Feminine Hygiene – Vagina Health & Smell

Last Updated on Wednesday, 7 April 2010 12:32 Written by Natural Health Team Wednesday, 7 April 2010 12:32

The vagina, similar to our mouth, is normally inhabited by a multitude of microscopic organisms.

The vagina’s acidic environment prevents one species overpowering another, and inhibits infection. A healthy vagina actually smells quite sweet and pleasant.

Yet the change that occurs with any vaginal infection changes the smell immediately, and thus one can partially judge a vagina’s state of health by its smell.

It should be noted that both the smell of a vagina and its being infected are directly related to a woman’s lifestyle, her weight, and diet.

Some basic rules on Feminine Hygiene can both prevent infections and insure a sweet smelling vagina as well.

Hygiene

Because infectious agents such as bacteria and yeasts are found in the intestine, after defecation a woman must wipe herself from front to back vaginal area first, rectum after.

A bidet or immediate wash of the anus is also advised, with a rinse of the vulva with warm water.

Washing also the genital area often with a special ph balanced soap is also essential, and especially after each urination

Vaginal irrigation is not necessary as it usually disturbs the acid environment, and can allow yeast, for example, to flourish.

Women should discourage vaginal and anal intercourse alternation during he same session.

Once a man’s penis or any object has entered the anus, it must not be allowed back in the vagina without disinfection.

Life-Style

Tight jeans and clothing look great, but they prevent the normal breathing function of the skin and especially an area like the vulva. This closed in effect will produce an unpleasant smell

For the same reason, woman is recommended not to wear panties during sleep.

Use of synthetic materials in clothing will also react with the bacteria on the skin, and the bacteria’s waste product leaves a particularly unpleasant smell, so wear only 100% pure cotton or silk panties a majority of the time.

If you use tampons, change them very often. Left too long in a vagina, the tampon itself will be a major cause of order and even infection.

Diet

It has been shown that diet can affect directly the smell of the vagina. Eating less meat and meat products, and more fruit and vegetables have a very good effect on vaginal odor. Also, you must drink at least 2 liters of water daily.

Sexual Conduct

The use of prophylactics (condoms) is highly recommended for all couples except those that are very familiar. Also if you allow a man to insert either his fingers or toys into your vagina, try to insure both are clean.

Vaginal Infections

This subject is covered in other articles dedicated to this subject, but any of the below can (and does) cause unpleasant vagina odor. In each and every incidence, you must see your gynecologist.

Bacterial Vaginosis.

This gives the characteristic fishy smell.

Yeast Infections.

Most women do not see their doctor with yeast infection, and resort to over-the-counter medicines. Symptoms include vulvar itching, redness and irritation. Painful intercourse. We recommend seeing a gynecologist.

Trichomoniasis.

This is a sexually transmitted illness with symptoms including vaginal itching, burning, and discharge. See your gynologist.

A bit of care goes a long way. Your vagina was meant to smell sweetly and as it normally cleans itself (both monthly and daily) your caution will be rewarded.

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Vagina Health Tips for a Sweet Smell & Optimum Health

Last Updated on Saturday, 3 April 2010 12:32 Written by Natural Health Team Saturday, 3 April 2010 12:32

All women need to be aware of their vagina’s health. Keeping it healthy means you will avoid infections and also have a pleasant odor and the tips enclosed will ensure that you have optimum vagina health

A healthy vagina is home to a huge variety of minute organisms. Normally, they live harmoniously in an acidic environment that prevents the overproduction of any one species in the vagina and helps combat foreign bodies that can infect it.

Vaginal infections are common and occur when the delicate balance is disrupted can cause discomfort in the area and unpleasant smells.

Firstly, the health of a women’s Vagina and the smell are influenced by overall lifestyle, diet and weight.

If you follow the tips below you can ensure a healthy vagina so here they are:

1. Your Overall Diet

Eat a healthy diet. Cigarettes alcohol and drugs should be eliminated if you can or cut down, as should heavily spiced foods and junk food.

Try and eat as naturally as possible (food free of additives) and make sure you drink lots of water. What you put into your body comes out in its secretions and the vagina is the same. Ever noticed how your sweat smells differently after eating spiced food, then you will realize why this is so important.

2. Cleaning

Odor-producing bacteria can thrive on the vulva and need to be cleaned off regularly to prevent vaginal inflections and prevent odors.

