6 Rules For A Healthy Vagina: Do’s and Don’ts

Just as your skin, health and body, the vagina keeps undergoing changes with age. One might be able to acknowledge and treat these changes better if they had a clear idea of what was going on down there. It’s funny how girls still use the terms ‘vulva’ and ‘vagina’ interchangeably when in the female physiology they clearly mean two different things.

Vagina is the birth canal and vulva is the outside portion of female genitals which you can see. Now that the anatomical facts are ironed out, let’s get into vaginal wash. Wait, did you hear ‘vaginal wash’? Is it even something to include in daily shower ritual?

Yes, you owe it to yourself! However there are some rules. Some women link use of soap to proper intimate hygiene. So, before you get into the wrong habits for feminine hygiene, here are a few rules for maintaining the proper health of the vagina.

Don’t Douche

Want to be a proud owner of a healthy vagina? Don’t douche. Vagina is a self-cleaning oven. Douching only eliminates the good bacteria increasing chances of infection. If you wish to smell good, try changing your eating habits. Psst! Include pineapple in your diet and see how it works wonders.

Wear Comfortable Underwear

Breathable underwear means happy vagina. Although the laces and satins are a luxury to your eyes, cotton is vagina’s best friend. Just as your exposed skin, try to allow the vagina to breathe atleast for some time every day.

Follow Good Hygiene

Common sense even in feminine hygiene goes a long way! Be equipped with the knowledge of using sanitary pads during menstruation, changing pads regularly, panty liners, proper use of tampons or hygiene instructions related to menstrual cups and intimate hygiene products. If you haven’t already included an intimate wash product in your routine, Imbue intimate hygiene foam and wash is a good brand to start with. Their foam and wash varieties are perfect for all ages, are mild and made from natural components.

See a Gynecologist

Primary care for the vagina comes with consulting a gynecologist on regular basis. Doctors suggest that every girl must get her first screening gynecological exam at age 21. It is also advisable to visit a gynecologist because the awareness of cancer and diagnosis of diseases is only achieved through regular checkups. They will also guide you through your intimate hygiene journey.

Practise Safe Sex

Greater chances of STI such as HIV, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, and chlamydia arise when unsafe sex practises are adopted. From amongst these HIV and genital herpes have no cure. Take it over with your doctor for safe sex, precautions, lubrication and post-sex hygiene.

Do Your Kegel Exercises Regularly

Whoever said kegel exercises are pointless should try them out first! It helps reduce strain on your pelvic organs, and improves bladder and bowel function. It keeps your vagina’s age and health in check.

All women should be concerned about their vaginal health, irrespective of age. Understanding vaginal pH, how diet affects the ambience down there and what precautions to take to safeguard from infections help fend off future complications.