The genital area has its own flora, but what are we doing to protect it? Or are we exaggerating hygiene? For the answers to these questions, let's first look at what 'vaginal flora' means.
Vaginal flora
The vagina is an organ that contains a certain amount of microorganisms and is able to keep it in balance. Unless there is an outside intervention.
The environment of the vagina is pH: 4.5 and acidic. What does this mean; The vagina protects itself against the external environment and does not allow harmful microorganisms to live. It is normal to have a certain level of discharge in the vagina (physiological discharge) due to hormonal reasons. If everything is in balance, the color or odor of this discharge is not expected.
In this case, which we call 'physiological discharge', its consistency may change from time to time, but there is absolutely no disturbing odor or color change. It also does not cause itching. However, if there is an external intervention (such as a vaginal bathing), changes in the immune system, malnutrition or poor hygiene, the balance will be disrupted and complaints will begin.
How should genital area hygiene be done?
- Choosing the right laundry is very important in the first place. Definitely cotton clothes should be preferred.
- The hair of the genital area should be kept as short as possible and trimmed. When prolonged, it will cause sweating and odor.
- No soap should be used on this area. Since the vaginal pH is acidic, these soaps change the balance by disrupting the pH.
- Genital area-specific washing gels can be used for cleaning the external genital area. However, it should not be administered intravaginally.
Keep the genital area away from moist environments!
For the health of the vaginal flora, any behavior that will keep this area moist should be avoided. In order not to have a humid environment; After the shower and toilet, the genital area should be dried, and after swimming in the pool or the sea, a long time should not be spent in wet swimwear. The hair dryer can be used from time to time without the effect of heat to keep the genital area dry.
Washing inside of the vagina is the biggest mistake to make!
Water can be used for cleaning the external genitalia. However, washing the inside of the vagina with water or even using soap or gel damages the vaginal flora. Because the vagina can maintain its balance within itself without the need for help. So what can we do to contribute to this balance?
- If we use tampons, they must be changed at regular intervals.
- After sexual intercourse, the inside of the vagina should not be washed, only the outside can be cleaned with water.
- Nutrition is very important in genital area health.
Good nutrition for genital area health
Our immune system, that is, our immunity, is very important for the vaginal flora. The biggest factor that supports our immunity is nutrition. Natural nutrition, especially natural probiotics (yogurt, kefir, etc.) is very healthy for the vaginal flora. A carbohydrate-heavy diet is the worst diet for vaginal flora. Instead, foods rich in protein, vegetables and fruits should be consumed.
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