5 Habits to Maintain Your Vaginal Health

As a woman, keeping your vagina in good health is important to you. After all, it’s the passage through which children come into the world — an amazing miracle. At Lowcountry Plastic Surgery in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Dr. Jack Hensel Jr. and the team can help you maintain vaginal health. Here are five tips designed to help you do just that. 

Keep bacteria at bay: Use proper hygiene habits  

The old saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” applies here. Bacteria thrive in a warm, moist environment, and that describes the vagina. Pat yourself gently after urinating and after a bowel movement, always wipe front to back to avoid ecoli invading the vagina. 

Clean your vulva, the outside of your genitals and the entrance to the vagina, with a soft, clean washcloth and mild soap and water. There’s no need to reach inside the vulva; your vagina cleans itself naturally. Take a shower, bath, or sponge bath to clean your vulva every day. Clean yourself right after working out, if possible, to wash sweat and bacteria away. 

When you have your period, change tampons and pads frequently; it’s easy to forget if you’re busy at work, so set a timer if you’re prone to forget. Change your underpants daily, and after each workout. 

Use underwear that breathes

Thongs may be the rage, but they’re not the best for your vaginal health. Select cotton underpants or underpants with a cotton liner. Cotton wicks moisture better than polyester/rayon fabric and protects you better from bacteria. Change out of a wet bathing suit after being in the water, especially if you’ve had yeast infections. 

Protect yourself from STDs: Use condoms

Condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some STDs, if not treated promptly, can cause infertility and lead to other serious health complications, and some, like herpes, can be very painful and have no cure. 

Use the right lubricants

There are many types of lubricants. Some are better than others for vaginal health. Check the ingredients on the lubricants you buy. Some glycerin lubricants can contribute to bacterial growth, and petroleum lubricants change your vagina’s pH level. Stay away from lubricants that are flavored, scented, or contain dyes, as they can irritate sensitive skin. Try glycerin-free, water-based lubricants, silicone lubricants, or organic lubricants. 

After menopause

In menopause, you lose much of your estrogen, the hormone that keeps your vagina lubricated during arousal. Without treatment, many women experience thinning of the vaginal wall and dryness during intercourse. Your vagina may become shorter, and the opening may become smaller. The tissue can get so thin that it’s easily irritated and can bleed. You’re more prone to urinary tract infections. To avoid and reverse these effects of menopause, your gynecologist may recommend low-dose estrogen in a cream or tablet form. You can also use vaginal lubricants before intercourse, and vaginal moisturizers to help with chronic dryness.

Call Lowcountry Plastic Surgery or book an appointment online for all of your aesthetic needs. We can help you look as young as you feel.