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June 19, 2020

Vaginal Health

Vaginal health is a topic that often takes a back seat, mostly discussed in hushed tones or when a troubling symptom arises like dryness, itching, soreness, or unpleasant odor. However, it’s high time we shift the narrative around our vaginas, embracing them not as taboo but as an integral aspect of our femininity deserving earnest discussion and care.

As Cameron Diaz once wisely put it, treating it like the “beautiful delicate flower that it is” and nurturing it adequately is crucial for every woman. Paying a bit of attention, your vagina can remain clean, fit, and robust.

Cleaning Routine

Vaginal Health

The market is flooded with products asserting to be the elixir for keeping your vagina clean. Yet, nothing surpasses the simplicity and effectiveness of water.

Your vagina is a self-cleaning marvel with a delicate ecosystem. The onslaught of chemical wipes, soapy solutions, and vaginal cleansers can upset this natural harmony, paving the way for infections. Fancy products are not the solution here.

If more thorough cleaning tickles your fancy, opt for a gentle soap for the external area, like the original dove white bar or sensitive dove white bar soap. Changing your underwear more frequently, using hypoallergenic baby wipes, and avoiding douches are other measures to uphold cleanliness.

Changes like switching to cotton underwear, double laundering your undergarments, employing a mild detergent, and reducing the daily use of thongs can significantly impact your comfort and cleanliness.

Pubic Hair Removal

Waxing or shaving the pubic area is commonplace, with a whopping 84% of women engaging in some form of pubic hair removal. However, contrary to the popular belief held by 59% that it’s unhygienic, pubic hair serves crucial functions like wicking away moisture, reducing friction, and shielding against bacteria and other potentially harmful pathogens.

The process of pubic hair removal can be safe, provided caution is the watchword:

• Prior Before waxing or shaving, clean the area with bar soap and water or hypoallergenic baby wipes.

• Waxing demands care as it can lead to burns or skin damage.

• Post-waxing, monitor for in-grown hairs, as they can be painful and lead to infections if neglected.

• When shaving or trimming, be vigilant against cuts and scrapes, which can easily morph into painful, infected conditions. For instance, cuts on clitoris or surrounding areas can be particularly troublesome.

A vigilant eye on how your vagina looks and feels post-hair removal is essential. Reach out to your gynecologist when in doubt.

Exercising

Including pelvic floor muscles in our regular workout routine is rare, yet it’s about time we did! Kegel exercises are a boon for bladder incontinence, bowel control, enhancing vaginal lubrication, and boosting sexual arousal.

Starting with identifying your pelvic floor muscles (the ones halting urine mid-flow), you can move on to exercises like holding the muscle contraction for a few seconds with an empty bladder or practicing tightening around a clean finger inserted into the vagina.

For a wide variety of exercises and more details on locating pelvic floor muscles, Healthline.com is a valuable resource.

Looking for a wider variety of exercises? For more information on Kegel exercises and how to locate your pelvic floor muscles, check out Healthline.com.

Preventing Disease

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a menacing threat to vaginal health. Gynecologists stand united in recommending condoms during sexual activity as a simple yet potent shield against STDs. Remarkably, condoms not only ward off diseases but also maintain a constant pH level in the vagina during intercourse, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that forestall UTIs, yeast infections, and harmful bacterial growth.

Regular gynecologist visits are a staple in this health journey. Though the annual appointment might seem daunting, it’s a vital part of your wellness regimen.

Conclusion

Vaginal health is not a clandestine topic to shy away from but a vital aspect of women’s health, demanding awareness, understanding, and daily care. Engaging in discussions, practicing good hygiene, exercising caution during pubic hair removal to avoid cuts on the clitoris, and regular check-ups are pathways to ensuring the well-being of your vaginal health.

Contact us at MiBella Wellness Center at 205-995-1009 or email us at info@mibellawellness.com to embark on a journey towards embracing and caring for your vaginal health TODAY!