouts online.
4. Safe sex and hygiene practices
Sex safety is critical to vaginal health. One of the best-known ways to ensure that is to use condoms during sex. This barrier contraception device is available for male and female partners, usually made of thin latex.
Condoms help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and avoid unwanted pregnancies. Many people prefer sexual intercourse without using this contraception, claiming it makes the activity more pleasurable. This is an individual choice, but it is ideal for one to be better informed while making that choice.
During intercourse, choosing lubricants with natural ingredients will also contribute to vaginal health. Too many chemicals in store-bought lubes can mess up your pH level. Avoid lubes that have artificial flavors, petroleum, and glycerin.
Another safe practice is to pee after sex. During sex, bacteria can enter your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. Peeing after sex flushes out germs from your urethra and bladder, thus preventing your chances of infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs).
5. Do not wear tight clothes for too long
It’s always better to wear undergarments made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Tight and synthetic clothes reduce air circulation and cause sweating, which is an open invitation for vaginal infections. This is because dark and moist environments are conducive for bacteria and fungi to thrive in.
Synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, or lace are a big no-no since they trap moisture and are rough on the vulva, a sensitive part of your genitalia.
Make sure to change your clothes after working out or doing any activity that makes you sweaty. Practicing such simple daily habits can help you maintain a healthy vagina.
6. Eat the right foods
Your vagina relies on healthy bacteria to fight infection-causing bacteria. Lactobacillus dominates the vaginal microbiome, helping to keep the pH level in check. They also provide “numerical dominance,” outnumbering the harmful bacteria.
Drinking lots of fluids like water, soups, juices, and eating a balanced, healthy diet are essential for vaginal and reproductive health. Consuming natural probiotics like yogurt and cheese will balance the good bacteria and aid in preventing yeast infections.
Other great foods for your vaginal health are avocados, apples, flaxseeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and dark leafy vegetables. According to research, cranberry supplements can help combat urinary tract infections.
7. Choose tampons and sanitary pads wisely
Since menstrual products sit either very close or inside your vagina, paying attention to what you are using is essential. You shouldn’t invest in something that will irritate your skin when you are already undergoing emotional and physical changes.
Use organic, unscented tampons and pads. Change your sanitary pads every 3-4 hours if you have a normal blood flow. Wearing tampons and pads for too long can cause vaginal odor and increase your risk of infections. If you use menstrual cups, make sure to wash and sterilize them before every use.
Summary
- The vagina is a self-cleansing organ and it does not require the use of chemically inseminated, off-the-shelf products.
- The natural pH of a healthy vagina is less than 4.5, which indicates a moderately acidic environment.
- Vagina has its own bacterial flora that contributes to its general upkeep. Aggressive cleaning through methods like douching can flush out the healthy bacteria.
- Pelvic exercises make your vagina strong and flexible, which aids in sex and bodily control.
- Peeing after sex can flush out the germs and prevent UTIs.
- Consume probiotics and eat right for a healthy vagina.