What Causes Vaginal Infections?
Note: The term ‘vaginitis’ is used to describe the conditions that may cause inflammation or infection of your vagina. The term ‘vulvovaginitis’ is used to describe inflammation of both your vagina and vulva (the external part of your genitals). The common causes of vaginal infections are:
Bacterial infections – Overgrowth of certain bacteria that are already found in your vagina can trigger bacterial vaginosisi Inflammation brought on by the excessive growth of the natural bacteria in the vagina that disturbs the usual equilibrium. . Yeast infections – Infections caused by a fungus called Candida albicans.
A blogger shared about her experience with a yeast infection in her personal blog. She mentions that she had to deal with discharge and intense itch in her genital area, and she was desperate for remedies, stating, “I had yeast infection that caused [a] huge impact in my daily routine. I had to wear pads daily because of the thick white discharges that are coming out from my vagina…. I could say that having to experience yeast infection was one of the most stressful events of my life (i).”
Protozoan parasite – It may cause a vaginal infection called trichomoniasis. Menopausei The phase of a woman’s life marked by the absence of menstruation and a drop in sex hormone levels. – It can cause vaginal atrophyi The presence of inflamed or dried vaginal walls due to low estrogen levels in the body. that may result in vaginal thinning and dryness. Irritants – Certain soaps, body washes, perfumes, and vaginal contraceptives can cause vaginal irritation. Tight clothing can also trigger rashes and inflammation of the vagina. so it is best to wear breathable clothing. Think about thongs!
These are some of the major triggers of vaginal infections and irritation. Before we discuss the natural ways to keep your vagina healthy, let’s understand what feminine pH is.
What Is Feminine pH?
Normal vaginal or feminine pH is supposed to be between 3.8 and 4.5. pH is the measurement of how acidic or basic a substance is. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. A pH of less than 7 is acidic, whereas, a pH of above 7 is considered basic. Your vaginal pH should ideally be acidic. However, this value may show some changes before menstruation and after menopause. A high vaginal pH level, say about 4.5, provides the perfect platform for vaginal infections. The common causes of unbalanced feminine pH are:
Unprotected sexual intercourse Antibiotics Douching Menstrual flow
Since an unbalanced vaginal pH can trigger vaginal infections and irritation, it is important to keep your vagina healthy. Listed below are some of the best ways that can help you.
Best Ways To Keep Your Vagina Healthy
How To Keep Your Vagina Healthy
1. Use A Condom
Using a condom whenever you indulge in sexual intercourse is very important. Use protection to prevent invisible sexually transmitted infections like HIV, genital herpesi A viral infection that frequently results in infectious sores around the mouth or on the genitalia. , gonorrheai A common sexually transmitted infection, often known as “the clap,” that can infect the throat, rectum, and genitalia. , genital warts, and chlamydiai A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis that generally does not show symptoms. (1).
2. Take Oral Probiotics
Taking probiotics is an effective way to restore vaginal pH balance. They also help restore good bacteria in your vagina. You can either consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir or take supplements (2).
3. Avoid Douching
Your vagina is like a self-cleaning oven. Douching it can disturb its pH – and this may lead to vaginal infections, tubal pregnancyi A condition marked by a fertilized egg implanting outside the uterus, potentially resulting in organ damage and serious blood loss. , preterm birth, and other complications (3). Hence, avoid douching. Instead, wash the outside of the vagina with mild soap and water. You may also use any pH-balanced cleanser that is specially formulated for your privates. But make sure it doesn’t have irritating preservatives.
4. Eat Healthily
A healthy and well-balanced diet also has a vital role to play in maintaining your vaginal health. Some foods like yogurt and honey can help prevent yeast infections (4). Cranberry juice was found to help prevent urinary tract infections (5).
5. Use Lubricant During Intercourse
Lubrication during sexual intercourse is important to prevent the skin of the vagina from getting chapped and irritated. Vaginal lubrication is supposed to happen during arousal, but some women do not produce enough of it or not enough time is spent on foreplay. In such instances, use safe and natural lubricants, such as aloe vera gel. However, do not use petroleum jelly or baby oil as they can trigger vaginal inflammation and always go for water-based lubricants.
