What You Need to Do for Your Vaginal Health

Here is what you need to pay attention to in order to protect the vaginal ecosystem, based on scientific evidence:

1. pH Balance: Your Greatest Protector

The vagina is a dynamic ecosystem that can clean itself. The protective shield of this system is made up of beneficial bacteria called lactobacilli. By producing lactic acid, these bacteria keep the pH of the environment between 3.8 and 4.5 (acidic).

• Mistake: Washing the inside of the vagina with soap, shower gel or shampoo.
• Right: The inside of the vagina should never be washed (vaginal douching). The external area (the vulva) should be cleaned only with lukewarm water or with fragrance-free "intimate wash gels" whose pH is formulated specifically for this area.

2. Choosing the Right Underwear, and Hygiene

Leaving the vaginal area damp and airless invites fungal (Candida) and bacterial infections.

• Cotton Fabrics: Choose 100% cotton, breathable underwear instead of synthetic and nylon fabrics.
• Drying: Always wiping from front to back after using the toilet is vital to prevent bacteria from the rectal area being carried to the vagina.
• Panty Liners: Using panty liners too often can stop the area from breathing and lead to irritation. If you use them, choose fragrance-free ones and change them often.

3. The Power of Probiotics

As with the gut flora, probiotics play a critical role for the vaginal flora. The Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri strains in particular are known to support vaginal health and reduce recurrent infections.

• Pharmacist's Note: If you often get vaginal thrush or bacterial vaginosis, you can ask your pharmacist about oral probiotic supplements specific to this area.

4. Supplements and Herbal Support

It's important to know how the ingredients you often see on pharmacy shelves for vaginal health work:

• Cranberry: Supportive in preventing bacteria (E. coli) from sticking to tissue, especially in women prone to urinary tract infections.
• Evening Primrose Oil: May ease symptoms in people with dryness related to hormonal imbalances.

5. When Should You See a Doctor?

Diagnosing yourself and using antifungal or antibiotic creams at random can disrupt your flora even more.

• Thick white discharge like cottage cheese,
• A bad, fishy smell,
• Burning when urinating or intense itching: in these cases, an examination by a gynaecologist is essential.