Self-care is a big subject in many different forms of the media but one area which still remains a taboo subject for women's health is vaginal health. It’s an important issue for every woman, and yet it is something which we still do not talk about enough. Despite this, it is vital that all women understand exactly what good vaginal health looks like, so they can identify any potential issues as soon as they arise.
Vaginal health is incredibly important to women, not just for comfort, but also because it can affect our fertility, our desire for sex, and our ability to reach orgasm[i]. Which is why we have decided to put together our own vaginal health self-care guide. Here, we take a look at what good vaginal health really means, debunk some of the myths surrounding it, and give you some helpful tips and advice on how to maintain your vaginal health. We aim to break down the taboos and empower you to take charge of your vaginal health, so that you can feel fresh and comfortable at all times.
Vaginas and vulvas: what’s the difference?
When it comes to vaginas the first important distinction has to be made between the vagina and the vulva. The vulva is the name given to the female genitals on the outside of the body whilst the vagina is the passage inside your body which connects your womb (or uterus) to the outside of your body. You bleed via your vagina during your periods and pass a baby through your vagina in a normal vaginal birth.[ii]
What does good vaginal health look like?
The vagina is a self cleaning organ and women naturally experience vaginal discharge or fluid from their vagina. It is important to remember that this is perfectly normal, as this is used to keep your vagina clean and moisturised. Any vaginal discharge should be white, cream-coloured or transparent and it should not have any strong odours[iii].
What are the signs that my vagina is unhealthy?
One of the early signs of an infection can be in the type of discharge that your vagina produces. You will know what is normal for you, so if you notice any unusual changes in colour or an unpleasant smell, then it might be worth getting checked out by a doctor[iv].
You may also start to notice that your vagina feels sore or itchy and this can be a sign of a number of different conditions or an infection. In addition to this, you should also be on the lookout for vaginal bleeding either between periods or after sex, a mass or bulge in the vagina, or any pain that is experienced during sexual intercourse[v].
If you do notice any of these problems, then it is important to seek the help of a medical professional.
The myths surrounding vaginal health
One of the myths surrounding vaginal health that women hear most often is the need for special products in order to clean the area. In fact, the vagina is one of our best self-cleaning organs, and many of these soaps and cleansing products can actually cause irritation. If you do not have any signs of infection or any health concerns, then there is nothing you need to do beyond basic hygiene. Simply wash your vulva with water and make sure you use un-purfermed soap when you shower to keep your vagina clean and fresh at all times[vi].
Some women have been brought up to believe that douching after sex can help to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, there is no evidence to support this theory, so if you are worried about potentially contracting an infection from your partner, you should stick to using condoms in order to protect yourself[vii].
There is also a common misconception that you will be able to spot the signs of a STIs through obvious symptoms. However, there are a number of STIs which can lay dormant for years and are not detectable other than through a reliable form of testing. This means that you can be carrying or even spreading an infection without realising it and so it can be necessary to have regular checks and tests to ensure that there is nothing that you need to be worried about[viii].
How do I maintain optimal vaginal health?
If you want to know whether your vagina is healthy, then you need to put yourself in the hands of a medical professional. This means going for regular check-ups and attending any screenings that you are invited to. These will change depending on your age, and can help to identify any problems quickly, enabling your doctor to deal with them and keep you healthy[ix].
Follow a balanced diet
Our diet can affect the health of our entire body, and our vagina is no exception. Eating a balanced diet which contains a mix of probiotic-rich foods and foods which contain fibre and vitamin D can be a big step in reducing the risk of vaginal infections[x].
Use mild soaps and wipe front to back
Swap heavily fragranced products for mild soap and water in the shower and wash your genitals using your hands instead of cloths and sponges. Avoid 'feminine' sprays, perfumes and deodorants on your vulva and make sure to wipe front to back when toileting.[xi]
Wear cotton underwear
You might not think that the clothes you wear have any impact on your vagina, but you might be surprised. In order to keep your vagina at its best, it is important that the whole area can breathe easily and stay free from sweat, so make sure that you wear cotton underwear rather than man-made fabrics such as polyester.
Wherever possible, avoid tight fitting clothing and make sure that you change your clothes or underwear as soon as possible after working out. And at night, make sure that you are not wearing underwear in order to reduce the sweat that is being trapped around the vulva[xii].
Exercise your pelvic floor
Did you know that certain exercises can also help to maintain good vaginal health? Pelvic floor, or Kegel exercises, can help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. A weak pelvic floor can be responsible for incontinence and reduced vaginal sensation during sex, so taking the time to exercise these properly can be hugely beneficial for your vaginal health. General exercise can also help to regulate your hormones and your circulatory system, so this is another great way to keep your vagina healthy[xiii].
Follow good sexual health practices
In order to keep your vagina healthy, it is also important to be sexually responsible. This can mean using condoms during the first few months of sexual intercourse with a new partner, regularly checking for STIs and making sure that sex toys are lubricated and cleaned after every use[xiv].
It is important that you get to know what is normal for you and your vagina. When you understand what it looks like, what it feels like, and how things such as discharge can change throughout your cycle, it is much easier to spot when there might be a problem. This enables you to spot any problems quicker and get help much earlier, ensuring that problems are often nipped in the bud[xv].
Can a probiotic help to maintain my vaginal health?
The pH level of your vagina is important when it comes to preventing yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Normal vaginal pH level is on the acidic side, between 3.8 and 4.5, rising to 5 as you get older[xvi].
The vagina is naturally home to many different types of healthy, acid-producing bacteria. Your vagina’s acidity helps protect it against germs as acid kills harmful bacteria, parasites, and fungi.[xvii]
Research has shown that probiotics (mainly Lactobacillus spp.) and lactoferrin may be considered new strategies for counteracting bacterial vaginosis and fungal vaginal yeast infections but this research is very much in its infancy.[xviii]
Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562
- https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/vulva-vagina/your-vulva-vagina/whats-normal
- https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/care-and-keeping-your-vagina#:~:text=Your%20vagina%20is%20self%2Dcleaning,or%20chemicals%20can%20be%20irritating.
- https://www.phdfemininehealth.com/blogs/articles/vaginal-myths
- https://www.uranj.com/blog/6-myths-about-vaginal-care
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-healthy
- https://www.health.com/condition/sexual-health/best-foods-for-vagina
- https://womenswellnessinstitute.com/how-can-exercise-help-vaginal-health/
- https://www.morelandobgyn.com/blog/vaginal-health-5-down-there-care-tips
- https://pelvicare.uk/blog/whats-normal-in-a-healthy-vagina#:~:text=The%20outer%20labia%20might%20be,the%20appearance%20of%20a%20vagina.
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/probiotics-for-vaginal-health
