It’s one of those topics that we women simply don’t talk about enough. Do we even recognise when things aren’t quite what they should be in our nether regions?
It’s very easy to upset the natural balance and well-being of your vagina. Read on for some tips on how to get good vaginal health.
There are many situations that can easily upset vaginal well-being and it’s the worst when you suffer from a vaginal condition. Helen Knox, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Contraception and Sexual Health, offers some advice.
“Having a healthy vagina is all about balance: it is home to millions of micro-organisms, and is normally good at keeping them stable. Ultimately, the vagina is self-cleaning, but it is also a delicate environment which can so easily be disrupted by factors that upset its natural balance. When this balance gets disrupted, you’ll start to notice things aren’t quite right.
“Many women are familiar with thrush, but there is a more common condition, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) which is characterised by irritation, a distinctive smell and/or an unusual discharge. It can be triggered by excessive heat and sweat, using perfumed products and by semen, which is alkaline. So, what can you do to prevent it and other vaginal conditions?”
Six tips for a healthy vagina:
- Avoid using perfumed wipes and wearing panty liners which could increase chances of irritation. If you get hot, change your underwear and avoid tight clothing.
- Don’t douche– The vagina cleans itself, so there is no need to wash it as you will be flushing out the good bacteria which is there for a reason.
- Use a condom– beyond it being safe, if you are prone to bouts of BV it can help prevent it. If you are having unprotected sex, then try to pee as soon after sex as possible.
- Front to back– a simple one, but when we are in a hurry and away from our home comforts we can easily forget – but wiping front to back is a must. Otherwise you can introduce bowel germs to your urethra (urine passage).
- Choose breathable materials for underwear and avoid tight clothing, especially as temperatures rise. Cotton gussets, always.
- Replenish good bacteria– If you are prone to BV, consider using Balance Activ Gel, which can help restore and preserve the natural pH balance in your vagina.
