Vaginal health and wellness is a major area of concern for women of all ages. But what exactly constitutes a healthy vagina? Although the term “healthy” is subjective and dependent on a woman’s age, the vagina is considered healthy when its pH is acidic. A healthy vagina should contain rich quantities of beneficial bacteria to help fight off infections, and it should be naturally lubricated. Even women who are cautious and make regular visits to their gynecologist can be vulnerable to certain gynecological health symptoms. That’s why our experts are happy to provide some tips for how women can maintain a healthy vagina.
Wear More Breathable Clothing
Breathable clothing and fabrics can help aid in good vagina health. We highly recommend wearing cotton underwear with moisture-wicking properties to limit moisture and prevent potential bacterial growth. Change out of wet clothing ASAP to help reduce your risk for infections and other issues.
Never Miss an Annual Well Woman Exam
Keeping up with your gynecological exams is also crucial for maintaining great vaginal health. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends for women to begin undergoing annual gynecologic screening exams and Pap smears beginning at age 21. Our board-certified gynecologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of vaginal health concerns that can affect your reproductive and overall health.
Practice Safe Sex
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, and chlamydia can have negative effects on your vaginal health. Additionally, some of them like the human papillomavirus (HPV) can even cause gynecological cancer and other serious health concerns. That’s why it is so important to use condoms and practice safe sex to prevent any potential STI.
Maintain a Vagina-Friendly Diet
Following a balanced, nutritious diet and staying hydrated can have a great many benefits for your body including promoting good reproductive health. Try to reduce your sugar intake, as yeast can feed on sugar. Eating certain foods can even help in treating some vaginal health problems. For instance, yogurt (especially plain, sugar-free yogurt) can potentially help prevent and treat yeast infections thanks to being so rich in probiotics.
For more vaginal health tips, follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Achieving good vaginal health isn’t a one-step process. Thankfully, following these simple steps can be a great way to begin your journey towards the best-possible reproductive health. To request an appointment with board-certified gynecologist Dr. Kristine Gould, please contact Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today.
