Some women have a tumultuous relationship with their parts. And they require much more maintenance than any man could understand. Here are some ways to improve vaginal health.
Manage the Environment Properly
For the guys, washing down there is a relatively straightforward affair. Yet, for women, it can be a little more complex. The vagina has much more function, and it changes all the time. For example, you need to manage pH levels when trying to get pregnant. And a healthy uterine lining is essential if you want to manage fertility issues such as embryo freezing. It is recommended you use sensitive soap for washing and pH-neutral washes such as Vagisil.
Increase Your Intake of Probiotics
Probiotics can help improve bacteria in the body, increase the number of good bacteria, decrease the number of bad bacteria, and keep the vaginal flora environment stable. In addition to keeping you from getting sick, these bacteria help keep your vaginal pH level. Most people have to take probiotics for 2 to 3 weeks before they start to feel any real benefits. Yogurt, oily fish, and fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut are all good sources.
Eat Certain Foods to Improve Vaginal Health
Like your gut, your vagina needs healthy bacteria to fight off infections and keep the pH level normal. Foods that are good for your gut health are also foods that can help maintain good vaginal health. But healthy fats like those in nuts, olive oil, and avocados help keep your estrogen levels in check, which in turn helps prevent vaginal infections. And your immune system gets weaker when you eat processed foods, which can let bad bacteria take over.
Practice Safe Sex, Of Course
Safe sex is one of the easiest things you can do for vaginal health. So, always protect yourself. This could be a condom, a dental dam, or even gloves. If you like going the other way, you should also have vaginal sex first, or you could get a nasty infection. And finally, going to the bathroom after having sex can help lower your risk of UTIs by getting rid of anything in your urinary tract. And it gives you a chance to clean up before jumping back in for an intimate time.
Go for Regular Screenings and Checkups
To help keep from getting HPV-related cancer, you need to get checked often. To do this, cells are taken from your cervix. The cervix is the part of your vagina that leads to your womb. This should be done on every woman over 25 at least once every five years. If your HPV test shows that you have an HPV type that may also be associated with cervical cancer, then you do have that type. But with tests and treatments, you can lower your chances of developing HPV cancer.
Summary
You can improve your vaginal health by adopting some healthy habits. These include managing pH levels, eating certain foods such as probiotics, and getting a smear test every five years.
