Maintaining vaginal well-being plays a crucial role in women’s overall health as vaginal issues impact fertility and can also lead to stress, relationship difficulties and a decline in self-confidence. The vagina is a sensitive aspect of the female reproductive system but occasionally, a woman may observe deviations from its typical functionality.
Types Of Vaginal Issues
Certain genital conditions such as sexually transmitted diseases affecting the vagina, are more severe than milder issues like yeast infections and some of the common problems are –
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is a general term that describes inflammation of the vagina. Typically, there is a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast. But when this natural equilibrium is disturbed, women can experience discomfort and an unusual odor.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs due to an overgrowth of bacteria. Maintaining the right balance is crucial for vaginal health, as BV can cause vaginal itching or discomfort, and a prominent fishy odor. Furthermore, BV can increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
STIs
STIs are a significant cause of vaginal issues. Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Genital herpes and Genital herpes can cause serious concerns such as genital discharge, bleeding, pain and lead to serious implication on one’s health and well-being.
Vaginal Dryness
Dryness can be brought on by harsh products used there, low estrogen levels, and stress. However, moisture deprivation during intercourse presents a matter of concern.
Preventive Measures For Vaginal Health
- Avoid tight clothes: Wearing too tight clothes or shapewears for a prolonged period of time can sometimes result into genital infections.
- Refrain from wearing damp swimwear and underpants for long: Swimsuits should not be worn for longer than is necessary as it keeps everything warm and moist, wearing a wet swimsuit will encourage the spread of yeast.
- Clean your vaginal area dry after every washroom use: Ensure you wipe your genital area dry after you use the washroom each time. To stop germs or yeast from spreading between your vagina, urinary tract, and anus after using the restroom, wipe from front to back.
- Keep your genital area clean: Cleanse your genital area with water and mild, unscented soap.
It’s not uncommon for women to encounter sporadic genital concerns, which can arise from changes in menstrual cycles or intimate encounters. However, it’s advisable to address and examine these concerns early on to prevent them from progressing into more severe problems or medical conditions.