WAYS TO KEEP THE VAGINAL HEALTHY

   The vaginal requires care and maintenance like most parts of the body.  And as we have established in the previous post, the vaginal health is crucial to the overall wellbeing of a woman. So rather than neglecting it, ladies should endeavor to give it care and attention.
   Generally, good vaginal health is maintained by making sure you're in good general health, and this includes maintaining a healthy diet and  regular exercise,because normal exercise helps maintain good vaginal function.
   Here are some helpful tips that helps in maintaining a healthy vaginal.

1. MAINTAIN PH BALANCE WITHOUT DOUCHING
   The vaginal pH matters, A healthy vaginal is one which is slightly acidic (between 3.5 and 4.5) in nature and has high amounts of useful bacteria which keeps a normal PH level and fight infections. The vaginal dispenses a healthy amount of discharge that keep off dead cells and unwanted bacteria keeping the vaginal safe and infection free. It also lubricate the vaginal and prevent dryness. Any impedance with these typical conditions can lead to vaginal disturbance or infection. Since the vaginal is so delicate simple things like your period or sex can set it off balance. A douche will only cover up the smell without curing the problem that's causing it.

2. WASH WITH WATER (SOAP FREE ZONE )
   The vaginal does not need to be cleaned out with soap. WASH WITH WATER ONLY. Don’t use harsh cleansers on the vulva or inside the vaginal, as these can influence the pH balance of the vaginal and cause irritation. The vaginal will clean itself inside the body with natural vaginal discharge. Although there are feminine washes available but they are not necessary and they should never be used inside the vaginal, they are for extenal uses only. Water will do just fine. During period it is advisable to wash more than once a day.

3. SAFE SEX
    Protect your vaginal against infections and STDs ,such as genital warts,genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia by always using a condom each time you have sex. This is because,  some bacteria and viruses can get into the vagina during sex.

4. AVOID VAGINAL DEODORANTS AND PERFUME.
  The vaginal is not supposed to smell like roses, so panty perfumes like scented spray and washes, deodorizing wipes, scented dryer sheets and deodorants are not necessary because, they can distrupt the vaginal's healthy balance and cause irritation which can result in infection. Masking an odor problem won't get to the cause of the problem which is unbalanced pH.

5 DITCH TIGHT UNDERWEARS
The vaginal needs to breathe! Tight spandex underwear and thongs can also trap bacteria causing infection and irritation. Always wear cotton underwear they are breathable and the vaginal needs all the air it can  get.

6. CHANGE PADS AND TAMPONS REGULARLY
   Change your pads and tampons every few hours to keep things in good shape down there. Of course,  there is the threat of Toxic Shock Syndrome,but not changing enough can cause other vaginal issues.  The pH of blood is higher than healthy vaginal pH and it will definitely cause an imbalance,  so it is not advisable to let it stay longer.

7. MAINTAIN  HEALTHY EATING HABITS.
   Your diet affect your vaginal health. Avoid junky food. Cranberry juice and yogurt can possibly help avoid yeast infection or bacterial infection and shock.

8. VISIT A GYNECOLOGIST
   A visit to the gynecologist at least once a year to make sure everything is okay, is a very important part of your vaginal health. This will ensure you are clear of infections and STDs. Cervical screening is needed for early identification of changes in the cervix to prevent cervical cancer.