Vagina Health Myths You Should Avoid

Every thing you learn, see on TV, or hear from your loved ones or mates isn’t essentially true–particularly relating to your well being. It’s (most likely) not that anybody is attempting to deliberately mislead you, however there are many opinions on the market, and each physique is completely different. Of all of the well being misinformation and confusion on the market, there’s most likely probably the most debate and confusion over the care and preserving of the vagina (beginning with the identify–we use the vagina to explain all the pieces down there, however anatomically talking, the vagina is simply the beginning canal. The vulva encompasses the clitoris, internal lips, and all the pieces exterior, AKA the half you’re most likely tending to most frequently). 

So to resolve what folks with vaginas must learn about vaginal (and vulvar!) well being and bust frequent myths, we turned to 2 medical doctors to clarify the issues chances are you’ll be doing in case you have a vulva, however that you simply actually, actually shouldn’t be.

1. Utilizing too many merchandise

Should you’re utilizing plenty of merchandise in an try to scrub your self down there, you would possibly really not be serving to as a lot as you’d suppose. “Douches, sprays, and deodorants are frequent, however usually these are pointless,” defined Dr. Lauren Demosthenes, MD, an OB-GYN and the senior medical director with Babyscripts. “The exceptional human physique has its personal cleaning mechanism and at puberty, the hormone modifications trigger the vagina to start producing discharge. That is often clear to white and the consistency varies all through the cycle.”

In different phrases: the vulva is definitely designed to scrub itself. “Douching and cleaning of the vagina usually are not crucial and may interrupt regular vaginal well being, really rising the possibility of actual infections,” Demosthenes added. So it actually could also be greatest to keep away from including in any further merchandise—you would possibly in any other case find yourself with precisely what you’re attempting to keep away from. As an alternative, Dr. Kelly Treder, MD, MPH, an teacher of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston College College of Medication and Boston Medical Heart, stated that you must merely wash with heat water, avoiding any soaps that embrace dyes or fragrances.

2. Ignoring itching, odor, or discharge

Although some discharge is regular, if you happen to’re coping with extra of it than common or it’s in any other case modified (in coloration, odor, or the rest), that’s one signal that you could be must have a chat together with your healthcare supplier. Discharge, itching, and odor may very well be telling you that one thing is amiss. “These might be indicators of a sexually transmitted an infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a yeast an infection,” Treder stated.

Any irregular modifications must be addressed instantly, so don’t delay that dialog together with your doc. “For individuals who have frequent itching, odor or discharge—keep away from perfumes, dyes, and fragrances in your laundry detergents (wash your underwear individually if you happen to like to make use of a fragranced detergent for the remainder of your clothes); put on cotton solely underwear; skip underwear at night time and provides the vagina an opportunity to breathe,” Treder suggested.

3. Not understanding what’s regular and what’s not

Understanding what’s regular for you is essential for therefore many health-related issues. Whereas some developments would possibly set off rapid alarm bells for you, different modifications may be issues that you simply simply brush off. Loads of issues about your physique which may fear you might be completely regular, so that you don’t essentially must panic about something you suppose is off or completely different, however understanding your physique and listening to your physique is your strongest software to staying wholesome.

“Educate your self and really have a look at your genitalia with a mirror,” Demosthenes advised. “A well being care supplier may help educate about how to do that so to be extra attuned to modifications that may be of concern. A raised bump, itching, bleeding, and coloration modifications are simply a number of the issues that you could grow to be conscious of. A few of the worrisome issues that may happen within the vulva and vagina are infections, pre-cancers, cancers, and painful cysts—so we don’t need girls to disregard signs which may require therapy and care.” Loads of issues about your physique which may fear you might be completely regular, however telling your physician about modifications and having an concept of what’s regular for you’ll be able to allow you to deal with any potential issues as quickly as attainable.

4. Choosing over-the-counter remedies over seeing your doc

Over-the-counter remedies may be tempting (they’re simpler to get your arms on and don’t require you to slot in time for an appointment), however they’re not all the time one of the simplest ways to go. “Whereas some folks know after they have a yeast an infection and have over-the-counter remedies which have labored effectively for them, generally vaginal itching or discharge may very well be an indication of one thing else like a sexually transmitted an infection or bacterial vaginosis,” Treder defined.

“These aren’t handled with over-the-counter drugs and require testing and a prescription from a supplier. Should you do select to make use of an over-the-counter therapy, schedule an appointment together with your gynecologist in case your signs don’t go away or come again.” Since chances are you’ll or could not know for certain what’s inflicting your signs or discomfort, getting knowledgeable opinion can get you on the trail to feeling higher sooner reasonably than later.

5. Not asking questions when crucial

Although there’s quite a bit you realize about your physique, there’s additionally most likely a lot you don’t know. Your healthcare suppliers are there that can assist you navigate all issues health-related. Ask loads of questions if there’s one thing you’re not sure about or simply need to higher perceive. It’s your responsibility to hearken to and educate your self in your physique, so ask questions if you’re not sure. “The vulva and vagina are available all styles and sizes with various levels of odor and discharge,” Demosthenes stated. “Understanding and embracing your regular is essential. The second backside line is to grow to be educated and ask questions when modified do happen.”

As Treder identified, your vulvar well being can influence extra than simply your vulva—it issues for emotional, sexual, and general bodily well being as effectively. So checking in together with your supplier, citing something and all the pieces that might point out one thing’s occurring, and asking questions when you could may help you keep as wholesome as attainable.

Please seek the advice of a health care provider earlier than starting any remedies. At all times search the recommendation of your doctor or different certified well being supplier with any questions you will have relating to a medical or psychological well being situation. By no means disregard skilled medical recommendation or delay in in search of it due to one thing you’ve got learn on this article.