- Just like every organ, a healthy vagina is must for a good health.
- This muscular hollow canal with a soft and flexible layering is the most important part of female reproductive organs. we will learn how to keep your vagina healthy.
- Its major function is to connect your uterus to the outside world.
- The vagina is linked with the uterus (cervix), which is an upturned pear-molded muscular organ of the female procreative system, located between the bladder and the rectum.
- A female’s vagina extends from the vulva (the external part of the female genitalia that protects your sexual organs and the urinary opening ) to the neck of the uterus.
Along with the connectivity, the vagina performs some important functions:
- Permits the passage of undesirable uterine tissues out of the female’s body via blood during your monthly periods.
- Receives penis(male genital organ) while sexual intercourse.
- It holds the sperm (primary male gamete) until it transfers into the uterus for pregnancy.
- Offers a corridor for childbirth (Hence, called the birth canal).
- When a female gives birth, the baby travels through the cervix and out through the vagina.
Why is it important to maintain vaginal health?
- The vagina comprises a large extent of healthy bacteria which keep it lubricated and protects it from infections caused by foreign substances like harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
- But to avoid any sort of infections and to keep good sexual health, it is important to maintain vaginal health.
- Keeping the vagina healthy will avoid skin infections, discomfort, dehydration, and rashes.
- The primary thing you must focus on to stay V-healthy is to maintain the pH of the area. “pH or ‘power of hydrogen’ is a scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution”. The vaginal pH balance is the natural machinery of defense against unhealthy bacteria and infections. The pH level between 3.8 and 4.5 is considered standard for this.
Symptoms of an unhealthy vagina.
- Unusual, strong smell
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Itching
- Dryness
- Redness
- Sore vagina
- Pimples around the vulva
10 ways to keep your vagina healthy and happy.
1) Avoid using chemicals containing hygienic products.
- There are many soaps and gels available on the market that claim to keep your vagina away from infections. this is one of the most effective ways to keep your vagina healthy.
- But they may affect the pH of your intimate area and cause dryness and itching.
- Using them the natural health of your vagina gets modified.
2) Doing Kegel exercise.
- Practicing kegel or pelvic floor exercises can get your vagina good health.
- It strengthens muscles present in your pelvic region which helps in childbearing and birth.
- Kegel includes contracting and relaxing muscles in the hip area.
- Doing 5 sets of pelvic exercises every day is highly recommended. By doing this practice you can keep your vagina healthy.
3) Taking a healthy diet.
- Supplementing your diet with seasonal fruits can improve your pelvic health.
- Drink a lot of water to keep your V-region away from infections.
- Include food items like avocados, apples, flaxseeds, almonds, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and dark leafy vegetables in your diet for a healthy vagina. Diet plays a very crucial role in keep your vagina healthy.
4) Wiping from front to back.
- You must wash your vagina from front to back direction after every bowel movement.
- As in females, the openings of the anus and vagina are fairly close together.
- If you wipe from back to front, you upsurge the possibility of bringing bacteria from the anus into your vagina. this will remove all the dirt and liquid which causes problems and helps you to keep your vagina healthy.
5) Wear safe and clean undergarments.
- Sense vagina is one of the most sensitive organs in a woman’s body, it must be kept dry and clean.
- Avoid wearing sweaty clothes to prevent the vagina from infections.
- Also, do not wear underwear for too long as it may bring the growth of unusual microorganisms to your vagina. this will helps you to keep your vagina healthy.
6) Allow the air exchange to V- region.
- Air exchange is considered good for v-health. But Using linen or synthetic underwear may nearly block the passage of air to your vagina.
- Try to choose cotton underpants.
7) Avoid douching.
- Douching means frequent washing with water or fluids.
- Never douch over your vagina as it may not only make it more sensitive to microorganisms but also may eradicate the good bacteria needed to avoid vaginal infections from the V-area.
8) Choosing appropriate sanitary pads.
- Sanitary pads are required by every female, but it is the quality that matters.
- Avoid using chemical or fragrance-containing tampons.
- Avoid using the single pad for a long duration while you are on periods.
9) Regular checkups.
- To keep track of her vaginal health, a female must opt for regular checkups.
- In case you have any pelvic issues, try to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
10) Safe intercourse.
- It is a must to use protection (condoms) while having sexual intercourse.
- This can not only prevent unwanted pregnancy but also STDs and helps to keep your vagina healthy.