1.Always wash the entire area cautiously:
It is imperative to keep your v@ginal area, including the labia and the vulva, clean to restrict any bacterial build-up and avoid certain infections. However, the v@ginal area that is acidic in nature also houses beneficial bacteria that contribute towards maintaining a normal pH level and keeping the area clean on its own. That said, you still need to put in some effort to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Try not to use the conventional soap and water method for the said purpose. ‘Soap and water are both harsh and dehydrating mediums for cleaning the intimate area. While soaps have a pH in the range of eight to 11 and water a neutral pH, both when used in combination to clean, can wash off the protective acid cover that is naturally present in the pubic area,’ says Dr Kaustubh D. Kulkarni, Clinical Director and Co-founder of Siddhi Life Assisted Reproduction Centre.
2.Choose over the counter products wisely:
There are many over the counter v@ginal washes and douches that promise to keep the v@ginal area clean and protect it from bacterial infections and other UTIs. However, it is important to read the labels carefully before you pick up one of these products, as some of them might contain elements that could do more harm than good. ‘If you ever pick up one make sure that the product has lactic acid as one of its major components, as lactic acid will ensure maintenance of the pH balance of the area,’ says Dr Kulkarni. Alternatively, you can also make a wash at home with baking soda and water which is natural and is believed to be very effective. Remember while cleaning the area always do so from front to back and not vice versa to avoid cross contamination. Also read about the six common causes of UTIs a woman can suffer from.
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3.Take good care after an intercourse:
While you do everything to keep your v@gina healthy, if you remain ignorant about cleaning the area after a romantic night, then there’s a good chance that all your efforts might go down the drain. It is ideal to get up and clean yourself after intercourse to restrict bacterial build-up that can give rise to infections or other symptoms like burning and itching in the area, especially if you have multiple partners. Remember, after intercourse, the remnant of semen, v@ginal discharge and the added dampness makes the area prone to infections, in case your hygiene quotient isn’t up to the mark. So make it a point to clean the area thoroughly after the act.
4.Eat a balanced diet:
Did you know that what you eat can have an effect on the health of your v@gina in many ways. For instance, foods and beverages that give you a bad breath like coffee, beer or acidic foods, are also responsible for a foul smell in the v@ginal area too. Foods that are loaded with spices and cause acidity can also disturb the pH balance in the v@ginal area. These food habits make the area prone to infections as well. To avoid this, make sure that your daily diet includes neutralisers like fruits of different varieties and sizes. For the same reason, make sure that you don’t avoid drinking at least eight glasses of water during the day.
5.Take special care during menstruation:
During menstruation the normal pH balance of the v@ginal area goes a little haywire, so special care should be taken to restore normalcy in the area. Always make it a point to wash the area thoroughly with warm water before every change. In case you aren’t able to do so every time, wipe the area with a clean feminine wipe or dry tissue paper. Ensure that you change your sanitary napkin frequently, at least once in every six hours. Remember that menstrual blood trapped in the sanitary napkin along with dampness can increase your chance of getting a bacterial or viral infection. Remember that prolonged use of a sanitary pad, without frequent changing can also lead to rashes that could be very hard to deal with. Hence, it is imperative to be clean and hygienic during those days to ensure that you don’t compromise on your well being.
