Vaginal Hygiene: Dos, Don’ts and Alarm Bells
Of late, I am seeing a lot of youngsters talking openly about several social issues. They are coming forward and sharing deep personal experiences so that they can inspire others to speak freely. I really appreciate their approach, and feel that the same empathy and enthusiasm should be extended when we address issues relating to our bodies.
Even today, many women tend to be shy or closed up when it comes to talking about issues concerning their private parts, especially vaginal hygiene. They often tend to ignore the first signs of infection, and consult a doctor only when they experience severe pain and discomfort. That is why I have put forth some basics of vaginal hygiene and ‘alarm bells’ to look out for.
Vaginal hygiene simply means keeping the vaginal area clean. Washing the area well with water and bathing soap is sufficient. This is especially important if you are sexually active. One way to avoid sexually transmitted infections is to use condoms during intercourse (if you are not trying to conceive). However, whether or not you use a condom, it is vital that you wash your vagina after intercourse to avoid residual bacterial infections. A common misconception is that washing the vagina after sex can reduce the chances of pregnancy. This is entirely false! Washing up after intercourse has no effect on conception.
So, what are some signs you should not ignore? A general rule is anything that is excessive and/or out of the ordinary.
If you are experiencing dryness and/or mild itchiness around the vagina, it could be due to a lack of moisture. To treat this, apply coconut oil on the area, and switch over to a milder body soap or lactic-acid base wash. Please avoid using petroleum jelly or cosmetic creams. If the itchiness becomes severe or if the skin is red, inflamed or flaking, consult a gynaecologist.
A common concern women have is about vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a normal occurrence. During ovulation or when an egg is released, you might notice a watery whitish discharge (slightly more in quantity than normal discharges). This is not a cause for worry. If you are experiencing continuous or excessive amounts of discharge, such that it is becoming uncomfortable, you should pay attention. Also, if you are experiencing symptoms like a recurring urinary tract infection, or if the discharge is green, thick, or flaky, you should immediately consult a gynaecologist.
Some vaginal infections may be accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odour. Please do not use a deodorant spray or cream to mask the odour – you might end up with a worse problem!
If you have any doubts or wish to seek advice for a problem, approach a doctor or gynaecologist. Our aim is to help you, so no health-related question is out of bounds for us!
