Intimate conditions: what to look out for and why
Intimate health affects all women, but the subject still isn’t raised enough. Always remember you are not alone and your intimate health isn’t something you should feel embarrassed about. Most vaginal conditions such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are easy to resolve whilst can cause discomfort if left untreated. That’s why it’s always best take special care of your intimate parts, and seek medical advice whenever you just feel something isn’t right.
The reason why it’s best to take extra care of your intimate areas is that your vagina is a highly susceptible environment for microbes to develop. The pH of your vagina is different from the pH of the rest of your body, so even using a harsh soap can disturb the pH level. Then there’s you period, when poor hygiene can lead to bacterial development. Also, some bacteria can be transmitted during sex.
Intimate Infections can start with itching between your legs or an unusual, often smelly discharge. If you notice these symptoms, remember it’s never a good idea to keep quiet about it and hope it will just go away. Don’t stress as these conditions are common and usually easily treatable, but it’s always advisable to seek help from your GP when you notice anything unusual for the first time.
If you don’t know your body well, you might struggle to notice if your vaginal discharge has changed. You might even think that typical discharge alone is already a sign of infection. However, typical (clear or white) discharge is a normal sign which indicates that your vagina is healthy. Your body produces discharge so that your vagina can clean and lubricate itself. However, smelly discharge that changes color might indicate that you have an infection.
Causes and triggers of vaginal infections
Why you need to take control of your vaginal health
There might be many physical and psychological consequences of not treating vaginal infections. Many women find their psychological well-being suffers, as well as their relationship. Moreover, untreated intimate infections can also have an impact on your general health. So, don’t put up with a ‘’wait and see” approach, but take action so you can get back to feeling like your normal self sooner.
How can you prevent the infections from happening?
There are simple ways that may help to prevent intimate infections from happening or reoccurring. Regular and proper hygiene of your intimate parts can keep your good bacteria in check. You should wash every day with mild, non-scented soap. Some products, such as Canesfresh Daily Foaming Wash are actually developed specifically for your intimate area. They help to maintain your natural pH balance while gently, but effectively cleansing. After washing yourself you should remember to dry your intimate parts thoroughly.
Another way of help avoiding infections is to wear loose, absorbent clothing and cotton lined underpants. This type of clothing will help air to circulate and will help keep your genital area dry.
You should also remember about hygiene when having sex. Make sure that you empty your bladder after having sex. Taking this precaution will help to remove any bacteria that might have spread into your urethra (the tube that connects your bladder to just above your vaginal opening) in order to help prevent cystitis.
Other things to remember if you want to avoid vaginal infections include:
It is very important to take special care of your vaginal area. Using normal soaps and shower gels or overwashing could lead to pH imbalance which in turn can lead to infections. Canesten offers a range of products that can help you care of your intimate hygiene leaving you feeling clean and fresh.
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