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Tips for good vaginal health and why this is important.
Did you know ..
An imbalance in the microbial and fungal species in the vagina can cause a host of issues for women, including:
- pre-term labour
- second trimester miscarriage and spontaneous abortion
- an increased risk of acquiring other infections such as STIs
- up to 3x increased likelihood of developing a UTI (with bacterial vaginosis)
- and the psychological impacts are significant; women with chronic candida are significantly more likely to suffer from depression, for example.
Of course, this is on top of the daily symptoms some women face such as itching, discharge, pain, odour issues etc. These can range from occasionally unpleasant and annoying to hugely disruptive. If you have these symptoms please speak to your GP.
To prevent microbial and fungal imbalances and maintain a healthy vaginal space, there are various interventions which can be beneficial, why not start some of these today!
Tips for good vaginal health
Don’t douche, and avoid using soaps and body washes in the delicate vagina and vulva area.
The vagina is very good at self regulating and keeping an optimal acidic PH. Washing with chemicals can disrupt this PH and consequently impact the species balance. Just plain water will do!
Wear breathable cotton or bamboo undies.
The area around the vulva should be kept clean and dry, again to maintain an optimal environment for the good microbes. Bamboo is great given its breathable, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Cotton is also breathable, but avoid synthetic materials such as polyester which are not.
Change out of lycra after exercising.
Lycra leggings may be in fashion, but living in lycra everyday can create a compressed, moist and warm environment, perfect for undesirable microbes to thrive. Try mixing up your wardrobe a little if you tend to choose lycra.
Keep hydrated.
The vaginal area likes to be kept moist and plump, and this can be influenced by how much we drink. Aim for 1.5-2 litres daily (6-8 glasses; alcohol and coffee do not count!)
Quit smoking.
The chemicals in nicotine depopulate the good bacteria in the vagina, including Lactobacillus, which allows unhealthy bacteria to thrive. Smoking increases a woman’s risk of bacterial vaginosis significantly.
Keep your hormones in check.
A drop in oestrogen can alter the PH of the vagina. This can be an issue post partum, and especially during peri-menopause and post menopause. There are topical oestrogen products available which can help in many cases, and optimising diet can support better hormone balance. Either speak to your GP or book a call with me to discuss specific hormone support.
Finally, cut down on sugar.
Sugar tends to feed the bad bacteria and fungal species in the body, so minimising this and increasing good whole foods such as fruit, vegetables and legumes will benefit the body overall.
