Education
Self-care has never been easier with WAPology. Through our line of sexual health and wellness products, you’ll feel refreshed, renewed, and clean, but you might still have questions about your body. As educators and champions of women’s health, we put together this guide to some of your more intimate questions. Read on to learn more, or contact us directly if you have any specific questions!
What Are the Most Common Vaginal Health Issues?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal issue for women (and those assigned as female at birth) from the age of puberty to the postmenopausal years. Symptoms of BV include an abnormal vaginal discharge and a fishy odor that is worse after sex. Some individuals also experience vaginal irritation or mild itching. BV can be an embarrassing issue, especially for those who suffer from recurring symptoms.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an Unhealthy Vagina?
Changes in the amount, consistency, and odor of vaginal discharge are possible signs of an unhealthy vagina. In addition, burning with urination, spotting, bleeding after sex, painful sex, or changes in your menstrual cycle can also suggest that there is a problem.
What Can I Do To Keep My Vagina Healthy?
The first step to maintaining a healthy vagina is awareness. Understanding your vagina is your best defense. Proper hygiene is the next step in maintaining the health of your vagina. This includes washing properly, using either only water or a mild pH-balanced cleanser, and avoiding harmful practices such as douching.
How Often Should I Get a Checkup for My Vaginal Health?
Typically, you should meet with your healthcare provider on a yearly basis for a wellness checkup. However, if you have multiple sexual partners or recurring vaginal issues, you should see your provider more frequently.
Are There Any Products That Can Help Improve My Vaginal Health?
Using a pH-balanced cleanser and a probiotic are two ways to both improve and maintain your vaginal health.
Is There a Way To Treat and Prevent Vaginal Infections?
The best treatment is prevention. Proper hygiene, limiting the number of sexual partners, following safe sex practices, and having regular wellness checkups are your first steps in preventing vaginal infections. In addition, eating a healthy diet, avoiding excess sugars and processed foods, taking probiotics, avoiding the overuse of antibiotics, properly cleaning intimate toys, and avoiding douching or the use of trendy new vaginal products, which are unnecessary and possibly harmful.
Depending on the vaginal infection, it may be necessary to be treated by your health care provider. Please seek guidance from your provider if you are experiencing new symptoms, especially if you have participated in unprotected sex. Some infections such as yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications. There are also many natural treatments that may help to clear vaginal infections related to pH changes or disruption of your normal vaginal flora.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Contracting a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
The best way to reduce your risk of contracting an STI is to follow safe sex practices such as using condoms, washing before and after sex, getting tested regularly, and avoiding sex with individuals who have visible genital sores, rashes, or discharge.
What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Developing a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
Proper hygiene, limiting the number of sexual partners, following safe sex practices, and having regular wellness checkups are your first steps in reducing your risk of developing vaginal infections. In addition, eating a healthy diet, avoiding excess sugars and processed foods, taking probiotics, avoiding the overuse of antibiotics, properly cleaning intimate toys, and avoiding douching or the use of trendy new vaginal products, which are unnecessary and possibly harmful.
Can I Use Lubricants To Help Keep My Vagina Healthy?
Lubricants aren’t necessary for a healthy vagina but may be necessary if you suffer from dryness. If needed, water-based and natural oil-based lubricants are the safest.
What Foods Should I Eat To Promote Good Vaginal Health?
A healthy balanced diet, limited in processed foods and excess sugars is best. You should also make sure to include certain foods which can aid in maintaining vaginal health.
Green leafy vegetables enhance circulation, which can increase sex drive and improve vaginal dryness. They also contain chlorophyll, which is a natural deodorizer.
Avocados are rich in healthy fats, Vitamin B6, and potassium, which enhance vaginal lubrication and can even strengthen the vaginal walls.
Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids are not only heart healthy but also help with blood flow, which aids in decreasing vaginal dryness and can improve sex drive.
Foods high in antioxidants, like berries, both improve blood flow and enhance fertility.
Foods high in beta carotene and Vitamin A, like sweet potatoes, can help prevent bacterial vaginosis.
Phytoestrogens like soy and flax can help with vaginal dryness in women with low estrogen levels.
Foods high in good bacteria such as yogurt, help prevent vaginal and urinary infections and can balance pH levels.
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The secret to taking control of your health is to stay educated. WAPology University is here to help you do just that. Check out some of our upcoming live events, follow us on social media, or attend a conference to make the most of your newly found knowledge of vaginal health!