Keeping Vagina Clean and Healthy
Maintaining a healthy vagina is a vital part of a woman’s complete health. In the Indian society, there are social taboos and we don’t talk about vaginal hygiene openly. While lately things have begun to change, there is still a lot that every female needs to know about vaginal hygiene and health.
Before knowing how to keep your vagina clean and healthy, let’s understand what exactly the vagina is and how it works. Vagina is basically a pipe like organ – the muscular tube which starts from the vaginal opening externally, and leads to the opening of the uterus. The outer part which is visible to us is called vulva. The vulva comprises of; labia, vaginal opening, clitoris and urethra.
Now that we are familiar with the basics, let’s discuss various methods by which we can keep the vagina clean and healthy.
- No douching
Vagina naturally cleanses itself, so don’t wash it with scented shower gels or fancy soaps, as it will result in excessive drying of the skin. Use plenty of water to clean the area and pat it dry. That’s it! Also, keep your vagina away from feminine hygiene products, which usually disrupts its pH balance.
- Eat a balanced meal
It may sound like a cliché, but eating a healthy, nutritious, diet full of vitamins and minerals, is extremely good for your vaginal health as well as your reproductive organs. Certain foods like yoghurt and cranberries are scientifically proven to combat serious vaginal and urinary tract infections.
- Practice safe sex
Use condoms if you have multiple sexual partners, and in the case of a monogamous relationship, make sure that both you and your partner are free from any sexually transmitted diseases. Peeing after sex ensures that germs are out of your system. Also, avoid petroleum-based lubricants.
- Wear light, comfortable clothes
Is there any specific type of cloth good for your vagina? Yes. It’s cotton. Cotton suits vagina the best, compared to synthetic or satin undergarments. Make sure that not only your undergarments are comfortable and breathable, but your clothes are too!
- Visit your gynaecologist
Make sure to visit your gynaecologist from time to time. Do not hesitate to ask whatever queries you have related to your vagina or reproductive organs. Go for Pap smears, screenings and check for seasonal infections. Educate yourself from your doctor regarding birth control, fertility, and STI prevention.
- Practice Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises are responsible for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and helps in tightening of the vaginal muscles as well. Peeing while coughing, sneezing can be treated with Kegel exercises.
- Care during periods
Maintain good hygiene and remember to change your pads/tampons in time during your periods. For normal flow, changing pads every 6 hours is a must. If you use cups, ensure they are always sterilised after use.
Vagina is a delicate part of the body and must be paid attention to. It produces different smells at different times but vaginal odour is not necessarily a sign of infection. If you have unusual clumpy discharge, itching, rashes or odour, you must consult a gynaecologist immediately.
