Five Tips To Keep A Healthy Vagina

Good hygiene is no doubt an essential part of human living and this is because of its enormous health benefits. While some parts of the body are good with a regular hygiene routine, some parts, such as the vagina require deliberate actions or inactions to keep it clean and healthy.

The vagina is a part of the female anatomy that is multi-functional in nature. It is the muscular tube on the inside that runs from the vulva to the opening of the womb (cervix). It serves as the birth and monthly menstruation canal as well as a pleasure spot. 

With the afore-listed purpose to which the vagina serves, a healthy vagina contributes to a woman's self-worth and confidence.

Dr. Toluwani Binutu, a medical practitioner has highlighted five tips to maintain a healthy vagina:

1. Do not wash the vagina

The vagina is self-cleaning, which means that it cleans itself. A lot of women erroneously wash their vagina with soap and other feminine products. However, doing so leaves the vagina prone to the growth of harmful organisms.
The only part that should be washed is the vulva and that should be washed with unscented soap and water. The vulva is the part that you see on the outside as opposed to the vagina itself that is on the inside. The vulva includes the lips surrounding the vagina, labia majora and minora, clitoris, bartholin gland, vagina opening, hymen, and so on.

2. Practice safe sex

While engaging in sexual intercourse, ensure that you are adequately protected. If you intend to indulge in unprotected sex, ensure that you are aware of your partner's STI status.

Do away with condoms that contain spermicides. Lubricants such as glycerin, petroleum products, parabens, scents, non-natural oils should be avoided.

During intercourse, avoid doing things that move from anal play to vaginal play. This is necessary to prevent the transfer of harmful organisms.

3. Wearing breathable underwear

When sourcing for underwear, the ones made of cotton are a good choice. This is because they are naturally breathable fabrics and absorb moisture faster.

For women that sweat often or engage in physical activities that make you sweat, changing out of sweaty underwear as soon as possible limits the growth of bacterial.

4. Treat problems promptly

Knowing your vagina is an essential part of its care. It is important to get familiar with your discharge at different periods in your menstrual cycle.

Understanding your vagina makes recognizing any form of abnormality easier. Once you identify what seems like a problem, endeavour to see a doctor immediately because self-medication can worsen the situation.

5. Prioritize your health

Whatever affects your general health will ultimately impact your vaginal and sexual health. It is therefore imperative to eat healthily, keep fit, sleep well and go for regular medical checkups.

It is advisable to urinate after sex to reduce the possibility of getting a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). 

For sexually active women, regular cervical screening is highly recommended.

Even though it has not been scientifically proven, it has been gathered from some women that eating fruits like pineapple in moderation improves the smell and taste of the vagina.