How to maintain good vaginal hygiene

Feminine hygiene is a growing concern due to several misconceptions revolving around it. There’s definitely not enough talk about vaginal hygiene! But don’t worry, we’re here to break down the essentials needed for feminine hygiene to promote a healthy vagina.

Truth is, proper vaginal hygiene is extremely important. It’s also true that proper hygiene is simple; you see, the vagina cleanses itself naturally. The natural flora of bacteria and cells in the vagina keep the environment at a normal vaginal pH balance. A healthy vagina also secretes small amounts of white or clear discharge. While some women might not even be aware of this, others do notice it.

However, the vaginal discharge should not smell and your vagina or the area around it should not be itchy, red or sore.  If you have a discharge that has a strong fishy odour, you may have a bacterial infection.

Here are some Dos and Don’ts for your vagina and feminine hygiene:

Do’s:

A healthy diet for healthy vagina: Keeping your diet in check is essential for a healthy vagina. Certain foods like yogurt help in preventing yeast infection.

Practice safe sex: Using condoms while having sex prevents the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), genital herpes, etc.

Choose the right underwear: Your vagina should stay clean and dry; what you wear can affect that. Certain types of fabrics and tight-fitting clothing create warm, moist conditions in which a yeast infection could thrive. Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid thongs. If you’re prone to yeast infections, change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes as quickly as possible.

Meet your gynaecologist: It is always recommended to consult your gynaecologist regularly so that it’s easier to keep a track of diseases and infections that can affect your vagina and the reproductive system. It is also recommended that women undergo Pap Smears starting at age 21 to screen for changes in vaginal cells that might indicate the presence of cancer.

Pubic Hair: Pubic hair plays an important role in keeping infections at bay. If you choose to shave or wax, make sure to do this in hygienic conditions and to cleanse your vaginal area right after. If you choose to keep the hair, make sure to trim it with a pair of scissors.

Don’ts:

Douche: Douching or using harsh cleaners or soaps can disrupt your natural pH balance and can irritate your vagina and wash away good bacteria. The only thing you need to do is wash around your vagina (not inside) with a mild vaginal wash and warm water.

Overdo on the antibiotics: They can kill off some of the bacteria which keeps your vagina healthy.

We hope all your questions are answered regarding vaginal hygiene. If you have any more unanswered questions, just comment below!