How to Take Care and Maintain Vaginal Health

Caring for and maintaining vaginal health can be done in an easy way. This is important to do to prevent infection and discomfort in the female sex organs. What are the ways and tips for maintaining women's health in question? Let's look at the following article. The vagina actually has a mechanism to clean itself by removing vaginal fluid. This vaginal fluid is referred to as vaginal discharge. Leucorrhoea is a normal thing to happen as long as the amount is normal, odorless, clear or slightly white in color, and not accompanied by complaints of itching or pain in the vagina. However, vaginal health still needs to be maintained to prevent female health problems, such as vaginal infections. If vaginal hygiene and health are not maintained, adverse effects can occur to the health of a woman's fertility.

How to Take Care and Maintain Vaginal Health

The vagina must be kept dry and free of irritating materials. The following are guidelines for maintaining vaginal hygiene:

1. Wash the vagina regularly

The vagina needs to be cleaned or washed every time after urinating and defecating. The correct way to wash or clean the vagina is from the direction of the vagina to the anus. This is to avoid the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the vagina that can cause infection. After washing the vagina clean, don't forget to dry it with a soft towel or toilet paper.

2. Maintaining the natural pH balance of the vagina

Normal vaginal acidity (pH) is 3.8-4.5. Cleaning the vagina using scented soap, gel, or antiseptic is not recommended because it can disturb the pH balance and good bacteria in the vagina. In addition, the use of feminine cleaning products, both those used outside and those that are sprayed into the vagina (douching), are also not recommended, because they can interfere with the normal pH of the vagina. A special vaginal cleaning solution should not be used routinely, because it can increase the risk of infection and irritation of the vagina.

3. Clean the vagina during menstruation

During menstruation, clean the vagina more than twice a day. Frequently replace pads when it feels damp or wet. Apart from the vagina, the perineum (the part between the vagina and the anus) and the area around the vagina also needs to be cleaned during menstruation. To clean the vagina during menstruation, just use warm water or water and soap that is made from soft.

4. Use protection during sexual intercourse

The use of contraceptives, such as condoms and diaphragms, is important when trying to have sex. This is to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. However, using the wrong contraception can cause vaginal irritation. To prevent irritation, use the contraceptive with a lubricant. Choose water-based lubricants. Avoid the use of lubricants that contain oil, such as glycerin and petroleum. Oil-based lubricants run the risk of damaging condoms, so their effectiveness is reduced when used during sex.

5. Using the right underwear

Use cotton underwear because this material allows good air circulation and can absorb sweat. The nylon material traps heat and humidity, so bacteria easily multiply. Wash underwear with mild detergent and avoid fabric softener. Don't forget to change your underwear regularly, especially if it feels wet or damp.

6. Shave pubic hair as needed

Pubic hair or pubic hair functions to protect the vagina from bacteria, dirt, friction, and sweat. Therefore, shaving your hair as needed. Use a special gel or cream when shaving pubic hair, so that the vagina does not blister. In addition to the things above, practicing safe and healthy sex by not changing sexual partners is also an important thing to do to maintain vaginal health. It aims to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Vaginal health is also influenced by hormones and psychological factors. Therefore, the condition of the vagina will always change. As long as it doesn't cause complaints, such as itching, pain, and pungent odors, this is nothing to worry about. In addition to implementing a healthy lifestyle and sexual behavior, check your vaginal health regularly to an obstetrician. This action is important so that abnormalities or diseases of the vagina can be detected early, so that quickly handled.