What Women Should Know

Not every woman knows much about their vaginal health, despite its importance. In this article, we`ll discuss vaginal health and other vital women issues. The vagina should have an acidic pH, be naturally lubricated, and contain a number of helpful bacteria to ward off infections. Did you know that healthy vaginas secrete a relatively small amount of discharge? Absolutely! The amounts of discharge vary among women, however, it`s okay for it to happen daily, and in small quantities. Vaginal discharge is simply the shedding of vaginal and cervical cells. When women experience discomfort, a burning sensation, changes in vaginal odor and color, or itching in the vulva, then they may need to see a doctor.

6 Health Measures Every Woman Should Take

Don`t Douche

So add douching to your list of unhealthy practices. Some women can be hygiene freaks, I know; however, realizing that the vagina is self-cleaning will do you some good and help you overcome the hygiene obsession. Douching tampers with the natural environment of the vagina, reduces its acidity, and results in yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. You only need to clean the outer vagina and exterior folds. If you must use a cleanser or soap, use one that has little perfume, and keep it away from the interior of the vagina.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Women are advised to eat healthy meals because it is essential for their general health and their vaginal health in particular. Healthy foods that are great for the muscles, heart, and brain are also good for the vagina. Healthy carbohydrates, good fats, fruits, and vegetables will give you some health benefits. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar as they may increase your risk of having yeast infections. Try drinking lots of fluids too. Yogurt is particularly great for preventing and treating infections because it is rich in probiotics. You may also have some cranberry supplements, as it is great for women`s health.

Run Periodic Tests

You should have your pelvic examined from time to time. In fact, from age 21, every woman should have begun this examination. This way, their gynecologist can observe likely changes in their vaginal cells. Such changes may be indicators of the onset of cancer or other diseases that could harm the vagina or other parts of the reproductive system. Such medical visits also serve as a good time to check for STDs and discuss fertility issues, contraceptives, other reproductive health issues.

Treat Infections Early

Vaginal infections are of various types, however, some are more common than others. Yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis are the most common of them. While yeast infection is fungal, bacterial vaginosis occurs as a result of an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, and trichomoniasis is a parasite-caused sexually transmitted infection. The earlier one treats these infections, the better for her, as they could deteriorate into more harmful conditions.

Use Lubricant

It is only normal for the skin of the labia to get irritated without lubrication. Women who don`t produce an adequate amount of natural lubricant may need some artificial lubricant to prevent their vagina from getting chafed. On the flip side, women who are trying to conceive are advised to stick to lubricants that are pH-balanced: oil-based, water-based, or silicone-based to avoid interference with the sperm. Women who practice safe sex should note that oil-based lubricants may break down the latex in condoms. By all means, avoid using petroleum jelly or baby oil inside the vagina because they may cause infections and inflammation.

Practice Safe Sex

Women are advised to stick to one sexual partner that they trust, and practice safe sex if they don`t trust their partner. Sexual relations with multiple partners come with health risks such as STDs that may damage the reproductive organs and eventually result in infertility. Sexual partners are advised to practice safe sex until they are sure of their STD status, among other tests, and can ascertain to maintain sexual relations between each other alone.

Some Sex and Vaginal Health Facts

• Male orgasms would usually last six seconds, while females may orgasm may last up to 20 seconds.
• Women are advised to avoid penetrative sex for about six weeks after childbirth.
• It is possible for women to contract HPV but never know for many years.
• About 9 out of 10 cases of HPV get cured on their own within two years.
• There are strains of HPV that can cause cervical cancer or genital warts.
• After abstinence, IUDs and implants are the most effective forms of reversible birth control.
• Implants and IUDs don`t protect against any STDs.
• Some people have yeast infections from drinking a lot of alcohol, sitting in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout underwear, or eating a ton of sugar.
• Regular antibiotics intake can kill the good bacteria in your vagina and cause an imbalance that makes the vagina hospitable to fungus. Eating yogurt with live cultures in it may help restore that balance.
• A vaginal “fart,” also called a “vart” or “queef” is odorless.
• Each vagina has its unique smell which depends on a variety of factors such as diet, level of hygiene, its bacteria content, how much a woman sweats, gland secretions, and the types of fabric a woman wears.
• The first two inches of the vagina has the highest amounts of nerve endings and is the most pleasure receptive.
• The acid/base balance of the vagina is around 4, which is the same pH as tomatoes, wine, and beer.
• Vaginal infections, soap, douching, and exposure to semen change the pH of the vagina.
• Sperm contains proteins that have the same anti-wrinkle effect as moisturizers
• The part of the brain associated with fear shuts off when a woman orgasms.
• Meditation enhances arousal and increases the chances of having orgasms.
• Good sex triggers the region of the brain that’s linked to falling in love.
• Sex increases immunity to pain because orgasms trigger the hormones needed to increase the pain threshold.
• Sex could cure headaches, among other health benefits.
• Approximately one in 7,000 female babies are born without a vagina. This condition is called vaginal agenesis.
• Researchers believe that pubic hair might have evolved to become a means of trapping pheromones or as a type of sexual ornament.
• Anna Swann`s vagina was 7 feet and 5 inches tall and weighed 350 pounds. She gave birth to a 23-pound baby with a 19-inch head. She had the largest vagina.
• A menstruating vagina may smell like iron, while one with an overgrowth of yeast may smell like bread.
• A vagina may smell faintly like bleach after intercourse due to the presence of semen has a smell of its own.
• People who have sex at least thrice a week may look 5-7 years younger than those who don`t.
• It may be difficult to urinate immediately after sex because an anti-diuretic hormone gets released when you orgasm
• Masturbation reduces the risk of having diabetes and insomnia.
• An overgrowth of bacteria may make the vagina may smell like fish.
• Some women orgasm in four minutes through masturbation, while they may take up to 20 minutes during intercourse.
• Some women orgasm faster through nipple stimulation.
• To stimulate the clitoris, you should rub it gently with the tongue, fingers, or palm.
• The average heart beats 140 beats per minute during orgasm.