7 common myths about vaginal hygiene that ladies should be aware

 

It’s a fact, every woman knows that a talk about women’s health talk cannot be complete without a mention of some sort regarding vaginal health.

 

We mean, it’s the one anatomy that the menfolk don’t share with us, so we guard it jealously often sharing tips on the best way to keep it in tip-top shape. Own it or not, from pre-teen we are fascinated with the subject of the vagina and invariably exchange information (or misinformation) on how best to care for our precious jewel. But how do we sift through the mazes of information out through? What among the things we hear or read amounts to facts or grandmother’s tale?

 

 

The writer remembers the first time she had about douching while she was still in junior high school. I was confused and somehow felt like my vagina was dirty because some of the girls boasted of douching as a way of life and swore that it kills all microbial inhabitants. Ignorant me believing that all microbes are bad. Wrong. At that time, I did feel that my vaginal hygiene was inadequate and when I mentioned the idea of douching to my mum, she brushed it outside with a simple “you don’t need it.” But guess what? I didn’t believe her and resented what I thought was either ignorance or unconcern. How stupid and ignorant was I? SMH.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I only become convinced on the needlessness of douching after learning that the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism and that some of the microbial biotas are actual useful a woman’s wellbeing.

The rambling above is just to illustrate that some of the ‘gospel truth’ we were told regarding caring for the vagina is nothing else but myths, defined by Google dictionary as “a widely held but false belief or idea.”

Considering the importance of the vagina with respect to women health (not just physically but also psychologically) and the overall well-being of the individual, holding on to myths when it comes to health, in general, is highly undesirable and could have serious health implications if not now, later. Consequently, we are glad to when we came across this article that clears up some of the myths flying about regarding vaginal hygiene.

This article was written by Dr Alyssa Dweck, a full-time practising obstetrician/gynaecologist. It first appeared on the Mind Body Green website. Enjoy.

Seven things you might be getting wrong about your vaginal health:

#1. All vaginal discharge is a yeast infection.

False! Most women have a physiological vaginal discharge that may vary individually both in amount and consistency with the menstrual cycle. A mucus-like discharge that occurs mid-cycle, with ovulation, is totally normal. On the other hand, the copious, foul-smelling, or bloody discharge should be evaluated - especially if it’s associated with pain, itching, swelling, or irritation, which could signify infection.

 

#2. Vigorous scrubbing and washing are essential to vaginal health.

False! In fact, the vagina has a remarkable ability to maintain its normal acidic pH. This delicate balance can actually be disrupted by the use of overly fragrant products or harsh detergents. Mild soap and water are sufficient for vulvar care, and plain water is ideal for the vagina.

 

#3. All vulvas look the same.

False! In fact, the vulva, which is comprised of all of the external genital structures (labia majora, or outer lips; labia minora, or inner lips; and clitoris) comes in many shapes and sizes. In particular, the labia minora can be long or short, wide or skinny, plump or flush. In this day and age of Brazilian waxes and the internet, we are more and more aware of the vulva up close and personal. There is no normal-but rather, what’s normal for you.

 

#4. Douching is good for you.

False! Not to beat a dead horse, but the vagina does its own cleaning by maintaining an acidic pH. The practice of douching and cleansing the inside of the vagina somewhat forcefully with a fragrant, antiseptic, or vinegar-and-water solution is just unnecessary. In fact, it might alter the delicate balance of yeast and bacteria and lead to infection. Don’t douche!

 

#5. The material of your undergarments makes no difference.

False! Yoga pants, tight athletic wear, wet bathing suits, or 24/7 panty-liners and pads do have an effect on your vaginal health. In fact, your vulva may be suffocating. It’s beneficial to let the area “breathe” intermittently for optimal vulvar and vaginal health. Yeast and bacteria thrive in moist, dark places. Consider going commando at times, wearing loose-fitting sleepwear, changing out of wet workout clothes and bathing suits, and ensuring a cotton crotch on all undergarments for ideal intimate health.

 

#6. Vaginal lubricants are all created equal.

False! You may have noticed the abundance of available intimate lubricants: water-based, silicone, hybrids, and oil-based. Water-based are readily available, inexpensive, well-tolerated and safe with condoms but might be sticky and need frequent reapplication. Silicone lubes are slicker, nonstaining, longer lasting, and also compatible with condoms. Oil-based lubes including coconut oil are suitable for and preferred by some but can potentially degrade condoms. Whichever you prefer, be mindful of the ingredients since, for example, glycerin might increase the risk of yeast in those prone to yeast infections.

 

#7. Diet has no influence on the vagina.

False! When it comes to the vagina, you really are what you eat. Adequate hydration is important to avoid dryness. Increased intake of sugar and alcohol might increase the risk for yeast infection. Cranberry concentrate might minimize the risk of UTI (urinary tract infection) in those prone to such. Finally, probiotics might play a role in preventing vaginal issues for those who are plagued by reoccurring infections.

 

Clearing up seven myths about vaginal health first appeared on the mindbodygreen website.