Maintaining good vaginal health
WE are often told by our gynaecologists that the vagina is designed to clean itself, and that cleansers such as douches and soaps can be very harmful both internally and externally because of the vagina’s sensitivity. Dr Keisha Buchanan, obstetrician-gynaecologist at ICON Medical Centre, outlines various measures that women can take to maintain the hygiene and general health of their vaginas.
“Proper hygiene is essential for personal health and well-being and to prevent embarrassing odours. So it is important, for example, to bathe twice per day in warmer climates like ours, and depending on the level of activity, the frequency of the bath needs to be adjusted such as after exercise sessions and while menstruating,” Dr Buchanan advised.
Below, she shares tips on achieving optimal hygiene as well as the overall health of the vagina:
• Use of feminine washes on the vulva is recommended as they have the proper PH balance and are less likely to trigger irritation and infections. Soaps or body washes that have strong scents or colours are likely to affect the natural pH balance in the vagina and may trigger bacterial vaginosis are other infections.
• Soaps and washes must not be used inside the vagina, and douching is not recommended. The vagina cleanses itself naturally, hence washing inside is not necessary.
• Feminine wipes can be used on the vulva and the groin area. These are good in maintaining proper hygiene, especially during the period.
• Shaving or waxing can help to decrease odours, as excess hair can trap dirt and sweat and trigger odours. Feminine sprays can trigger irritation, allergies and infections and are not recommended.
• Use clean wash rags at all times. You don’t want to introduce unhealthy bacteria which could cause vaginal infections.
• It is normal to have a clear or white vaginal discharge that has no odour, causes no discomfort, and no itching. During ovulation, the discharge gets thinner and stringy. Abnormal discharge may be a sign of infection or even cancer, and include yellow, green, odorous or bloody discharges and/or pain during sex, bleeding after sex and pelvic pain with the discharge. If the discharge appears different from what is normal, seek medical attention immediately. Some STDs are known to have devastating effects on the reproductive organs if left untreated.
• Use of condoms to protect against STIs is important, as is having one sexual partner.
• The presence of ulcers, warts, and vesicles (water bumps) on the genitalia may be a sign of an STI like herpes or HPV. Folliculitis can develop, especially after shaving, but these are typically not serious and tend to resolve without treatment.
• It is important to do an annual pelvic exam and a Pap smear to screen for pre-cancerous cells and seek medical attention if something appears abnormal.
• Above all, make sure that at least once yearly, even if there are no signs of anything going awry, to meet with your gynaecologist so that he/she can make checks.
