Understanding Vaginal Health: Tips for Maintaining Comfort and Confidence
When it comes to your personal health, taking care of your body and maintaining your hygiene are some of the most essential things that you can do to ensure your health and well-being. So why should that be any different when talking about your intimate areas? Vaginal health is just as important as the other parts of your body, so why should you sacrifice the care? You shouldn’t! Understanding your vaginal health is an important step for every woman, and having a good grasp on maintaining that health is beneficial, too. Whether you are interested in learning more about your body or if you are preparing for a vaginal surgery such as a vaginoplasty, it is always helpful to learn new tips and tricks that might make a positive difference in your routine.
Why is Vaginal Health Important?
Taking care of your vagina is essential not only to your vaginal health but to your overall health. The health of your vagina starts with cleanliness – and learning how to properly clean and care for yourself down there. Since the vagina is self-cleaning, it does not have to be a complicated care routine, but it is important to keep in mind that it is an area that is sensitive to infections – and if you already have underlying health concerns that can make you even more prone to getting infections (such as diabetes), you may find that you need to take extra precautions to keep yourself healthy. If you have recently had a procedure, such as a labiaplasty or vaginoplasty, some of the following tips can come in handy, too. It will ensure a smoother and easier recovery after your vaginoplasty and give you a refresher on taking proper care of your vaginal health.
Be gentle!
Being gentle when cleaning your vaginal area is important. Since it is such a sensitive area, it requires sensitivity when cleaning. When you clean the area, be sure to avoid harsh scrubbing and opt instead for a gentle washcloth. It is also important to note that since your vagina is self-cleaning, you should avoid any harsh soaps or extensive cleaning.
Opt for Cotton Underwear
Cotton is a breathable fabric and is ideal for underwear. Cotton absorbs any moisture and can allow for good airflow, making it a better choice than other fabrics, which can be irritating and even allow bacteria to grow.
Practice Proper Swimwear Use
Who doesn’t love coming out of the water from a swim and lounging around in their swimwear, soaking up the sun? While it’s nice, it can be dangerous – wearing a wet swimsuit allows bacteria to grow and can cause your vaginal area to not get proper airflow, making you prone to yeast infections. After your swim, be sure to change into dry clothes!
Take Care During Your Periods
Always be sure to change your pads and tampons regularly – don’t leave them in longer than you should. Choose the right size for your menstrual flow, and wash your hands before and after changing.
Be Aware of Your Vagina’s pH Balance
Many women don’t know that their vagina has its own pH balance and that when it gets thrown off course, infections can happen. Watching the type of food you eat, as well as wearing cotton underwear and practicing proper hygiene (for example, using a safe, unscented pH wash, especially for the vaginal area), can help to ensure that your pH levels remain in a safe range.
Keep an Eye on Vaginal Discharge
Understanding your menstrual cycle and keeping track of your vaginal discharge can help alert you to any problems that might arise. If you are more in tune with your cycle, you will notice when something seems off, and you might have a health condition.
Keep Hydrated
We all know dehydration is bad for your health, but did you know that it can also affect your vaginal health, as well? Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is essential to your vaginal health and can help ward off infections and other health problems.
Get Enough Sleep
We all know that getting enough sleep and reducing the amount of stress in your life is essential to physical and mental well-being, but it also plays a role in your vaginal health. Since not sleeping enough can lower your immune system, you may find that you are more prone to infections and problems with your vaginal health.
See Your Gynecologist
Seeing your gynecologist is always important – so be sure to keep regular appointments with him or her. Also, if you have a procedure such as a vaginoplasty, it is important to keep any check-up appointments as well. Staying on top of your health is essential and can help reduce the occurrence of any problems or concerns now and in the future.
If you would like to learn more about vaginal health and vaginoplasty or to schedule an appointment, call the office of Dr. Ghozland today at 310-393-9359, and we will be happy to help you!