There’s more than we realize when it comes to our vaginal health. As women, we think we know our own bodies better than everybody else, but even the littlest things we miss can make a huge difference.
With proper knowledge and truthful facts, it’s essential as women that we know what impacts our vaginal health. Who doesn’t want their lady parts thriving and healthy?
Take a look at these seven common things that can influence your vaginal health.
Diet For Your Vaginal Health
Nutrition is key when it comes not only to our vaginal health, but our overall well-being. Just how diet affects the rest of our body, it also affects your vagina. Food has a huge impact on the vagina’s pH levels and it’s essential that we keep enough healthy bacteria in our system. This is how to prevent BV, yeast infections and other vaginal infections.
Sex
Intercourse is another big factor in the way our vaginal health responds. Unprotected sex can intervene with the acidity of the vagina that can lead to harmful bacteria growth. If using toys, lubricant, or other methods with intercouse, be sure to avoid any with fragrances or soaps to prevent irritation. Be sure to practice safe hygiene by washing hands, toys, and remembering to pee after sex.
Stress
There’s a lot the body responds to when undergoing stress, especially the vagina. Keep in mind that stress impacts the immune system and can create a hormonal imbalance that can later cause irregular periods and unwanted discharge. By practicing self-care, you can definitely feel the difference in your body’s response including your vagina.
Clothing
We all have our favorite pair of spanx or tight underwear. Sometimes when worn often in warm, humid environments, it can increase yeasts to grow. If you ever experience this, take the time to switch to looser, cotton materials and let the vagina breathe while healing.
Hygiene Practices
From hair removal and proper cleansing, there are various ways to go about practicing safe, effective hygiene down by our lady parts. Though it is recommended that we let our pubic hair grow, there are times we prefer to “mow the lawn” for certain occasions.
Whether you shave, wax, laser or whatever weapon of choice you go with, remember that hair removal can impact the vagina with ingrown hairs, irritation, and sometimes inflammation when not done properly. The same goes with cleansing. Be sure to use a vagina-formulated wash if choosing to cleanse the outside of the vagina.
Contraception options
From the pill, rings, patches, and other types of contraceptives on the market, they all impact the vagina. Caused by their hormonal formulations or ingredients, discharge and bacteria growth can easily be affected. When choosing a contraception, take the time to research if it can work specifically for you.
Menstrual Cycle
Oh, that time of the month. A lot can happen in a week and the vagina is easily affected while taking nature’s course. Estrogen levels are typically low during this time, so it’s common for the vagina to feel irritated.
Keep in mind that every woman’s body is different, and we all live different lifestyles. But if you’re still struggling to learn more about how you can optimize the health of your lady parts, you’re definitely not alone.
Sarah Nelson is a nurse with 15 years of experience working with a variety of patients. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and has spent a large portion of her career working exclusively with women in an OB/GYN setting.
Nursing is a passion for Sarah but she also enjoys writing and sharing her expertise online with people who need helpful information. Treating patients well and helping them learn more about their own bodies is a key essential to a healthy lifestyle that Sarah truly believes in.