Vaginal health is a component of women’s health, but more myths circulated over the years. Such creates confusion and unfounded worries. With our best patient care commitments, Dr. Avhad Hospital is here to help dispel such myths using clear factual information based on science and medical knowledge.
Myth 1: The vagina should be cleaned using soap or douches.
Fact: Vagina is a self-cleansing organ; one doesn’t need soaps, douches, or fragrant lotions to keep it clean. Using any of these can throw off the delicately balanced bacteria and throw off the pH levels, causing irritation or even infections such as yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. The vulva can be kept clean simply by washing it with warm water.
Myth 2: Vaginal odors are a sign of poor hygiene.
Fact: A slight odor in the vagina is normal; however, the odor does differ during times of the month, diet, and exercise. Strong or unpleasant smell could be related to an infection or an overbalance of normal vaginal flora- such as having a bacterial infection or yeast infection. Any symptom paired with such an odor would call for visiting a doctor.
Myth 3: Wearing tight undergarments or pantyhose causes infections.
Fact: However, they may contribute to additional moisture or heat inside tight clothing constructed from synthetics in that area, which translates to additional irritation inside your vagina, and is not typically associated with illness per se. Unless changed within proper time extensions, tight underwear is more likely to have certain issues like Yeast infection as the environment is set up to thrive on fungal overgrowth or due to bacterial BV for more extended periods.
Myth 4: Sexual activity will always lead to vaginal infections.
Fact: Vaginal infections do not happen automatically with sexual activities, but the risk increases with it, especially when unbalanced vaginal flora and poor hygiene are concerned. The best prevention against risks from these types is safe sex, protection, and periodic gynecological checkups. Urination after intercourse also has the flushing effect out of enterable bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
Myth 5: The vagina needs to be tight and firm permanently.
Fact: The vagina is an elastic organ; it stretches and then returns to its original form. It can expand during sexual activity or childbirth and return to its normal size after. The tightness of the vagina is not constant and varies from one person to another and changes with age, childbirth, or hormonal changes.
Myth 6: Vaginal discharge is always abnormal.
Fact: Vaginal discharge is quite normal and healthy as part of the body’s method of cleaning and protecting the vagina. It can be white, yellowish, green, or pink and changes consistencies with the menstrual cycle or with ovulation or sexual arousal. So, if the discharge comes with any other unusual color like green and yellow, strong odor, itchy feeling, or burning sensation along with it, one might well have some kind of infection or another medical condition.
Myth 7: The vagina does not require any treatment after menopause.
Fact: Vaginal health always matters, especially after menopause. As hormones decrease, patients may experience or develop vaginal atrophy, associated with dryness, irritation, or discomfort at the time of sexual intercourse, which can even be treated through lubricants or moisturizers applied in the affected area or other forms of estrogen therapy. Visits to any gynecology specialist are paramount in restoring vaginal well-being at any age.
Conclusion
Vaginal health is an important part of a woman’s life. However, most myths and misconceptions may contradict this fact. It is, therefore, very important to know the truth behind vaginal health to make the best decisions for your body and hygiene.
With accurate, reliable, and latest medical advice, our women are empowered to hold control over health at Dr. Avhad Hospital. Reach us for expert doctor advice if you have any sort of concern about your vaginal health or need special advice.
