Before we discuss tips for vagina health, here is a little detail that is worth sharing. As much as it sounds surprising, a fact is that most people don’t even know the difference between ‘vulva’ and ‘vagina’. So, without further ado, let’s first understand what is vagina.
The vagina, also known as the birth canal, is an elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. It extends from the vulva to the cervix. The outer vaginal opening which is normally partly covered by a membrane is called the hymen.
Why is the Vagina so important?
Female mammals usually have two external openings in the vulva, the urethral opening for the urinary tract and the vaginal opening for the genital tract. The vaginal opening is much larger than the urethral opening, and both of them are protected by the labia in humans. On the other hand, in amphibians, birds, reptiles, and monotremes, the cloaca is the single external opening for the gastrointestinal tract, the urinary, and the reproductive tracts. The vagina is what allows for sexual intercourse and birth in the female body system. It also channels the monthly menstrual flow that occurs in females.
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How to keep proper Vagina Health?
A common fact is that when one talks about taking good care of their body, they don’t always think about the vagina, whereas they should. Here is how you can keep a healthy vagina:
Change clothes immediately after a workout or swimming session
Moist and warm places both pave way for yeast infections and that is the environment that sweat and water in the body can create. So, the sooner you change out of your swimsuit or workout clothes, the better.
Keep washing to a minimum
Experts don’t generally recommend douching. This is because it disturbs the pH balance in the vagina. Also, when you wash your vagina, make sure you only use a mild, unscented soap on the outside and just water on the inside. In case you’re sensitive or easily irritated down there, you might want to leave using soap entirely and try a gentle, pH-balanced Intimate Wash.
Eat a vagina-friendly diet
Just like the gut, the vagina also relies on healthy bacteria to get rid of bad bacteria. This is because bad bacteria cause infection. Probiotic foods like yogurt and cheese and prebiotic foods like raw onions and leeks are important for maintaining good bacteria.
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Vagina Health Tips – How to maintain vagina hygiene
Wipe from front to back
It sounds weird, yes. But it is logical. Washing from the back to the front can give rise to E. coli and other bacteria from the GI tract into the vagina. This is why you must wash your vagina first and then your anus.
Select your underclothes wisely and wash them with caution
Wearing cotton underwear is the best kind for vagina health because it is the most breathable. For the same reason, you should also try sleeping without your under cloth. This allows your vagina to breathe and be more healthy. While washing underclothes, make sure you don’t use a detergent with artificial chemicals or perfumes.
Exercise regularly
Believe it or not, regular exercise helps in keeping the vagina healthy. Exercising in general keeps the entire body active and that includes the Vagina as well. Kegel exercises involve squeezing then fully relaxing your PC muscles, this helps in maintaining the overall health of the vagina. Having relaxed and strong vaginal muscles not only lead to better sex but also make childbirth easier and prevent leaking down the line.
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Disclaimer: This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.
