Even though the vagina plays an important part in pop culture, not nearly enough is written or spoken about keeping it in good health. There is an element of shame associated with talking about health-related vaginal issues, probably because it has none of the glamour and shock-and-awe value associated with sex. And so, a large number of women suffer in silence from issues that could easily be dealt with, with just a few mindful lifestyle changes. Here are six things every woman, everywhere needs to be militant about for the sake of her vaginal well-being.
Pay attention to your underwear
Your underwear plays an important role in maintaining vaginal health. Well-fitting underwear in cotton fabric is your best choice. Wearing underwear that is too tight can lead to chafing and itchiness of the delicate skin around the vaginal area. Cotton is a good fabric to go with because it is breathable and absorbent, unlike synthetic materials (the worst) and even silk. If you're wearing silk or lace underwear, try opting for ones that have a thin strip of cotton near the vaginal opening, or wear a thin panty liner. Also avoid thongs as far as possible, especially if you are susceptible to bacterial or yeast infections - they tend to make infections worse by carrying bacteria from your anus to your vaginal opening. Also, make sure you clean up and change immediately after a workout or a swim, since bacteria tends to flourish in warm, damp environments.
Stay on high alert for UTIs
While Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are painful and messy on their own, they come with the added trouble of messing with your vagina's health by upsetting its PH balance and increasing the chances of vaginal infections. Being sexually active increases your risk to UTIs due to the exchange of fluids and movement of bacteria during the activity. One of the easiest ways to avoid this is by peeing before and after sex to clear the urinary tract of any lingering bacteria and wiping both the front and the back after urinating to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Pelvic exams, pap smears and HPV screenings
Even if you're not sexually active or displaying any symptoms that could indicate a problem with your vaginal health, make sure you visit your gynaecologist at least once every year after the age of 21 to check for possible infections or STDs. It's also a great time to discuss any stray questions or doubts you might have about contraception or fertility. It is also advisable to get a pap smear and test for HPV. A pap smear will screen you for cervical cancer and HPV or human papillomavirus is an infection that could lead to cervical cancer. Get screened for both every two to three years after you turn 21.
Antibiotics and probiotics
You might need to take antibiotics to fight off an infection in your body, but a lesser-known side effect of antibiotics is a vaginal yeast infection. Healthy vaginas maintain a certain balance of yeast and bacteria, which is disrupted when healthy lactobacilli is killed due to the intake of antibiotics. Since you can't forego antibiotics, to counter their effect on vaginal health, increase your intake of probiotics food like Greek yogurt to ensure that the vagina's PH balance is maintained.
Vitamin C, A, and omega-3 fatty acids
The food you eat can go a long way in maintaining great vaginal health. Foods rich in Vitamin A - like carrots, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, etc. - help strengthen muscles, giving you strong and healthy vaginal walls. Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and berries boost the immune system and keep vaginal infections at bay. While foods with omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon and sardines improve blood circulation resulting in a healthy sexual appetite. Omega-3s also lower the risk of endometriosis.
Keep doing Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises are clench-and-release exercises that help in tightening the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is the tight cluster of muscles that hold the uterus and bladder in place above the vagina. A strong pelvic floor will prevent leakage and give you better control of your bladder. Not to mention that it can also improve your experience of sex, making orgasms more powerful. But purely from the health perspective, a strong pelvic floor reduces the risk of UTIs, which reduces the risk of vaginal infections. All you need to do is clench your pelvic muscles, like trying to stop the flow of urine, mid-pee. Hold for a couple of seconds and release. However, don't actually do Kegel's exercise while peeing because it will increase the risk of infection.
