How to keep your vagina healthy: A gynecologist’s advice
Your vagina is a delicate and sensitive part of your body, and it deserves your care and attention. But how often do you neglect your vaginal health, or worse, do things that harm it? You are not alone. Many women are unaware of the best practices to keep their vaginas healthy and happy.
That’s why we invited Dr Aruna Kalra, a renowned gynecologist and obstetrician from CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, to share her expert tips on how to take care of your vagina. She says that following these simple steps can help you prevent infections, irritation, and discomfort in your vaginal area.
- Avoid douching: Douching is the practice of washing your vagina with water or other fluids. It may seem like a good way to keep your vagina clean, but it actually does more harm than good. Douching can disturb the natural pH balance of your vagina, which is slightly acidic to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Douching can also wash away the good bacteria that protect your vagina from infections. Dr Kalra says that your vagina is self-cleaning, and you only need to wash it with water and mild soap on the outside.
- Always wipe front to back: After using the toilet, always wipe your vagina from front to back, not the other way around. This can prevent the transfer of bacteria from your anus to your vagina, which can cause infections like urinary tract infection (UTI) or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Dr Kalra also advises to use unscented toilet paper or wipes, as some fragrances can irritate your vagina.
- Do not shave pubic hair often: Pubic hair is not just a cosmetic choice, it also serves a purpose. It acts as a natural barrier between your vagina and external factors, such as dirt, sweat, and friction. Shaving your pubic hair too often can increase the risk of ingrown hairs, razor burns, and infections. Dr Kalra says that if you choose to shave your pubic hair, you should do it carefully and gently, using a clean razor and shaving cream. You should also moisturize your skin after shaving, and avoid tight-fitting clothes that can cause chafing.
- Wear breathable underwear: The type of underwear you wear can affect your vaginal health. Dr Kalra recommends wearing cotton underwear, as it is breathable and allows air circulation. This can help keep your vagina dry and cool, and prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria. You should also change your underwear daily, and avoid wearing wet or sweaty underwear for a long time. Dr Kalra says that you can wear synthetic fabrics or lace occasionally, but not as your everyday choice.
- Practice safe sex: Sex is a natural and enjoyable part of life, but it can also expose your vagina to infections and diseases. Dr Kalra says that you should always use condoms or other forms of protection when having sex, especially with new or multiple partners. This can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and vaginal infections, such as HIV, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. You should also avoid having anal sex followed by vaginal sex, as this can introduce bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Dr Kalra advises to wash your vagina with water after sex, and pee within an hour to flush out any bacteria.
By following these tips, you can keep your vagina healthy and happy. Dr Kalra says that you should also visit your gynecologist regularly for check-ups and screenings, and consult them if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as itching, burning, discharge, odor, or pain in your vagina. Remember, your vagina is an important part of your body, and it deserves your love and respect. đź’•
Read Full Story