Vaginal Health: How to keep your vagina healthy

Every other day we find ourselves talking about vaginal or perineal health to women, some of who seek our services at Nyalife Women’s Health Clinic and others, especially teenagers, on different forums. In any case, everyone seems to be talking about some form of vaginal health or vulval care tips or perineal health to imply care for the vagina and vulva, adding their ideas to what they think will work or not work. We join in the conversation to dispel some myths and share scientific evidence, if available, so that you know how to keep “down there” smiling and know the recommended tips. We would like you to take good care of your vagina and vulva as we answer your concerns.

Understanding your reproductive anatomy and thus the difference between the vulva and the vagina is the first step in taking care of both parts of the female reproductive anatomy.

Difference Between Vulva and Vagina

The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia and includes structures such as the labia majora and minora, clitoris, and the opening to the urethra and vagina. The vagina, often referred to as the birth canal, serves multiple functions, including allowing for menstrual flow, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.

Should Your Vagina Smell like Roses?

The vagina and vulva should not smell like perfume or rose petals. Neither should it smell like pineapples, so you can continue to indulge in the pineapples but not for the “supposed” benefit of a nice-smelling vagina but for the other nutritional benefits. A change in the smell of the vagina or vulva usually signifies an infection for which you should seek consult from your doctor.

The vagina and vulva naturally have a mild, musky scent, and they shouldn’t smell like perfume, rose petals, or pineapples. While you can enjoy pineapples for their nutritional benefits, they won’t change the scent of your vagina. A noticeable change in vaginal odor can often indicate an infection, and it’s important to consult your doctor if you experience this. Prioritize your health by understanding what’s normal for your body and seeking medical advice when needed.

VAGINAL HEALTH

Since We have dispelled a myth concerning the smell of the vagina, we go ahead to discuss ways to maintain vaginal health!

One of the questions we are asked time and again is: What should I do to avoid getting recurrent vaginal infections? Is there something that can help me in maintaining a healthy vagina and better care for my vulva area?

SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR VAGINA?

NO

Your Vagina Knows What It’s Doing! 

Did you know that the vagina has a natural self-cleansing mechanism? It’s true! The vagina maintains its healthy balance thanks to beneficial bacteria called lactobacillus, which help protect against harmful bacteria.

 

SHOULD YOU STEAM YOUR VAGINA?

NO

No Need for Extra Products or Steaming inside.

Using external products or methods like vaginal steaming can disrupt t!his natural balance, leading to potential health issues. Instead, trust your body and let it do its thing

Taking these simple steps can help prevent infections and keep you feeling fresh.

 

ROLE OF PROBIOTICS IN VAGINAL HEALTH

PROBIOTICS

recent evidence is emerging on the importance of probiotics in improving and restoring the health of the vagina, particularly following use of antibiotics to treat bacterial vaginosis. Concurrent administration or immediately after of probiotics during the treatment of bacterial vaginosis has been shown to improve the symptoms such as itchiness and thus increase cure rates. This also reduces the recurrence rates and re-establishes the normal vaginal milieu. Probiotics are made of helpful lactobacilli that produce lactic acid, keeping the vaginal PH acidic and thus unconducive for harmful bacteria to thrive in.
Emerging evidence highlights the importance of probiotics in improving and restoring vaginal health, particularly after antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Concurrent or immediate administration of probiotics during and after treatment has been shown to alleviate symptoms like itchiness and increase cure rates. This approach also reduces recurrence rates and helps re-establish the normal vaginal environment.

Probiotics are composed of beneficial lactobacilli, which produce lactic acid, maintaining the vaginal pH at an acidic level. This acidic environment is unfavorable for harmful bacteria, helping to prevent infections and promote overall vaginal health

VULVA CARE

In this section we share perineal hygiene tips on taking care of your vulva-which is the area immediately after the vaginal opening and extending from where the mons pubis is (the area covered with pubic hair) to just adjacent area to the anal opening.

KEEPING IT CLEAN

Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This practice helps prevent transferring gut bacteria from the anal area to the vulva, which could disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The urethral opening, vagina, and anal opening are aligned in a straight line, so it’s crucial to avoid introducing bacteria from the back to the front.

 

DAILY WASH

You want to wash the vulva on a daily basis. This may be increased to twice a day or more depending on different activity levels and during menstruation.

Water is enough. However, mild unscented soap may be used to remove any extra sweat around the vulva.

The vulva is a very sensitive and delicate part of the body. Only use unscented mild detergents with no scents or perfume if you must. Do not make the area smell any other way with some strong scented products

 

NOTE: You only washing the vulval area; the area immediately adjacent to the vaginal opening and not the vagina. The vagina has own natural self-cleansing mechanism and you do not need to clean the inside for whatever reasons!!!

