Time and times again, females have been told that their vaginas need nothing more than water and plain unperfumed soap to stay healthy as they can clean themselves naturally via vaginal discharge.
The vagina contains numerous bacteria that are essential for its good health, protect the vagina against pathogenic or bad organisms and maintain the correct low vaginal pH for optimal health and function. Hence, washing it with soap will disturb its balance and increase the risk of infection.
Nevertheless, there are some habits that need to be ditched and routines put in place for a beautiful down there. Some are negligible but hey, they are dangerous to the wellness of your vagina. Henceforth, you should be intentional about the wellbeing and beauty of your privates. Here are 7 routines you should engage in. 1. Wash your hands: with soap and water before touching your veejay. The hands and feet are the most used organs of the body, aside the super organs (brain, heart and others), and at such, a lot of bacteria and virus get on them. Now imagine touching down there with an infected hand, you may just be getting your V into trouble. Aside touching, you and your partner need soap up especially before sex. When washing your hands with soap and water, ensure you do that for about 20-30 seconds. Want to know why? See the picture below as shared by Kristen Anniebell on IG.2. Don’t double dip: The anus and rectum contain bacteria that are very different from those on the rest of your body, the vagina especially, which would cause harm when spread to the vagina. So it is advised not to go from anal penetration to vaginal penetration during intercourse. 3. Wash from the front to the back: this is slightly related to the double dip – don’t go from behind to the front. When washing down there after pooping or urinating, wash from your vagina to the back and not the other way round. This way, the bacteria from the anus or poop will not be transported to the vagina, causing you trouble. 4. Scrap the undies at bedtime: so many ladies sleep with panties, tight then skirts, but why??? Scrap the undies, let your veejay have some peace and fresh air, let her breathe, go commando!!! This is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your vaginal health. Even if your undies are cotton and breathable, they trap moisture against the skin, which may make your vagina just a little bit more hospitable to yeast and bacterial growth. 5. Change from sweaty clothes ASAP: Workout outfits are so cute, and it’s tempting to stay in them for post-gym brunch and really just the rest of the day. Don’t do this! Bacteria thrive in a dark, moist environments. If you can’t shower after swimming or working out or after sweating all over, at least change out of your bathing suit or sweaty undies and wash your under. 6. Choose pads wisely, change them often: there are various types of pads and sanitary towels and so, you ave to be aware of what’s in them, then choose the one to go for. Some pad brands are said to include harmful chemicals called phthalates (endocrine disruptors) that mess with the female hormones. Dioxins, a byproduct of the process by which tampons are bleached, have also been found in certain pads, while some types of pads are said to contain elements that prevent infections. Whenever you are getting a pad for your time of the month, think about this. Also, change often, don’t go about wearing a pad till night. It will not only breed harmful bacteria in your veejay. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests changing your pad every four to eight hours, meaning it may be okay to sleep with a pad, but be sure to change to a fresh one when you wake up.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
7. Like your skin, your vagina is what you eat: Lots of yogurt has over time been proved to be a very good item for the vagina. That’s because the body, and vagina specifically, needs good bacteria in it to stay healthy and ward off infections and fermented foods with a high probiotic content, like yogurt, can help prevent yeast infections and keep your vaginal biome balanced. Sweet potatoes, garlic, soy, avocados, apples, flaxseeds, water, almonds and pumpkin seeds are good for Lady V too. Read also:Â Five Natural Foods Women Should Eat For A Flourishing Uterus
BONUS: Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help treat bacterial vaginosis. One small study reported successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis with only tea tree oil. Essential oils like tea tree oil need to be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut, sweet almond, or olive oil. Photos Credit: Getty
2. Don’t double dip: The anus and rectum contain bacteria that are very different from those on the rest of your body, the vagina especially, which would cause harm when spread to the vagina. So it is advised not to go from anal penetration to vaginal penetration during intercourse.
