Vaginal health is often a topic that's overlooked or avoided in conversations about health and well-being. However, it’s an essential part of any woman's general health and can greatly impact your quality of life.
In this article, we’ll shed some light on the importance of vaginal health and provide 10 simple steps you can take to support and maintain it.
What Is Vaginal Health?
Vaginal health refers to the general well-being of the vagina, the muscular canal that extends from the outside of the vulva to the neck of the uterus.
A healthy vagina is characterized by a balanced environment, including an appropriate pH level, the presence of good bacteria, and the absence of harmful bacteria, infections, or irritation. This balance comes naturally, but it can be easily disturbed by poor hygiene or other factors.
Why Is Vaginal Health Important?
The vagina is a delicate and sensitive organ, so it's important to take good care of it. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the top benefits of having a healthy vagina.
Minimizes Infections
The vagina is home to millions of bacteria and fungi. Some of these bacteria are good for your health, while others can cause infections. A healthy vagina can help keep the balance of these bacteria and fungi in check, reducing the risk of infections.
Keeps Urinary Issues at Bay
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. While UTIs can happen to anyone, women are more prone to them. Poor vaginal health can increase the risk of UTIs, while practicing proper vaginal hygiene, such as wiping from front to back and staying hydrated, can help prevent them.
Supports Sexual Pleasure
Good vaginal health can make sex more enjoyable for you and your partner. When the vagina is healthy, it’s more flexible, lubricated, and elastic, allowing for comfortable and pleasurable sexual intercourse. Moreover, a healthy vagina can be more sensitive, potentially leading to a more satisfying sexual experience.
Promotes Fertility
A healthy vagina is essential for conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy. A healthy vagina is typically more resistant to infections and can produce fertile cervical mucus that helps sperm travel more easily. Plus, a healthy vaginal pH can help support sperm and get them where they need to go.
Supports Overall Quality of Life
Vaginal health is directly linked to overall well-being, both physically and emotionally. A healthy vagina allows for better sleep, less stress, and improved self-confidence due to its effect on fertility, sexual pleasure.
How Can You Support Your Vaginal Health?
Now that you’re aware of the importance of vaginal health, let’s look at some steps you can take to improve and maintain it.
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is the key to keeping your vagina healthy. This includes washing it with warm water, wiping from front to back after going to the bathroom, removing old tampons, and changing out of wet swimsuits or sweaty gym clothes as soon as possible.
Additionally, avoid using feminine hygiene products like douches or sprays, as these can disrupt the natural pH balance. Instead, opt for pH-balancing formulas like our pH Balancing Cleanser™.
2. Wear Breathable Underwear
Choose underwear made of cotton or other breathable fabrics as opposed to synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. This allows for airflow and can help keep the area dry.
It's also a good idea to change underwear at least once a day and avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing, which can trap moisture and promote the growth of bacteria. When bacteria runs rampant, uncomfortable infections are more likely to make an appearance.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is important for overall health and can help support the vagina’s natural defenses. Eating a balanced diet can help promote good bacterial balance, as well as provide essential vitamins and minerals for optimal vaginal health.
To ensure you're giving your vagina the nutrients it needs to thrive, reach for these foods:
- Fresh fruits and veggies
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Beans
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Eggs
4. Take Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help maintain the balance of good bacteria in your vagina. A balanced microbiome is essential for a healthy vagina, as it can help protect against infections and maintain vaginal pH balance. While you can get probiotics from certain foods (think fermented foods like yogurt or kimchi), you can also get them via supplements.
Not sure where to find one? Check out Good Girl Probiotics® — our shelf-stable probiotic that supports balanced vaginal pH, a balanced microbiome, and urinary tract health.*
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for vaginal health. Drinking enough water can help to flush out toxins, maintain a healthy pH balance, and keep the mucous membranes lubricated.
The recommended daily intake of water is eight to ten glasses, although this can vary depending on your activity levels and individual needs.
6. Avoid Unprotected Sex
Always use protection during sex, as this is one of the best ways to avoid infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Choosing to use condoms, dams, or other safe-sex methods is important for vaginal health and overall sexual wellness.
7. Consider Kegel Exercises
Kegels are a great way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can help support bladder control and increase sexual pleasure. To do a Kegel, tighten the muscles you use to stop urinating and hold for five seconds, then release. Aim to do at least three sets of 10 reps every day.
8. Support Your Gut
Did you know that your gut microbiome can actually affect your vaginal health? Essentially, the gut microbiome can influence hormone levels in the body, including estrogen. Estrogen helps support vaginal lubrication, thickness, and elasticity, which means it plays a big role in fertility and pleasure.
Want to support your gut? Try our Gut Feelings Probiotics®. This blend of probiotics is designed to support digestion, immunity, and overall gut health.
9. Exercise
Regular exercise is great for overall health, including vaginal health. Not only can it help with weight management, it can also support circulation and help maintain healthy hormone levels.
Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week to support the health of your vagina.
10. Get Regular Checkups
Last but not least, be sure to get regular gynecological checkups. Gynecologists are experts in keeping your vagina healthy, and they can help diagnose any issues you may be having. They can also provide advice on how to maintain good vaginal health, so make sure you stay up-to-date with regular visits.
The Bottom Line
Vaginal health is vital to a woman's overall well-being and should not be overlooked or neglected. By following these 10 simple steps, you can promote a healthy vaginal environment and support your overall health and wellness.
Remember, taking care of your vagina is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. It's never too late to start implementing these health-promoting habits.
At Love Wellness, we create women’s wellness products for every body. That’s why our supplements are made with safer, more effective ingredients to help you feel your best.
Sources:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
Probiotics: What is it, Benefits, Side Effects, Food & Types | Cleveland Clinic
Water | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Female reproductive dysfunctions and the gut microbiota | Journal of Molecular Endocrinology