All of us seem to be speaking about how to maintain a healthy vagina these days. So before talking about how to maintain a healthy vagina, let’s get a few facts about our vagina.
What’s a vagina
A vagina is known as the birth canal for those who carry children, the vagina binds with the cervix and through that, the uterus.
The ovaries are found on either side of the uterus and discharge eggs in fertile people, these eggs travel down from the fallopian tubes to the uterus, and at conception, they meet sperm for fertilization and implantation along with the uterine wall.
When fertilization doesn’t occur, menstruation does.
Until the egg is discharged, the uterus creates the extra lining to supply the greatly hospitable environment possible for a fertilized egg.
When an egg isn’t fertilized, this lining has to go somewhere so it runs out from the body during your period.
How to maintain a healthy vagina
The steps of maintaining a healthy vagina include:
Shower or bathe regularly
It's the most important part of how to maintain a healthy vagina because your vagina can accumulate sweat, dead skin, and dirt. They can affect the odor of your vagina and stimulate infections.
Keeping regular hygiene can help in avoiding the accumulation of the smell that you don’t like.
But if the odor has already taken root and you don’t have time to take a shower, just take a warm washcloth and wash your pubic mound and outer lips.
Try to use your finger to swish the warm water around your vagina.
Stop using douche
It's difficult to break it to you because you may take pleasure in smelling “summery fresh,” but douching is very harmful to your vagina.
So, how to maintain a healthy vagina and keep it clean?
Luckily, your vagina is an incredible organ.
Not only do they support bringing life into this world (as if that wasn’t sufficient), but they also do an incredible job by keeping themselves clean.
They do this by balancing healthy bacteria and pH levels on their own so no douching is needed if you want to know how to maintain a healthy vagina.
Douching even gets rid of some of the healthy bacteria, which alters the pH and makes you more sensitive to infections.
Still what about smelling summery fresh, you ask?
Everyone has a different person’s genitals odor and there are natural routes to affect your smell, including modifying what you eat.
The vagina has a natural odor, things like pineapple can give your vagina a sweet taste or odor, while asparagus can have a negative effect.
If you still like to clean your vagina, make sure to use non-scented products.
Check your lubricant ingredients
Lubrication is incredible, it can bring sex to the next level for everyone concerned.
Still, some components aren’t healthy for your vagina.
Glycerin is related to sugar. While it works great to maintain lubes moist, it can also contribute to the growth of bacteria in your vagina.
Petroleum products can also destroy your vagina’s natural pH level.
Other things you may want to avoid:
- Parabens
- Scents
- Flavors
- Non-natural oils
- Dyes
Practice safer sex
One of the easiest and best things you can do about how to maintain a healthy vagina is to practice safer sex.
Use protection
You can use condoms, dental barriers, or gloves.
It’s not rocket science, and you already know how to use it.
You have to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
You should get tested after exchanging genital fluids with any partners.
Make sure you check condom components
There are plenty of brands that are made with spermicides.
Spermicides aren’t very healthful for your vagina, as they can destroy good bacteria there.
Try other forms of birth control if available to create a healthier and happier vagina.
Pee after sex
Peeing after sex can help decrease the chance of urinary tract infections. Plus, it enables you to obtain some discrete clean-up time.
Wear breathable clothing
Breathable clothing and fabrics are an important part of knowing how to maintain a healthy vagina and make a happy vagina.
Cotton underwear is amazing.
It has moisture-wicking properties to restrict the amount of moisture that can stimulate bacterial growth.
Changing out of wet clothing fast can help reduce problems, as well.
However, the type of underwear you like just makes sure to change it every day.
Sleeping naked
Sleeping naked can be healthy for your vagina. Whatever underwear you wear during the day, going without them during sleep can help your vagina breathe.
The advantages don’t stop there.
Some research recommends that cooler temperatures can be incredible for your health.
A comfortable way to cool down? Get naked.
Stop using tight clothes
Any tight clothing can catch up moisture in your vagina. And that moisture can have an odor and irritating side effects.
Obtaining plenty of oxygen between your legs is important to have good vaginal health.
If you notice a difference in odor or want to decrease your chances of noticing a change in odor stop using tight leggings and jeans.
Eat a balanced diet
As a public rule, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, will produce a softer smell compared to greasy, fast foods.
A balanced diet creates a healthy body, and that includes your vagina and it's an important step in how to maintain a healthy vagina.
Some very strong-smelling foods like asparagus, garlic, and onions can produce a strong odor.
So, if you’ve been eating a lot of asparagus, garlic, and onions lately, just stopping those foods could return your vagina to its natural smell.
When to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional
Talking with a healthcare professional is important if:
- You recently initiated sexual activity with a new partner.
- You recognize any other symptoms, such as pain, irritation, burning, or funky discharge.
- You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Even if there is no underlying reason like infection, a clinician will be able to help.
They can help you figure out whether current medications, your hydration status, or other lifestyle habits could be resulting in the odor and advise on any following steps and how to maintain a healthy vagina.
Summary
How to maintain a healthy vagina isn't hard.
But luckily, there are plenty of simple and comfortable things you can do daily to make sure your vagina is well-protected.
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