Susie Marquez Vaginal infections are quite common and most of the time they are caused by using the wrong products or certain bad habits. However, if you think you have a vaginal infection which can give rise to symptoms such as unusual discharge or odour, itching, burning, swelling or pain, it is best to visit your healthcare provider to get the right treatment.
There are so many cleaning products you will see on the market for vaginas marketed to smell fresh. But vaginas are self-cleaning and they don’t need extra help on this corner. A vagina is able to maintain a healthy pH level on its own and a healthy microbiome as long as you don’t introduce irritants by way of douche, scented tampons and pads, perfumed soaps etc. These products give rise to unhealthy vaginal bacteria and infection. Douching will change the ideal pH of the vagina and remove healthy bacteria opening it up to infection. And your vagina doesn’t need to smell fresh or like a perfume shop. It has its own unique smell and doesn’t need foreign chemicals and products to disrupt its ideal environment. You can simply clean the vagina using water only. The labia can be washed with unscented products.
Hair removal especially in the genital areas is a common practice today and there are so many products that are marketed for this function. However, pubic hair is there to protect your genital area from unhealthy bacteria and reduces problems that can be caused by sweat or friction. Shaving or waxing can also cause itching when the hair grows back and can lead to ingrown hairs. If you still prefer to shave down there, try to stick to natural shaving creams and gels. Make sure you wear breathable underwear so it doesn’t collect moisture and contribute to the growth of bacteria. Lubricating products or lube is popular when it comes to penetrative intercourse but you have to be careful about choosing the right lube for your body. There are certain ingredients that you have to stay away from so make sure you read the back of the label to see what the lube is made of. Glycerin is a common ingredient used in lube but this can lead to bacterial growth in the vagina. The pH level of the vagina can also be disrupted by petroleum products. Make sure you avoid flavours, scents, dyes and parabens when choosing lube.
While sex toys are a great way of improving your sex life, you have to choose toys made of safe materials such as wood, stainless steel, glass, silicone, ceramic, ABS and stone. Check if the materials are medical grade. You can ask the manufacturer or the online store regarding the composition of the toys to understand the level of safety. You should also practice safe sex to ensure the health of your vagina. These include using protection such as a condom, getting regular tests for STDs, checking condom ingredients and making sure anal sex is not done before vaginal sex as it can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). And urinating after sex can cut down your chances of having a UTI and allow you to clean the area as well.
