Vaginal infections can be very uncomfortable and can bring your quality of life down considerably. Many women experience this in their lifetime but there are certain things you can do to prevent an infection.
It is very important to practice good hygiene to improve your vaginal health.
You should never use harsh soaps or douches to wash the area. You should also stay away from scented products. What happens when you use such products is that your vaginal pH balance gets disrupted and there can be irritation. Instead, you can use gentle unscented soap and warm water. When you use the toilet, make sure that you wipe front to back. This will prevent the transference of bacteria from anus to the vagina and the surrounding area. To get a better understanding of your vaginal microbiome, you can get checked up by NutriPATH. They have vaginal bacteria & infection microbiome tests that you can undertake to identify imbalances. These findings will help your primary healthcare provider devise a treatment plan according to your requirements. Menstrual hygiene should be considered as well. You have to look at manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to the recommended durations to wear pads, menstrual cups, tampons etc. You need to change them regularly so that risk of infection is prevented. Using these products for a long time can trap moisture leading to a favourable environment for bacterial growth.
You have to be careful about the clothes you wear as well.
It is important to wear breathable underwear so that air circulation is promoted. Underwear that is made of non-breathable fabrics can lead to moisture buildup which can create a favourable environment for harmful yeast or bacteria. Therefore, you should choose natural fabric such as cotton for underwear. Also, stay away from tight underwear that can trap heat and moisture. You should have a good understanding of safe sex practices as well. Barrier methods of contraception such as condoms can help protect you. To prevent the risk of vaginal infections, you can reduce the number of sexual partners. And you can schedule regular STI screenings for you and your partner. There has to be clear and honest dialogue between you and your partner when it comes to sexual health.
There are certain products that can cause irritation to the vaginal tissues.
Some examples of these products are scented tampons, toilet paper and pads. You may have seen intimate sprays, perfumes and powders on the market but these can cause a lot of irritation and increase your risk of infections. When using menstrual products, you need to use hypoallergenic and unscented options. Your diet also has an impact on vaginal health. You should have a balanced diet that contains lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains so that you don’t miss out on any essential nutrients. These nutrients are responsible for strengthening your immune system and maintaining a healthy environment in the vagina. There are certain food items that can contribute to overgrowth of yeast such as refined starch and sugary food. Make sure you are hydrated throughout the day as well.
