You may hear on a regular basis that taking care of your vaginal health and hygiene is crucial. But what does this mean, exactly? A healthy vagina is important for women; vaginal infections are more common than most people think, particularly when it comes to infections caused by Candida albicans (yeast) or other pathogenic microorganisms.
A woman’s health depends to a great extent on vaginal cleanliness. Whether or not you are of reproductive age, maintaining adequate vulva hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of vaginal infections.
The most crucial aspect of vaginal hygiene is to keep the pH stable. Women begin to develop symptoms of infections when the vaginal pH, which is typically slightly acidic, is out of balance. These symptoms may include discomfort, itching, and pain. Any foreign matter injected into your vagina may alter the pH, so be cautious about what you put in there.
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to keep your vagina clean even if it’s a sensitive area – you can maintain your vaginal hygiene by adopting the following measures:
Clean your vagina and vulva
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, as long as you keep it clean and dry. Its pH balance keeps it clean by neutralizing harmful bacteria that could live in your body. The vagina produces discharge (or mucus) to help clear out dead cells and other debris that built up inside it over time. The discharge also helps protect against bacterial infections by providing a protective layer around your genitals.
Even with the vagina’s self-cleaning properties, it is important to wash it – and your vulva – regularly, preferably with soap and water. You can use a bath, body, or hand soap that doesn’t completely contain chemicals, such as dyes or perfumes. Make sure to use a gentle, non-irritating soap that won’t irritate the delicate skin around your vagina.
Wear cotton panties and avoid tight clothing
Wearing loose-fitting cotton panties is the best way to keep your vaginal area clean. You can wear cotton underwear with a built-in liner or pantyliner (some brands offer reusable ones). If you’re wearing wet clothes, dry them immediately and put on fresh ones. Avoid wearing underwear with synthetic material such as spandex or lycra because these tend to leave behind bacteria on your body.
Don’t douche
Most health experts are against douching and do not advise it as it can cause irritation, infection, and dryness in the vagina. It not only changes the natural pH of your vagina but also disrupts its internal environment by removing some beneficial bacteria that help keep odor at bay.
The best way to maintain a healthy vaginal environment is through daily exercise and cleanliness habits like bathing with soap or shower gels that don’t contain fragrances like parabens (which have been linked to breast cancer), phthalates (which are endocrine disruptors) and triclosan (linked with hormone disruption).
Forbid use of feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, and washes
It is important to keep in mind that feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, and washes can be harsh, causing irritation. If you are uncomfortable with the smell or feel of these products on your skin, then they should be avoided at all costs.
Furthermore, using fragrant, fancy soap and other products inside the vagina can lead to bacterial infections and yeast infections. These microorganisms will make it more difficult for you to maintain good hygiene habits by causing bacteria-laden staphylococcus aureus (SAA), which has also been linked with an increased risk for HIV acquisition.
Change your sanitary products frequently
Change your tampon or pad every 3-4 hours to keep your vagina clean. If you are bleeding heavily, change them more frequently. You should be able to wear the same pad for up to 8 hours if you aren’t bleeding heavily (though we recommend changing it at least once during that time).
If you face any discomfort or irritation from tampons and pads, try using a menstrual cup instead. A menstrual cup is made up of soft rubber that gently stores menstrual blood and collects it inside its body, where it can be disposed of in the toilet without any risk of leakage or stains on your clothing. Menstrual cups are also reusable and environment-friendly, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing a new one every other month.
Lastly, if any serious problems persist with your vaginal hygiene or health, book an appointment with OB/GYN immediately!
- “As chicaadmin at The Chicago Weekly, I curate trending national and international news stories with a focus on social justice and cultural impact. My passion for journalism and commitment to independent media are fueled by my Chicago roots and belief in the power of storytelling to connect communities. Follow me on Twitter for insightful commentary and news updates!”
