At the beginning of this year, are you one of those who are taking advantage of this little "reset" of time to resume healthy lifestyle habits? With Valentine's Day approaching, we are more concerned about the well-being of those we love. And that's perfect! However, your own well-being is just as important.
Today we're talking about healthy habits to adopt to have a healthy vagina! But before that, here are some important points to highlight about it.
What you need to know about the vagina
The vagina is not the vulva
The female genital organ is composed of an internal part and an external part. The vulva is the external part, which is composed of the labia minora and majora, the clitoris and the urinary meatus (the external orifice through which urine comes out during urination). The vagina, on the other hand, is the internal part (the canal) that connects the vulva and the cervix. Interestingly, the appearance of each vulva is unique, it varies from one person to another. No more complexes ladies, the concept of a "normal" vulva does not exist!
A healthy vagina is acidic
A healthy vagina has a pH between 3.8 and 4.5. To give you some perspective on pH, the acidity of an apple is 3.5 and that of coffee is around 5. The vagina is therefore moderately acidic. This acidity is necessary to prevent the development of bad bacteria and mycoses that could cause infections.
A healthy vagina smells
All vaginas have an odor and it is completely normal. It is in no way a sign of poor hygiene. An odorless vagina does not exist!
Hair is a natural protector
Although Brazilian waxing is very trendy these days, pubic hair plays an important role in the health of our vaginal flora. The human body is well made: most areas with high hair density are located in places that need to be protected from external agents that are potentially harmful to our health. Think of your eyebrows and eyelashes that protect your eyes by capturing dust, or your nose hair, which acts as a barrier to prevent you from getting sick. The same is true for pubic hair. It constitutes a kind of natural barrier that prevents bad bacteria from entering your vagina and unbalancing your vaginal flora.
The vagina is self-cleaning
A healthy vagina is home to an ecosystem of several billion good bacteria that protect us. It is often thought that a lack of hygiene is the cause of mycoses, when on the contrary, it is rather an excess of hygiene that disrupts the entire bacterial flora and creates an environment conducive to the development of bad bacteria. Forget vaginal douching! No need to clean inside. For good hygiene, simply clean your vulva once (or twice maximum) a day with water and a mild soap adapted to the pH of the vagina.
Good habits to adopt
Too much is like not enough
Avoid douching. For good hygiene, simply clean your vulva once a day (or twice maximum) with water and a mild, unscented soap, adapted to the vaginal pH.
Comfort above all
Wear breathable clothing. Avoid tight pants or underwear, as sweating can help germs grow. Choose 100% cotton underwear. Cotton is soft, breathable, and absorbs moisture well. Bring a change of underwear if you know you're going to sweat during the day or if you're bothered by vaginal discharge. Panty liners can cause irritation, unfortunately. Sleep in loose-fitting underwear or even without underwear to let your crotch breathe.
Treat your vagina with care
Change your panty liners regularly when you have your period. When using the toilet, wipe from front to back, or from the vulva to the anus, to avoid bacterial contamination of the vagina.
Make room in your calendar for your gynecological follow-ups
Although it may not be the most pleasant thing in the world, regular gynecological exams are essential to ensure that a woman remains healthy. It is recommended to have an exam at least every two years. The purpose of the follow-up is to check that the organs are doing well, to detect possible diseases, but also to ask questions about all the physical changes that you will experience during your life. The last tip is valid, both for maintaining good vaginal health, and for maintaining good body health in general: try to eliminate stress from your life. Walk, meditate, pray, dance, shop. In short, take time for yourself! On that note, happy new year 2023 to all!