6. Choose Your Clothing Carefully
Wearing tight-fitting clothes can cause irritation and inflammation of the vagina. If you wear wet clothes, like a bathing suit, for a prolonged period, it may create a warm/moist condition for yeast infections to thrive. Hence, wear cotton underwear that fits you well. Avoid using harsh chemicals on your underwear as it may affect vaginal health. Also, make sure that you change out of wet/sweaty clothing as soon as you can.
7. Follow Good Hygiene
It is best to maintain good hygiene. Not following good hygiene practices may create a conducive environment for vaginal infections to thrive. Make sure that you clean your privates every time you use the loo. Avoid wearing sanitary pads/tampons for long hours and keep changing them frequently to prevent vaginal irritation. Avoid using scented products to maintain optimal vaginal health. A not uncommon vaginal discharge can occur if you “forget” that you have a tampon in your vagina and insert another one!
8. Treat The Infections
Always treat infections promptly. Don’t leave a vaginal infection untreated and wait for it to resolve on its own. If you are prone to yeast infections, you may use any over-the-counter medications to treat it. But if the symptoms are not improving, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
9. Avoid Overusing Antibiotics
As we have already discussed, antibiotics are one of the leading causes of an imbalance in the vaginal pH. Therefore, be mindful of medications that you are taking. They can kill the good bacteria along with the bad bacteria in your body. Hence, keep a close tab on the medications you take. Stop overusing antibiotics. Talk to your doctor in case you need to use prescription antibiotics. Make sure your vaginal infection is truly due to bacteria before accepting antibiotics and try to use an antibacterial douche or before taking an oral medication.
10. Get Gynec Tests Done Regularly
See your gynecologist or healthcare provider regularly to keep a close tab on your vaginal health. Get regular pelvic exams, gynecological exams or Pap tests to detect any abnormality or infection at the earliest. These tips may seem quite basic, but they have a huge role to play when it comes to maintaining your vaginal health. They will also assist you in speeding up the recovery of any existing vaginal infection. It is important to understand the difference between a vagina and vulva to maintain hygiene and properly carry out these healthcare tips. Learn further in the next section.
Vagina Vs. Vulva
Vagina and vulva are two distinct parts of the female genitalia. The vulva is the term used for all the parts you can see on the outside of a woman’s private area, such as the outer and inner “lips”, the clitoris, and the vaginal opening. On the other hand, the vagina is the inside part, a stretchy tube that is 3-4 inches long. It is from where the baby comes out during a normal delivery during childbirth. What does a healthy vagina smell like? Most healthy vaginas have a mild and natural smell. If the smell of your vagina is extremely off-putting, it may indicate a vaginal infection. Why is female hygiene important? Factors like sweating, menstruation, and vaginal discharge make it necessary to maintain good female hygiene to avoid foul odor and maintain vaginal health. How do I get rid of the feminine odor? Start by following good hygiene practices if you want to get rid of vaginal odor. Avoid using soaps/body foams on your privates. Instead, choose a pH-balanced cleanser to keep your vagina healthy and clean. You may also try home remedies if you are wondering how to get rid of vaginal odor. However, if the odor persists, it is best to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Can I use salt water to wash my private part? Yes, you can use salt water to clean your private part. However, do not use it inside the vagina as it may cause further irritation. How can I reduce my risk of vaginal infection during pregnancy? You can use various over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams, wear loose and cotton panties, and avoid hot baths to reduce the risk of vaginal infection during pregnancy. How can I clean my private part during pregnancy? Use plain water to clean the vague and keep the area dry. You may feel the need to wash your vaginal area frequently due to excessive discharge. However, do not wash the area excessively. How does baking soda help vaginal irritation? The antifungal properties of baking soda may help reduce vaginal irritation. A study found that the gel prepared with baking soda could inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the yeast causing vaginal infections (6). Is turmeric good for yeast infection in the vagina? Turmeric contains curcumin, which may help reduce the clinical symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. It may help reduce the recurrence of discharge, itching, and burning caused due to yeast infection (7).
Illustration: Best Ways To Keep Your Vagina Clean And Healthy
Ready to level up your feminine hygiene routine? Discover 10 essential tips to prioritize your well-being and feel your best. Watch this video and embrace self-care.
