Vaginal Health : What's really going on down there?

Our bodies are designed to keep themselves healthy. When we eat well, get enough exercises and sleep , and limit our alcohol intake, we're helping our bodies function at their best. So when our bodies function at their best. 

So when our bodies are about whack, we can usually tell. But , when it comes to vaginal health , it can be a little more mystifying.

So how can you really tell if your vagina is healthy ? 

Because the vagina is internal , we can't really look at it and assess its health. This means we have to rely on other signs to keep tabs on our vaginal health.

One big clue is discharge , which all vaginas produce.  What's tricky is that healthy discharge doesn't have one appearance , it changes throughout the menstrual cycle. It can range from clear and slippery to white and creamy during a normal cycle.

But discharge can also signal that something more is going on : it may have a strong odor or a different color or consistency that you're used it. 

See if something is wrong with my vagina : 

Pay attention to any abnormal changes in your vagina , itchiness  i.e. it is a sign that all is not right  - a healthy vagina should not be itchy.

Vaginal itching could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis , a yeast infection , or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) , vaginal pain, whether or not it occurs during sex , is never normal and should always be checked.

If you notice that your discharge is lumpy (like cottage cheese) , green , yellow, or another color, these can all be indications that something is going on.

Vaginal health tests : 

The vagina maintains a slightly acidic pH level in order to keep bacteria in check , and its pH doesn't usually change when you have a yeast infection , but the pH level is lower than it should be , it could be an indication that you are suffering from bacterial vaginosis or another kind of infection.

This isn't the always the case, however , as the presence of semen or blood , and the hormonal changes of menopause can all affect vaginal pH levels , so it's always good to get clinical confirmation.

Yeast Infections :

Yeast infection have come up a few times already , but it's because they're one of the most common vaginal health issues.

Most women about 75 percent will have a yeast infection at some point in their life. Most women are familiar with the symptoms : vaginal itching and discomfort , cottage cheese like discharge , and pain during sex or urination. But yeast infection does not always  manifest  these exact symptoms. This can sometimes leads to misdiagnosis when self treating. 

If you experience multiple recurrent yeast infection a year speak to your doctor.

How to keep vagina Healthy :

• Don't douche : it can upset the normal pH balance of your vagina. There's also no need as vaginas are self cleaning.
• Wear cotton underwear : synthetic fabrics don't breathe well and air will help your vagina maintain its balance.
• Avoid wearing very tight pants.
• Wipe front to back 
• Use condoms during sex.
• Change out of wet clothes or bathing suits as soon as possible.

Basic hygiene and self care are typically enough to keep your vagina healthy on a day to day basis.