It sounds overwhelming to keep a check and balance on your vulva and vaginal health, given that you're responsible for your overall physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It's simple, actually. You just need to understand your own body and observe what works best for you. It is possible that you don't have enough knowledge about good vaginal health, so it's important to consult with an Ob-GYN for regular check-ups. They'll perform a routine vaginal health test if needed, and you can also discuss your concerns with them.
Your vagina ages with you, and so do the problems it brings. As you must know already, there are pH levels under 4.5 present inside the vaginal, which is mildly acidic. If the acid increases, it can attract bacteria and yeast inside the vaginal to grow. This can result in infections and other problems.
How To Improve Vaginal Health
There are several ways you can make sure that your vulva and vaginal is healthy and there are no signs or symptoms of bacteria and infection. This blog will help you learn a few vaginal health tips for preventing infections and maintaining balance.
Practice Safe Sex to Prevent Dirty Bacteria
USE CONDOM during sex to protect your vagina from STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including genital herpes, syphilis, HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital warts. Remember that some STDs have no cure, so be very careful when you perform sex with your partner. Unprotected sex is one of the causes of cancer down there.
Treat Infections Immediately
Infection in the vaginas is common due to several reasons, especially these 3 types: yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Every woman should know the signs and symptoms of these infections. If you notice something unusual down there, immediately consult your OBGYN to discuss this with them. Also, for the time being, get self-treat over-the-counter medicine from any pharmacy.
Say NO to Soaps
If you're not taking care of proper hygiene of your vagina, the chances of infections and other bacteria swiftly increase. Hygiene isn't about splashing water down there during the shower. Remember that there's no need to force water inside your vagina as it is totally unnecessary and might disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Given that the soap has chemical and unnatural properties in it, using it to clean your vaginal can be undeniably harmful.
Use Enough Lubricant
If you're doing intercourse with your partner, it's important to drench your vagina with enough lubrication to protect the skin of the labia. If there's a lack of lubrication during intercourse, your vagina can become irritated and chafed from pushed rub. If you're planning to get pregnant, get pH-balanced lubricants so it doesn't interfere with the male sperm. If you don't aim to get pregnant, then any water-based or oil-based lubricants are fine.
Pubic Hair: To Shave or Not to Shave
Some people find pubic hair disturbing, and that's okay. You should know that pubic hair works as a shield to protect your private area from bacteria and viruses. That doesn't mean that you should clean it. In fact, if you clean it regularly, it eliminates the risk of dirt and other particles.
How To Keep Down There Fresh All Day
Vaginal hygiene has much more to do than just showering and pouring water down there. Follow these tips to ensure good vaginal health, and it’s fresh all day.
Wash the outside of your vagina only
Try pH-balanced feminine washes
Avoid using gloves or sponges to wash your intimate area
Use a soft towel to dry the area
Don’t pour water directly at your vagina
Wipe front to back
Wear cotton underwear and a pantyliner
Stay hydrated
Pills For Vaginal Health
There's pH level of under 4.5 is present in the vagina, which is mildly acidic. If the pH level increases, it allows bacteria and yeasts to enter the vagina and grow, which results in yeast infection down there.
These vaginal health pills are meant to control the pH levels in your vagina and maintain its health.
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics
HUM Private Party
Wisp Probiotic for BV, Yeast, and UTI
AZO Complete Feminine Balance
RenewLife Probiotics for Women
Uqora Promote Capsules
These pills are easily available online but consult with a gynecologist before taking any pills.
10 Foods For Vaginal Health
Some people are unaware of the fact that some foods maintain and promote good vaginal health. Along with preserving hygiene, getting regular check-ups, and practicing safe sex, these foods also contribute to your vaginal wellness.
When you incorporate a balanced diet with all the nutrients, it prevents vaginal infection, yeast growth, and much more. Here's a list of foods that are good for women's vaginal health:
Yogurt
Berries
Garlic
Leafy Greens
Sweet Potatoes
Citrus
Dark Chocolate
Avocado
Kombucha
Kimchi
Bad Foods for Vaginal Health
Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Processed Foods
Alcohol
Vaginal Health Supplements
If you're not convinced by the idea of taking pH pills for maintaining vaginal health, then high-quality supplements would do the job too. You only have to know which one suits you the best.
Disclaimer: Take vaginal health supplements only if your gynecologist allows and prescribes you to.
Taking a high-quality vitamin or supplement is one way to keep everything running smoothly down there. Here, we share what ingredients are best for promoting vaginal balance and reveal the year's best vitamins for vaginal health.*
Best probiotic: Thorne Women’s Daily Probiotic
Best for pH Balance: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Women’s pH
Best for yeast balance: AZO® Urinary & Vaginal Wellness Bundle
Best for gut-vagina axis: mindbodygreen probiotic+
Best with cranberry: O Positive Urinary Tract Health Capsules
Best with vitamin D: Uqora Complete Regimen
Drinks for Vaginal Health
Remember that the purpose of these beverages is to cleanse your vaginal and not make it smell like minty fresh. Your vagina is supposed to smell like, well—a vagina. With that being said, eating good food and drinking organic beverages can impact your overall physical well-being-including your vagina.
Water
Dairy
Fresh Juices
Herbal Tea
Almond Milk
Ginger Tea
Cranberry Juice
FAQs
Is it okay to have a dark Vigina?
Yes, having a dark-colored private area is completely normal, even if the color is totally different from the rest of your skin.
What causes yeast infections?
If your skin is affected, you may get a yeast infection. Yeast may "overgrow" in warm, humid environments. Infections can also occur if you have a weakened immune system. Remember, antibiotic usage can also result in yeast overgrowth.
What color should a healthy vagina be?
The color of the vulva in adults can vary from light pink to dark brown-red or black, and it's important to remember that there is a broad spectrum of normal appearances, which can differ among individuals due to ethnicity.
Is it good to use hot water to wash Virginia?
Using warm water to cleanse your vagina is an ideal choice. It doesn't mean that you can't use cold water on your vagina, but warm water can kill some bacteria down there.
Nurture Your Feminine Vitality
A good vaginal health is in your hands. You can protect its wellness and hygiene by following the tips we have enlisted in this blog. The vaginal hygiene is essential in preventing the bacteria and yeast from growing inside. Also, remember that what you eat and drink greatly affects your vaginal health. Also, there's no harm in taking help from pills and supplements to ensure you're clean and healthy down there.