12_BT_December2019

Life & Style
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Maintain an ideal vaginal
PH balance
Normally, vaginal pH is about
3.8 to 4.5. When cleaning your
vagina, keep in mind that harsh
soaps or cleansers on the vulva
or inside the vagina can affect a
healthy pH balance. If your vagina has a strong or unpleasant
odor, see your doctor. If you use a douche remember that it
is known to interfere with the healthy pH levels of the vagina
and also, it reduces the acidity levels of the vagina too. Plus, if
you are dealing with unpleasant odours, the douche will only
cover up the smell without getting to the cause of it.
Good hygiene is paramount
You’ve heard this again and again, but just in case, here it is
again: After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to
avoid bacterial contamination of the vagina and to lower the
risk of bladder infection.
When you’re having your period, don’t go too long without
changing your sanitary pad or tampon. Unless you have very
heavy discharge, minimize the use of panty liners too, for
they tend to keep moisture and heat near your vagina, which
can result in infection.
Note: The amount of vaginal discharge a woman experiences
varies widely. Some normal, healthy women experience loads
of it, while others are bone dry. As long as you are not at risk
of STD’s and you have no itching, burning, or odour, you’re
probably just fine. If in doubt, see your gynecologist.
Have regular gynecological
check up
This is crucial in maintaining the
vaginal health of every woman of
child-bearing age. Gynecologists and
many family physicians are trained
to diagnose diseases and disorders
that can harm the vagina or your
reproductive system as a whole.
Gynecologists also perform Pap smears,
which can detect changes in vaginal cells that might indicate
the presence of cancer.
Beneficial bacteria down there
The vagina contains more bacteria than anywhere else in
the body after the bowel and there are reasons for that. The
good bacteria inside the vagina provide numerical dominance
for they outnumber other potential harmful bacteria that
might enter the vagina. This in turn helps in:
RR
Keeping the vagina’s pH balance of the vagina is
at an even level, which helps keep the balance of
bacteria healthy
RR
Producing bacteriocins (naturally occurring antibiotics) to
reduce or kill other bacteria entering the vagina
RR
Producing a substance that stops any invading bacteria
from sticking to the vagina walls, so that they do not
invade the surrounding tissues
If the balance of bacteria is disturbed, this can lead to
infection and inflammation. Bacteria called lactobacilli help
keep the vagina’s pH balance at its normal low level (less than
pH 4.5), which also prevents the growth of other organisms.
Waxing/shaving of the vagina
Pubic hair does serve a purpose, one
of which is decrease friction during
intercourse. It’s alright to groom your
bikini line, but be aware of the risks,
especially if you’re fond of places
where many others frequent for hairremoval
too. It’s not uncommon for
bacteria or fungi to spread from one
client to another.
Never neglect infections
The vagina is susceptible to three types of vaginal infections
and they are:
Yeast infection: Caused by several types of fungi
Bacterial vaginosis: Caused by bacteria overgrowth in
the vagina
Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection.
Do not hesitate in seeing a doctor for treatment for any of
the above condition, for they can lead to unpleasant, painful,
and serious reproductive health problems if left untreated. All
three are can be treated with oral or topical medications.
Shaving of the pubic area carries the
risk of cuts and infection, just as it
would on any other part of the body,
while laser treatments can sometimes
cause burns.
In reality, pubic hair was not meant to be
removed, although a lot of people choose to go without it
for vanity reasons. Some may even feel that it’s more hygiene
without hair down there, or at least, with less hair. The point
here is to practice caution and be aware of the risks involved
in removing your pubic hair. Note: One study in 2013 actually
revealed link between the irritation from hair removal and
an increase in vulvarmolluscum contagiosum, a sexually
transmitted virus that causes skin eruptions.
BabyTalk | December 2019 49