Washing the genital area daily with a simple, fragrance-free soap is normally enough to keep the vagina area clean and fresh.

Your vagina self-cleans itself so douching is not required.

Furthermore, douching upsets the delicate balance between good and bad bacteria in the vaginal ecosystem and can actually be harmful.

Because infections such as yeasts are found in the intestine, it is important after going to the toilet to wipe front to back i.e. you need to wipe the vagina area first and the rectum last!

During sex it is also very important to avoid contamination of the vagina area with organisms and bodies from the bowel, or rectum area.

3. Clothes to wear

To prevent vaginal infections and keep your vagina healthy make sure your clothing allows the area to breath. To do this avoids tight garments and fabrics containing a high percentage of synthetic fibers such as nylon.

Remember, that tampons and diaphragms left for too long in the vagina can create a very strong unpleasant odor as well.

4. Safe sex

Finally, if you don’t know your partner very well, always Use a condom and a spermicidal to reduce the chances of infection and disease.

If you are unlucky enough to get an infection, the symptoms are outlined below of three of the most common ones.

The good news is that to reclaim a healthy vagina is easy, if you are alerted to the problem and take action.

1. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) accounts for more than 50% of all vagina related health visits.

About half of all women with BV vaginal infections have no obvious symptoms.

The most common symptom is a thin, white to light grey discharge with an offensive fishy like smell that is extremely unpleasant.

The odor is strongest when the discharge is exposed to any alkaline substance and this includes soap and semen, it will therefore be at its strongest and most obvious after cleaning or sex.

BV is easy to treat and is normally treated by a course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

2. Yeast

Although yeast infections are probably the most common type of vaginal infection, many women never bother to seek help.

Most simply recover naturally and others treat themselves with anti-fungal vaginal creams available without prescription from the chemist.

Symptoms of yeast infections include:

Vulvar itching combined with irritation in the vagina area and redness.

If the urinary opening becomes inflamed, urination will increase and discomfort will be present. If the infection is severe, the vulva will swell and fine breaks, called fissures occur. This causes vaginal discharges to become thicker and whiter.

Yeast infections are the result of excessive growth of a family of fungi that normally live in any healthy vagina, but when they increase the balance of the vagina is upset and problems occur.

The most common infection is vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is usually caused by a fungus named Candida albicans.

There are two types of VVC:

Uncomplicated, a mild infection that responds to therapy. Or recurrent which, is more severe and often occurs in women who have diabetes or are infected with less treatable forms of yeast, such as Candida glabratia.

Recurrent VVC, normaly occurs more than four times a year and needs a long initial treatment of around two weeks and then a follow-up therapy course for up to 6 months or longer.

Certain factors are common causes such as nylon and Lycra clothing that traps heat and moisture, so be aware of our clothing tips for a healthy vagina we noted earlier.

Other common causes include:

Obesity, pregnancy, diabetes and suppression of the immune system during illnesses, the use of oral contraceptives, and eating excessive amounts of sugars, starch, and yeasts.

If you do have a yeast vaginal infection, your doctor will ordinarily treat you with either prescription or nonprescription antifungal creams and suppositories referred to earlier.

If you have a problem get professional help and you will soon have a healthy vagina. Do not ignore symptoms or think they will go away get help quickly.

3. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or “trich,” is a sexually transmitted vaginal infection suffered by a huge amount of women worldwide and this runs into tens of millions. While infection with trichomoniasis can be uncomfortable, it is not in anyway a serious threat to overall health.

The symptoms are normally vulvar and vaginal burning and itching. The burning is normally at its height after intercourse.

In addition, there may be vulvar swelling and frequent and uncomfortable urination. There is a heavy vaginal discharge, usually yellowish or green, which may or may not have an offensive smell.

The trichomonad is a minute parasite. It has three tails at its narrow end and swims with them and the white blood cells of the body follow.

These blood cells literally chase down the trichomonad and kill it by eating it.

Symptoms occur only when the body’s natural defense are swamped by with sheer number of reproducing trichomonads and the white blood cells cannot cope.

Trichomoniasis is usually easily diagnosed and antibiotic treatment cures it in the majority of cases.

Follow the tips above for a healthy vagina and if you do have a problem don’t worry or be embarrassed simply seek help quickly and clear up the problem, in the vast majority of cases treatment is quick, easy and painless

vagina

Menstruation Essential Information

Last Updated on Monday, 29 March 2010 10:27 Written by Natural Health Team Monday, 29 March 2010 10:27

What is Normal?

