7 Tips And Treatments To Keep Your Vagina Healthy
7 Tips And Treatments To Keep Your Vagina Healthy
Understanding your vagina
Let’s start with some general knowledge about your vagina:
The vagina is a big muscular tube more commonly referred to as the birth canal, the skin of which is very thin, yet elastic and robust.
The vagina is normally 5 to 10 cm long and the sides gently touch together.
During intercourse, the vagina can stretch another couple of centimeters.
The vagina has a very special environment
Before you start approaching menopause, estrogen will trigger the cervix into producing mucus.
This mucus is slightly acidic which is important as it helps restrain any bad bacteria or fungi that may actually inadvertently appear in the vagina.
This slightly acidic mucus also houses a colony of friendly bacteria.
The friendly bacteria in the vagina are very different from the combinations of friendly bacteria that you find in your digestive system.
Estrogen levels decrease during menopause, thus affecting the production of mucus in the vagina, which can impact all areas of your vaginal health.
7 Tips And Treatments To Keep Your Vagina Healthy
There are things you can do to look after your vagina.
If you are approaching menopause, or are already in peri-menopause, the time to work on your vagina is now
The more work you do before your estrogen levels start to drop, the less likely you will have problems.
1. Topical estrogen
Taking estrogen through the skin will limit estrogen from getting into the bloodstream.
Topical estrogen treatments do not increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
However, call your doctor if you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding after using topical estrogen.
2. Oral estrogen
Oral estrogen is often used to treat hot flashes and vaginal dryness, however, prolonged use can heighten the risk of certain cancers.
3. Phytoestrogen products
Phytoestrogen supplements reduce menopausal symptoms, promote cardiovascular health, promote bone health and increase breast health.
4. Remember the water
Dehydration affects the vagina as well, so remember to drink enough water on a regular basis
5. Do Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the small intestine, bladder, uterus, bladder, and rectum.
Once you know how to do Kegel exercises, you can do them at any time.
How to do Kegel exercises:
Find the right muscles
To identify which are your pelvic floor muscles, stop urination in midstream.
Once you know how to identify your pelvic floor muscles, you can do the exercises in any position, although you might find it easiest to do them lying down at first.
Improve the technique and imagine you are sitting on a marble and tightening your pelvic muscles as if you’re lifting the marble.
Hold for 3 seconds at a time, then relax for a count of 3.
Maintain your focus by only tightening your pelvic floor muscles.
Do not tilt the muscles in your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and avoid holding your breath.
Repeat 3 x times a day and aim for at least 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions a day.
Don’t do Kegel exercises to start and stop your urine stream as this can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder and increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Source: mayoclinic.org – Kegel exercises
6. Check your underwear & personal care products
Wear cotton underwear. This will help to keep the air circulating, keeping everything as fresh as possible.
Do not use any over-the-counter vaginal deodorants and be aware of the kind of soap and shower gel you are using.
7. Stay sexually active
Staying sexually active enhances blood circulation in the vagina and stimulates natural moisture and keeps your sexual organs healthier for longer.
