Learn the dos and don’ts to keep your vagina in tip-top shape. Read some guaranteed tips to improve your vaginal health.
The female body is a perfect mechanism. It’s a mix of curved shapes, intense emotions, and original ideas.
And undoubtedly a beautiful yet complex part of the female body is the vagina.
That said, we should keep our vaginas in mind (no joke). And it’s a great idea to learn how to take care of it.
During my pregnancy and postpartum, I have frequently visited Nathalie Rodrigue. She is a physiotherapist specializing in the pelvic floor and perineal reeducation.
She is helping me to correct the most common mistakes I make “down there.”
Keep reading on to find out more about it.
What’s the difference between the vagina & vulva?
Firstly it’s crucial to get familiar with our bodies. So let’s talk anatomy a bit.
The vagina is part of the female genitalia. It starts from the inner part of the labia and ends at the beginning of the cervix.
By contrast, the vulva is the outer section of the vagina. The part we see if we look at it in a mirror. (Yeah, you should do that as well) It consists of the mons pubis, clitoris, urethra, labia majora, and labia minora.
Let’s talk openly about vaginas.
Incredibly in the XXI century, the topics related to our genital area are still taboo.
Schools aren’t teaching our girls about STDs, female masturbation,
pregnancy, or homosexuality. Likewise, not much is said about genitals care.
However, vaginal health is a fundamental pillar in women’s health. And there are some daily habits you can implement to improve it.
Female masturbation is a good practice.
Female masturbation has many benefits. Among them, it increases your pleasure during sexual intercourse.
On the other hand, touching your vaginal and vulvar areas will help you become familiar with your textures and shapes. Again, this is a good practice. It helps us notice if there is something different. And by addressing any pain, dryness, or lump in time, we could avoid future health issues.
Vaginal health at every age.
Vaginas before sexual life
Girls are prone to skin irritation. Because their vulvar and vaginal skin is more sensitive than adult women it’s important to implement these tips:
- Keep this area clean to prevent infections.
- Avoid using talcum powder.
- Always clean from front to back.
- Use cotton fragrance-free diapers and cotton undies.
- Use fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes.
- Avoid baths—bacteria such as E. coli run with the water from the anus into the vagina, causing UTIs.
Vaginas after the first period
After the first period, vaginas will never be the same.
Changes in the vaginal PH and flora leave this area more susceptible to yeast and bacterial infections.
Most girls use sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. However, be aware that tampons and cups could stretch or tear the hymen.
Vaginal health in your 20s
The 20s are the golden years of your vagina.
Due to a peak of the sex hormones your vagina will be at its best: lubricated, elastic, and acidic.
As well your libido may be over the roof. If you are sexually active, it’s important to pee right after intercourse. Doing so will get bacteria out of your vagina and avoid UTIs.
Learn more about STDs and how to protect yourself. Also, be aware that the pill will protect you from getting pregnant but not from diseases.
And FYI, some STDs such as herpes and papillomas can be transmitted even using a condom—that’s why it is necessary to talk with your sexual partner openly about this topic.
Vaginal health in your 30s
Nowadays, many women have their first child in their 30s. Giving birth will impact your vagina, either you had a vaginal birth or c-section.
Due to hormonal changes, you might experiment dryness, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Also, your pelvic floor muscles are debilitating because of weight gain during pregnancy and vaginal birth. So, strengthening this area will avoid future prolapses and leakage of gas, poop, or urine.
What change in the vagina between your 40s and 50s.
Perimenopause and menopause are the following chapters in your vagina’s life.
In fact, as estrogen levels decrease in your body, the vaginal walls become thinner and drier, causing vaginal atrophy.
Consequently, you may experience redness, itching, vaginal discharge, and painful intercourse.
To help relieve these symptoms, you can use any over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers. You could also use natural oils such as olive or coconut. TRULY! Coconut oil is fantastic since it has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. In addition, your gynecologist might prescribe an estrogen cream.
But hey! There are some good news! From this moment, you can enjoy sex without worries of getting pregnant. In fact, regular sexual intercourse will help slow the progression of vaginal atrophy. It increases the blood flow, keeping your vagina elastic and moisture.
Vaginal health post-menopause.
You are at greater risk of vaginal prolapse after menopause.
Vaginal prolapse occurs when organs such as the bladder, rectum, and uterus fall into the vaginal opening. As a result, you might experience a heavy sensation in the pelvis, vaginal discomfort, and low backache.
Treatments include pelvic floor and core exercises, insertion of a pessary, or surgery.
Dos and don’ts for a healthy vagina
These are some of the essential tips my pelvic floor physio shared with me to have a healthy vagina at any age.
Don’ts:
- Evade wearing thongs.
- Don’t use bubble baths, bath salts, and scented oils.
- Do not rub the skin of the vulva with a cloth. Instead, wash it with your hand and water.
- Avoid tight clothing such as jeans or pants that put pressure on the vulva.
- Don’t douche.
- Avoid spandex, lycra, or any tight clothing when exercising.
- Do not wear full-length tights.
- Don’t overuse antibiotics.
- Avoid using irritating products such as soap bars, lotions, or spray feminine deodorants.
- Don’t use over-the-counter creams or ointments before asking your healthcare provider.
- Don’t rush penetration during sexual intercourse.
- Avoid constipation.
Dos:
- Keep your area dry.Â
- Remove your bathing suit and workout clothing ASAP.
- Â Use paraben and fragrance-free products.
- Trim your pubic hair rather than shaving it.
- Do your Kegels.
- Use white 100 % cotton panties.
- Sleep without panties.
- Use white, non-recycled, fragrance-free toilet paper.
- Dry your vulva by patting rather than rubbing.
- If irritated, you can use a hairdryer to dry this area (cool setting, please).
- Baking soda soaks can help remove extra discharge and odor.
- Use 100 % cotton tampons and sanitary pads.
- Pee after having sexual intercourse.
- Massage your vaginal area.
- Practice safe sex.
- Don’t skip your gynecologist visits and ask for cervical screening.
- Use coconut oil to lubricate and moisturize.
- Use lubricants free of propylene glycol and glycerin.
- Treat any urine leakage. This problem is common, but it’s not normal.
- Use a squatty potty to help relax your pelvic floor when pooping.Â
- Take care of your body posture while sitting.
Foods to keep your vaginal health
Last but not least. Your diet affects not only your skin and weight but also your vaginal balance.
Keep your vagina healthy with a diet rich in organic plant and animal protein. Add some organic fermented foods, and prebiotic foods. They will support your vaginal flora and prevent constipation.
And avoid carbs and sugar-rich foods since they can promote yeast infections.
Positive changes in your nutrition will improve your vaginal health, boost your fertility, and support hormonal balance.
Check these Healthy Recipes for delicious and clean eating.
Take away
Vaginas are a fascinating yet sensitive part of the female body.
Because it plays a fundamental role in female well-being, it is important to know how to care for it.
These habits can support your vaginal health and promote overall health.
I hope this was helpful for you. If there was something that I didn’t answer, let me know in the comments below! I’d love to get back to you and hear if you have some tips of your own!
XOXO, Idania.
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