The most cared-for organ of the human female body is the vagina. Yes, I said it!
As a retail pharmacist, I treat vaginal infections at work every day, and it’s quite evident that above all, women are most concerned about having a healthy vagina. Any slight change in pH balance, odor, discharge, or menstrual cycle, causes a surge of anxiety. As a woman, it is important to know that when it comes to vaginal health, less is more.
Here are five simple ways we can keep the vagina healthy and happy:
- Practice proper hygiene. I’m not particularly a fan of douching because some feminine washes can offset the vaginal pH balance especially in women with a sensitive biome. However washing with a simple antibacterial soap preferably a soap without harsh fragrances, or better yet, fragrance-free is top tier!
- Wear cotton panties. Now, ladies I know we love the seamless fit and lace however it is better to avoid the tight panties because they trap heat. Heat brings moisture, excess moisture disrupts the microbial balance … and you get my drift. Cotton is one of the most breathable types of fabric available for underwear. Remember we need to maintain a good microbial balance for optimal vaginal health – so skip the frills!
- Visit your ob-gyn. I’ve recently completed a research project on HPV – one of the main causes of cervical cancer, a type of cancer that can be easily detected in its early stages. This leads to my next point – every woman should have regular medical check-ups. Sometimes we forget to visit the doctor or should I say, we fail to make time to do so unless we’re having unpleasant symptoms. I strongly advise women to visit their ob-gyn regularly and to stay updated with pap smears and routine physicals which can help with early detection of diseases as well as infections.
- Add probiotics to your diet. Probiotics can be simply described as “good bacteria”. I normally recommend probiotics for women as a daily supplement especially since there can be a slight pH imbalance during a woman’s period (which is completely normal). Probiotics can help to maintain the normal microbial balance of the vagina even during your period. Any standard preparation, even probiotic yogurt, can assist with preserving the balance amongst other things such as acne prevention.
- Tackle yeast infections with confidence. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, also known as vaginal thrush or a vaginal yeast infection, is a very common occurrence among women. As uncomfortable as this may seem, know that this is not the end of the world (or your sex life). Following tips #1-4 above is one way to prevent yeast infections. Another way to tackle this is by using an over the counter preparation such as clotrimazole or miconazole vaginal tablets/creams for topical or inserting uses.
So, ladies, while this may still be a touchy subject for many of you, always pay attention to what’s going on “down there” and what you can do to maintain good vaginal health and overall health in the long run.
We are in this together!
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