Tips for maintaining vaginal health

What are a woman's reproductive organs made of?

A woman's reproductive organs are divided into two parts: an external section and an internal section.

Internal reproductive organs

• Vagina: A muscular canal that extends from the vaginal opening to the cervix.
• Cervix: The narrow lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
• Uterus: A hollow muscular organ where the fetus grows during pregnancy.
• Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus and transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
• Ovaries are glands that produce eggs and female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

External genital organs

• Labia majora: Large folds of skin surrounding the rest of the external genital organs.
• Labia minora: Two small skin folds located inside the labia majora and surrounding the vaginal openings.
• The clitoris: a sensitive organ that contains many nerve endings and is located where the labia minora meet at the top.
• Vaginal vestibule: It is the area between the labia minora that includes the vaginal opening and the urinary opening.
• Hymen: A thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening and may have different shapes and sizes.

Tips for maintaining vaginal health

1| Maintaining cleanliness

It is essential to wash the vulva and the entire sensitive area daily with lukewarm water, and if you need to use soap, use medicated soap that is free of scents and harmful chemicals. Avoid using vaginal douche without consulting your doctor. After washing the genitals, it is important to dry them gently by gently patting them using tissues or a towel designated for drying the sensitive area and cleaning them immediately after use. Avoid washing the inside of the vagina so as not to affect the PH level and cause vaginal infections. And remember to clean the private area from front to back after using the bathroom. When removing hair down there, it is essential to use clean razors and not practice dry shaving to avoid any cuts or bruises.

2| Wear appropriate clothing

Wear underwear made of pure cotton to avoid moisture in the vulva, which is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, which may be a cause of vaginal and urinary infections. Do not wear satin or silk underwear for extended periods; it is preferable not to wear it when leaving the house. Avoid wearing tight clothes and pants that pressure your genitals. Change your underwear and outerwear immediately after exercising, and do not wear clothes wet with sweat for a long time. Remove your swimsuit immediately after you finish swimming, and avoid any clothing around the genitals that is wet with sweat or water. To prevent sweating around your vulva and vagina at night, do not wear any underwear when you go to sleep. This will allow the area to remain dry while you sleep.

3| Practice healthy intimacy

If you use intimate lubricant when having intercourse, be sure to choose a safe type that does not cause any infections and that is free of glycerin, dyes, perfumes, unnatural oils, and parabens. It is recommended to urinate immediately after sex to avoid any bacteria reaching the urinary opening and causing a urinary tract infection. It is also essential to wash the sensitive area with lukewarm water immediately after intercourse.

4| Follow healthy practices during periods

Changing the feminine pad five to six times daily during periods is essential. You must use safe sanitary pads that are free of perfumes and dyes. You must also wash the area several times during the day to avoid the growth of harmful bacteria.

5| See your gynecologist when needed

Do not ignore vaginal itching, any odors, or strange vaginal discharge, and see your gynecologist immediately if you notice any change or complain of any discomfort to avoid exacerbating any infection in the reproductive organs.

6| Take care of your overall health

It is essential to follow a healthy diet and avoid obesity. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of processed foods, especially foods that contain large amounts of added sugar. It has been shown that sugar increases the likelihood of fungi and bacteria growing in the vulva and vaginal area, causing vaginal infections.

7| Take care of your husband

It is also vital that the husband maintains the health of his reproductive organs and avoid infections or diseases that may be transmitted to the wife. Couples must conduct periodic testing to ensure that there are no sexually transmitted diseases between them.

Summary,

Like all other body organs, the reproductive organs are essential for health. Therefore, it is important not to neglect them and to care for their cleanliness and health constantly. It is also necessary not to feel embarrassed and to consult a gynecologist to avoid exacerbating any problems that can be treated early.