PUBIC HAIR

To shave or not to shave. Pubic hair has been placed in the mons pubis and the labia majora for a reason. Just like the other hairs on the rest of our body. It prevents harmful “bugs” from getting to the vagina. However, we aclknowledge that some feel uncomfortable when it is overgrown for aesthetic reasons-trimming of the pubic hair is okey.

The shaving creams, waxing etc may be harmful because of the strong chemical that they contain

All About the Under wear

WHY COTTON PANTIES?

Cotton panties are recommended because they absorb moisture better than other materials, offering superior breathability. This allows your vagina to stay dry and reduces the likelihood of creating a ‘warm and moist’ environment where harmful organisms can thrive, potentially causing infections.

 

Cotton panties may not be the fanciest of panties but we can assure you that they serve the purpose alright.

RIGHT FIT

Choose panties that fit comfortably, not too tight. Properly fitting underwear allows for adequate airflow, helping to keep the vaginal area dry and reducing the risk of creating a warm environment where harmful bacteria and fungi can thrive.

 

NIGHT WEAR

If you can, avoid sleeping with an inner wear at night. Put on your pyjamas and slip in between the sheets for a good night sleep.
If possible, try to avoid wearing underwear while sleeping at night. Opt for comfortable pajamas and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. This practice can help improve ventilation and maintain a healthy environment for your vaginal area.

Understanding and Maintaining Vaginal Health

Vaginal health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being for individuals of all ages. Here are some essential practices to ensure optimal vaginal health:

Regular Check-ups
Scheduling regular visits to a gynecologist is vital for early detection of potential issues. Routine screenings can identify problems like infections, abnormalities, or early signs of more serious conditions, allowing for timely and effective treatment.

Menstrual Health

Proper management of menstrual health is essential. Using appropriate sanitary products and changing them regularly helps prevent infections and discomfort. It’s also important to track menstrual cycles to notice any irregularities that might indicate health issues.

Practicing Safe Sexual Health
Engaging in safe sexual practices is critical. Using condoms not only prevents sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but also promotes overall sexual health. Open communication with your partner about sexual health history is equally important for mutual safety and trust.

Maintaining Hygiene
Good hygiene practices are fundamental. Avoid using harsh soaps or scented products in the vaginal area, as they can cause irritation or infections. Instead, opt for mild, unscented products and ensure the area is kept clean and dry.

Balancing Vaginal Health
Vaginal health relies on a delicate balance of factors such as pH levels and hormonal fluctuations. Understanding what constitutes normal vaginal discharge is important, as changes in color, consistency, or odor can signal potential health issues. Maintaining this balance helps prevent infections and ensures overall comfort and well-being.

SIGNS OF A HEALTHY VAGINA AND VULVA

Please remember the following information:

A healthy vagina and/or vulva has a normal amount of discharge, no foul or fishy smell, and is not itchy, painful, or uncomfortable.

If you notice a change in the amount of discharge, a foul smell, vulval itchiness, or experience pain or discomfort, please seek medical attention as you may have a vaginal infection or inflammation, also known as vaginitis or vulvovaginitis.

 

Vaginal Infections

Read More on Vaginal Infections Here

BEST FEMININE HYGIENE PRACTICES

The market today is flooded with numerous products that may confuse you as to what you need to have good perineal health.

Your overall well being has a great impact on the health of your vagina as well as the vulva and the entire reproductive health system since every part of your body is interlinked-part of a system.

Eating healthy foods and being physically fit will ensure your BMI is good and is part of working on your immune system which is key in fighting diseases and preventing infections.

Adequate hydration; avoiding mental stress and keeping tabs of your general health is very important in ensuring a healthy ecosystem throughout your body

Bathing everyday will remove any dirt that may reach unwanted areas and is part of the best practices to keep you feeling great.

 

Let's Break The Stigma.

As young girls or teens and even as women, we need to learn more about every part of our body, including our vagina, without feeling any shame. Pay your gynaecologist a visit if there is an itch “down there”; there is a bad smell or different discharge colour; if there is pain, talk to your doctor. Have a habit to start your first gynecologist consultation from the age of 13 and build a rapport so that you feel free over the years to discuss everything about reproductive health. It would be an opportunity to have all those uncomfortable questions answered by a qualified professional.

At Nyalife Women’s Health Clinic, we prioritize your health and well-being. Our dedicated team of experts provides comprehensive care and guidance to help you maintain optimal vaginal health and address any concerns with confidence.

Address and Contacts

Call Us

+254746516514

Email Us

info@nyalifewomensclinic.com

Our Location

JemPark Complex building suite A5 in Sabaki

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