Here’s how to properly care for your private parts

The vagina is home to billions of bacteria that can cause burning, itching, or odor (if the sensitive balance is disturbed). Up to half of women experience urinary tract infections, up to 75% experience itching at some point, and bacterial vaginosis (BV), which causes discharge with a fishy odor, is prevalent in nearly a third of women, although it may not have any symptoms.

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– The scientific evidence related to the importance of the vaginal microbiome is important in many ways. However, there are still some important questions that we have yet to find answers to – says fertility consultant Tracey Sainsbury.

Although the vagina is complex and easily misunderstood (just like its owner), there are some basic hygiene facts that all women should know…

The fragile vaginal microbiome

Photo: Dreamtime

Normal vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 5 – moderately acidic, which prevents overgrowth of unwanted bacteria and fungi.

– The vagina has specific lactobacilli that lower the pH and keep it healthy – says American gynecologist Jo Bailey.

When these microorganisms start to work, symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and itching can occur.

On the other hand, UTIs are often caused by E. coli, a bacterium that lives in the intestines and travels to the urethra when it passes through the stool.

– Women with a healthy vaginal microbiome don’t have as many urinary tract infections- says Dr. Bailey.

A healthy vaginal microbiome helps prevent unpleasant diseases.

What about hormones?

Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can affect the vaginal microbiome.

– Estrogen is very important for maintaining vaginal health- says Dr. Bailey.

However, during menopause, estrogen levels continue to decline.

– These changes increase the risk of atrophic vaginitis (thinning and dryness of the vaginal mucosa), bacterial vaginosis, and genitourinary symptoms in postmenopausal women. Bailey.

Estrogen changes also occur before menstruation.

– In some women, this can lead to changes in their microbiome. Dr. Bailey said some data suggests that women who take birth control pills have less hormonal fluctuations and may have fewer problems.

But the science isn’t over yet.

– For some people, the introduction of the birth control pill may be a good thing, boosting the flora and fauna in the microbiome, while for others it may cause a serious imbalance in the organisms,” Tracy said.

Possible complications

The study examined the vaginal composition of women with HPV, the cause of 99% of cervical cancer cases.

– The HPV virus is highly contagious and every woman who has sexual contact is exposed to it – says Dr. Bailey.

Photo: Dreamstime_/Illustration

But while the immune systems of most cancer patients clear it, it can still be present in others, posing a risk of cancerous transformation.

What’s going on with women who can’t get rid of it fast enough? Data from one study suggests they’re more likely to have an imbalanced vaginal microbiome, Dr. Bailey says.

Meanwhile, bacterial vaginosis has been linked to early miscarriage, postpartum infection, and premature birth. BV is also associated with an increased likelihood of infection leading to pelvic inflammatory disease.

Nursing Rules

– You must take care of the skin of your vulva and vagina, wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic underwear, and practice good overall hygiene – wipe from front to back when going to the toilet to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Bailey. The best way to clean your vulva (including your labia) is with warm water and at most a mild, unscented soap.

To clean between the vulva and anus, use the same back-and-forth motion. But doctors recommend not cleaning the vagina (inner canal) because it’s home to these important bacteria. sun.

– If you find your symptoms get worse after sex, using a water-based lubricant can help. If you have a new partner, use a condom, which can help prevent infection, Bailey concluded.