Every woman should be worried about the condition of her vagina, but what makes a healthy vagina?
The vagina typically has an acidic pH, is rich in good bacteria that fight infections, and is naturally lubricated. However, this varies considerably depending on a woman’s age.
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Vaginal Health
Women’s general health includes having a healthy vagina. The capacity to have an orgasm, desire for sex, and fertility can all be impacted by vaginal issues.
Consistent vaginal health problems can also lead to stress, interpersonal conflict, and confidence concerns.
Be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of vaginal issues, as well as what you can do to safeguard your vaginal health.
Signs of a vaginal problem
Consult a medical professional if you observe:
- A change in the vaginal discharge’s color, smell, or volume
- Itching or redness in the vagina
- Vaginal bleeding before or after sex, during periods, or menopause
- A lump or protrusion in the vagina
- Pain during sexual activity
If you’ve previously been treated for a vaginal yeast infection and are experiencing similar symptoms, you may not need to visit your doctor whenever you experience vaginal irritation and discharge.
However, speak with your doctor if your symptoms persist while using a drug you bought at the pharmacy.
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5 ways to Maintain a healthy vagina
1. Eat Healthily to Promote Vaginal Health
You may not be aware, but maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and getting enough water is essential for reproductive and vaginal health.
In reality, some foods may be helpful in the treatment of vaginal health issues.
Yogurt can both prevent and treat yeast infections. Yogurt, particularly plain Greek yogurt, is high in probiotics.
2. Practice Safe Sex
Sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) like HIV, genital herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and genital warts can be prevented by using condoms, whether female or male condoms.
There is no cure for some diseases, such as HIV and genital herpes. And some are known to cause cancer, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), responsible for genital warts.
To avoid introducing hazardous bacteria into the vagina, you should replace condoms when transitioning from oral or anal to vaginal sex.
Also, refrain from giving your partner access to your sex toys.
3. Do not Douche
Douching can affect the vagina’s pH levels, reducing acidity and upsetting a healthy vaginal biome (the bacterial composition of your vagina), which can lead to bacterial infections.
Vaginal pH is typically between 3.8 and 4.5. Consult your doctor if your vagina smells strongly or offensively; utilizing a douche won’t address the underlying issue generating the smell; it will merely mask it. To maintain a healthy pH balance, avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers on the vulva or inside the vagina.
4. Maintain Good Hygiene
To prevent bacterial contamination of the vagina and to reduce the risk of bladder infection, wipe your body after a bowel movement from front to back. During your period, replace your tampons and pads frequently.
5. Treat Infections
While not all vaginal issues may be avoided, routine examinations can guarantee that issues affecting the vagina are identified as soon as feasible.
Don’t let embarrassment keep you from discussing worries you have regarding vaginal health with your doctor.
While bacterial vaginosis is brought on by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, yeast is a fungus infection.
Trichomoniasis is an infection spread through sexual contact that is brought on by a parasite.
It is imperative to treat these infections because failing to do so may result in unpleasant, painful, and significant issues with reproductive health.
According to Millheiser, you are more likely to contract HIV if you already have a vaginal infection and are exposed to it.
6. Don’t smoke, and drink alcohol in moderation.
Sexual function may be hampered by long-term alcohol abuse. Nicotine may have an impact on sexual arousal.
Poor physical and mental health may result from substance abuse, and this can have an impact on sexual function.
Conclusion
Discharge is a typical physiological response; it is simply the shedding of cervical and vaginal cells.
Additionally, a healthy vagina secretes tiny amounts of discharge. Some women may not even be aware that they are experiencing it, whereas others may detect just a small amount of daily discharge.
