As women, we’re all concerned about keeping our lady-parts in their best shape but what does vaginal health really include? There are tons of misconceptions about what you should do to maintain your vaginal health. While factors such as your age does depend on most of it, there are a few rules that can help you along the way to maintaining a healthy vagina.

Here are 6 ways you can maintain a healthy vagina:

• Protect your pH balance

Normally, vaginal pH is between 3.8 to 4.5, but using cleansing products that are not formulated for them can interfere with the vagina’s pH levels by reducing acidity and disrupting the healthy bacteria, leading to infections and rashes. Instead, use foam-based intimate washes which are specifically formulated to keep your vulva clean, since your vagina is a self-cleaning part of the body.

• Maintain a healthy diet

Following a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids are important for vaginal health. Additionally, certain foods can even help treat vaginal health problems. Yogurt can potentially help prevent yeast infections as it is rich in probiotics. Many studies suggest that if you’re prone to contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI), cranberry supplements could be helpful.

• Practice safe sex 

Using condoms during sex helps to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV, genital herpes, syphilis and more. You should also change condoms when switching from oral or anal sex to vaginal sex to avoid introducing harmful bacteria into the vagina. Sex toys (if used) also need to be sanitised after each use. 

• Use the right lubricant

While vaginal lubrication often occurs naturally, some women do not produce enough by themselves. In this case, a lubricant is used to enhance pleasure. Without it, the skin of the labia and vagina can become irritated and chafed while having sex. Water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based lubricants are to be used depending on what your needs are. However, if you’re using condoms for protection, do not use an oil-based lubricant as it can cause the latex in condoms to break down. 

• Regular gynaecologist visits

Having regular health checkups is crucial to maintaining your vaginal health. It is recommended that along with a physical exam, women should also have Pap smears regularly to detect any changes in vaginal cells that might indicate the presence of cancer. Professional gynecologists are trained to diagnose diseases and disorders that can harm the vagina or your reproductive system as a whole. Treating infections is also crucial because not treating them at the right time can lead to unpleasant, painful, and serious reproductive health problems.

• Wear the right clothing

The vagina should stay clean and dry. Certain types of fabrics and tight-fitting clothing create warm, moist conditions in which yeast thrive. Wear breathable cotton underwear to let your vagina breathe. Make sure you change out of sweaty workout clothes as quickly as possible to avoid a vaginal infection.

Remember to take care of your vagina the same way you take care of the rest of your body. At Nua, our intimate wash and panty liners can help you on your journey to maintain and balance your vaginal health needs.