Taking care of your vagina and vulva is essential. If you have these body parts, you don’t want to ignore what they need, and you also don’t want to use products that could harm your overall health.
If you have a vagina, you might not have been taught much about keeping it and the rest of your vulva healthy. While it might still be taboo to talk about, the stigma around vaginas and how they work needs to disappear. Learning general tips about cleanliness and health is essential.
Here are some tips to improve your vaginal health, including how to handle some common conditions.
Common Conditions
It’s completely normal to have some conditions or issues with your vaginal or overall vulva health. Some of these are minor, while others are more serious. Overall, if you have concerns about your health, talk to your physician or gynecologist. And, before using any product, always do some research to ensure it is safe.
Here are some common conditions and how to address them:
- Vaginal dryness: Many women notice dryness that can impact their sexual health and other aspects of their lives. Luckily, there are products out there to help with this, such as suppositories. You can also ask your doctor about medications.
- Yeast infections: These are common, and the underlying reasons for yeast infections vary. Some people are more prone to them than others, and chronic conditions like diabetes can make you more likely to get yeast infections. Talk to a physician about medications and topical ointments.
- Sexual issues: Various mental and physical conditions can impact sexual health. It’s best to address these concerns with your doctor or other medical professionals because they vary greatly.
- UTIs: Urinary tract infections are caused when bacteria enter the urethra and cause infection. They are more likely for some women than others depending on sexual activity, age, and other risk factors. If you have a UTI, see a doctor for treatment.
5 Tips For Better Vaginal Health
While underlying conditions, medications, age, and more can impact your vaginal and reproductive health, these overall tips may help you maintain a good abalone.
- Avoid douching products: While these are marketed to help clean your vagina, you don’t need them. It’s only necessary to clean the outside. Vaginas are usually self-cleaning, and douching can actually cause infection by messing with the PH balance.
- Practice safe sex habits: To keep your reproductive and overall health secure, it’s vital to practice safe sex habits. Use condoms and other protective measures. Also, get regularly screened for STIs if you are sexually active.
- Wear breathable undergarments: While other materials might look great, it’s best to wear cotton-based underwear most of the time. While you can sometimes wear other fabrics, cotton and other breathable options are best. Also, remember to change your underwear at least once per day.
- Go to the bathroom after penetrative sex: UTIs can develop from having sex. So, you can reduce the risk of bacteria building up by going pee after you have sex.
- See a gynecologist often: It’s essential to get regular screenings for cervical cancer and other common reproductive health issues. Most women should visit the OBGYN once every year. Make sure you are scheduling appointments on a regular basis.
By following these tips and working with your physician to stay healthy, you will likely avoid some common vaginal health issues and keep yourself safer and healthier.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.