How to Improve Vaginal Health

Vaginal health is a vital component of overall wellness, deserving as much attention and care as any other part of the body. People with vaginas may encounter various symptoms that indicate an imbalance, such as discomfort, odors, and recurrent vaginal infections.

We highlight the importance of vaginal probiotics in addressing these common issues. With a focus on our newly launched product, which boasts 15 million CFUs, we explore how these vaginal health supplements support a balanced environment. By offering practical tips for vaginal health, Rael provides valuable resources for those seeking to improve their comfort and wellness.

What are the Signs of a Healthy Vagina?

A healthy vagina has the following characteristics [1]:

• Proper acidic pH between 3.8 and 4.5. This creates an environment where good bacteria can thrive and bad bacteria cannot overgrow.
• Dominance of good bacteria. The Lactobacillus species is essential to a healthy vaginal microbiome. These beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid to maintain the ideal acidic pH.
• Minimal odor. A healthy vagina has a mild, non-offensive scent.
• No itching, irritation, burning or abnormal discharge. Discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle but should not be excessive.
• Vaginal lubrication and moisture. The vaginal walls are lined with mucus membranes that keep tissues supple.
• White or clear, odorless discharge. Monitoring the color, amount and odor of vaginal discharge can help identify when something is off.

Getting regular checkups with your primary healthcare physician allows clinical assessment of vaginal pH, microscopic examination of discharge, and screening tests for infections.

Tips for Maintaining Vaginal Hygiene

Daily hygiene best practices include gentle cleansing with water or mild, unscented soap, wearing breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics, and ensuring proper drying after washing or swimming. When choosing products for vaginal health, it's crucial to opt for those specifically designed to support the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome, avoiding harsh chemicals and fragrances that can disrupt this balance and lead to discomfort or infections.

Daily Hygiene Practices

Maintaining daily hygiene practices is essential for promoting vaginal health:

• Use a gentle, non-fragranced cleanser only on the vulva (external genitalia). Avoid harsh soaps which can strip good bacteria and use only the best vulva care products.
• Cleanse the area with water during shower or bath. Avoid douching inside the vagina.
• After urinating or bowel movement, always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria.
• Change pads and tampons frequently during menstruation, at least every 4-6 hours. 
• Select breathable cotton underwear and avoid overly tight clothing.

Choosing the Right Products

• Avoid hygiene products with perfumes, dyes and other harsh chemicals. Glycerin and parabens can disrupt vaginal pH.
• Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free menstrual products. Change them often to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
• Consider condoms without spermicide which can irritate vaginal tissue.

Common Vagina Concerns and Solutions

Despite good hygiene, many people can still experience vaginal health issues. Understanding the causes and optimal treatment can get the vagina back into balance.

Addressing Infections

Infections occur when there is an overgrowth of harmful microorganisms.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi, especially Candida albicans. Symptoms include vaginal itching, burning, redness, and thick white cottage cheese-like discharge. Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams can effectively treat a vaginal yeast infection. Maintaining proper vaginal pH and using probiotics for pH balance can help prevent recurrences.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis. It is characterized by a thin grayish-white vaginal discharge with a fishy odor. Metronidazole antibiotic gel or pills treat BV but recurrence is common. Restoring good bacteria with daily probiotic supplements may prevent recurrence.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria like E. coli migrate from the anus to the urethra and bladder. UTIs cause burning urination, pelvic pain and frequent urination. A short course of antibiotics clears up the urinary tract infection while drinking more fluids helps flush out bacteria.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis are passed through unprotected sex. STIs often have no symptoms but can cause vaginal discharge, itching and odor if left untreated. STIs are diagnosed through lab testing and can sometimes be treated with antibiotics.

Managing Odor

A healthy vagina has a mild, non-offensive scent. Strong, persistent odor might mean something is out of balance.

• Vaginal or cervical infections can produce fishy or foul odors.
• Overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria can generate a rotten-egg smell.
• Maintain proper hygiene and change period products frequently throughout the day.
• Avoid irritants like scented soaps, douches, vaginal deodorant sprays.

Addressing Dryness

Vaginal dryness causes irritation, itching, burning and pain, especially during sex. Contributing factors include:

• Hormone changes - Estrogen decline from menopause or childbirth breastfeeding reduces moisture and elasticity. Longer foreplay, lubricants, and moisturizers provide relief.
• Medications - Antihistamines, antidepressants, and cold medicines can dry mucus membranes. Switching drugs helps if possible.
• Medical treatments - Cancer therapies like radiation or chemotherapy decrease vaginal secretions leading to dryness.
• Anxiety and stress - This decreases blood flow to genitals making it harder to get aroused and naturally lubricated.
• Fragranced products - These can disrupt pH balance and strip away protective mucus.

Rael specializes in clean vulva care products that are safe for all skin types. From wipes to washes, you’ll find that our products don’t have unnecessary fragrances, making it safe for daily use.

Regular Check-ups and Screenings

Getting regular gynecological checkups is vital for maintaining vaginal health. Testing can identify infections for prompt treatment before they become serious. Annual pelvic exams should start by age 21 including:

• Clinical exam - The doctor visually examines the vulva for any lesions, swelling or discharge. Then a speculum allows examination of the vagina and cervix noting any signs of infection.
• pH assessment - A pH test strip is touched to discharge to ensure vaginal pH is in the normal 3.5-4.5 acidic range.
• Microscopic exam - A sample of discharge is checked for balance of healthy bacteria under the microscope. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria indicates infection.
• Pap smear - Cells are collected from the cervix to screen for precancerous cellular changes.
• HPV test - Samples check for high-risk strains of human papillomavirus that could lead to cervical cancer.

Our Recommended Vaginal Health Products

#1 Vaginal Probiotic

Our Vaginal Health Probiotic is a carefully formulated supplement designed to support the natural balance of vaginal flora. Containing a potent blend of probiotics with 15 million CFUs, this product is engineered to promote a healthy vaginal environment. It targets the root cause of imbalances by replenishing beneficial bacteria, which in turn may reduce the occurrence of discomfort, odors, and infections. Ideal for daily use, our probiotics are good for vaginal health, contributing to a feeling of well-being and confidence.

#2 Vaginal Wash

The Vaginal Washes in our collection are crafted with the understanding that the vaginal area requires gentle care. If you want to know how to make your vagina smell good, we have the solution. Free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, our washes are designed to cleanse without disrupting the pH balance of the vagina. The formula is enriched with ingredients known for their soothing and moisturizing properties, ensuring that the skin feels refreshed and comfortable after each use. Suitable for daily hygiene routines, our washes help maintain a clean and balanced vaginal environment.

#3 Vaginal Wipes

Our Vaginal Wipes offer a convenient solution for maintaining hygiene on the go. Infused with soothing ingredients, these wipes are perfect for a quick refresh during the day or after exercise. They are formulated to be gentle on the delicate vaginal area, ensuring that the natural balance is maintained while providing a feeling of cleanliness and freshness. Biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, our vaginal wipes are an eco-friendly choice for those seeking both convenience and care for their vaginal health.

With some updates to your habits like hygiene, sexual health practices, and products used, you can maintain good vaginal health and prevent issues. See your healthcare provider if you have any persistent vaginal symptoms or concerns. Shop for Rael’s supplement bundles to help you get your vagina back into healthy balance!

Sources:

[1] Moreno, Camille. The Healthy Vagina. Accessed on 2024 Feb 26. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/womens-health/healthy-vagina