Each month a women across the world have to deal with the uncomfortable effects of menstruation. Although most time, women may only experience certain symptoms or varying degrees of conditions, it is really important to recognize the characteristics of a normal menstruation cycle. The average length of a cycle is 28 days. However, “the cycle length may also range from 20 to 45 days and still be considered normal.”

Younger women in the particular may find that their menstrual cycles are irregular the first few years. The typical menstruation period lasts from the three to five days, though many women experience either shorter or longer periods. The most common characteristics associated with menstruation these include: vaginal discharge, blood flow, vaginal odor, cramps, bloating, tenderness in breasts, difficulty sleeping, and moodiness. Although most several of these symptoms are typical of PMS (i.e., premenstrual syndrome), they oftenly persist throughout menstruation as well. In addition to varying menstruation cycles and durations it is also normal for all women to exhibit vaginal odor, vaginal discharge, and blood flow during menstruation. Odor is the strongest while perspiring and once ovulation begins and is caused when perspiration mixes with the bacteria from your skin. Wearing cotton underwear and a pantiliner andeven once menstruation has ended will help to prevent vaginal odor.

During menstruation, blood flow can be light, or moderate, or heavy. By the end of menstruation almost approximately four tablespoons to a cup of blood will be lost. This flow, which consists of blood and tissue, exactly occurs in various forms of reds and browns. Clotting commonly occurs as well. In addition to the blood flow, most women also release small amounts of clear or white vaginal discharge called leukorrhea. This discharge may vary in color and consistency during menstruation by becoming heavier and whiter (similar to an egg white consistency). Leukorrhea is a normal element of the menstruation cycle and also helps to keep the vagina clean. However, other types of vaginal discharge can be also dangerous. consequently, it is important to learn the difference between the leukorrhea and its more dangerous cousins in an effort to prevent vaginal discharge that can be harmful in the future.

Unhealthy Vaginal Discharge

Unhealthy vaginal discharge is actually generally that associated with bacterial infections. Although there are other several forms of such infections, each is associated with an unpleasant odor, vaginal irritation, itching, and painful urination. The most common type of unhealthy vaginal discharge is the bacterial vaginosis. This discharge actually can be caused by the organism Gardnerella, an anaerobic bacteria, which then forms in the absence of the oxygen. However, Gardnerella is the only one of many bacteria that can be associated with bacterial vaginosis; others include Prevotella, Bacteroides, Mycoplasma, Mobiluncus. – Considering all of these factors will assist with women in determining if their menstrual cycles are normal and healthy. However, all women should also actively seek to prevent vaginal discharge that is outside the norm, get regular a physical examinations, and question medical professionals if concerns arise. Taking these precautions will really help to promote a woman’s health

menstruation

Safe Simple “healthy Vagina” Solutions – the Perfect Vagina

Last Updated on Monday, 29 March 2010 12:32 Written by Natural Health Team Monday, 29 March 2010 12:32

Healthy Vagina – If the whole of my body is already healthy from doing exercise, eating proper foods and working out in the gym, then why is it so important that the vagina is singled out and kept healthy too? Is the vagina not part of the whole body? This is a good point and to help clarify the confusion, the vagina is an organ of the body that has its own need for personal maintenance. Because the vagina is out of sight for most of the time, it is however, forgotten about that is, until it gets itchy sweaty or smelly.

If the vagina is in a healthy state, it is then you can say the “whole” of the body is in tip top condition.

As an important part of the woman’s body, the vagina needs as much care to hygiene. It is surprising how it is neglected of basic care. Not always intentionally. The ways to maintain the vagina are really quite simple and easy to initiate

” In general your overall health will contribute to keeping a healthy vagina. Consider more yoghurt and lessen sugar throughout the day. Yogurt contains good bacteria called acidophilus. While sugar, encourages a particular bacteria that the yogurt destroys.

” Cleanliness – Most reasons for vaginal infections occurring is through sweat and oils buildup. Wash regularly. Avoid douching as it is to thorough and not necessary. While a douche may take bad bacteria, it in contrast takes more of the good which is not healthy. Douching can also lead to increased inflammation (vaginitis). The inside of the vagina need not be bathed because it’s constantly flushing itself. The only reason that you might have consider douching is if you’re trying to get pregnant or want to alter the vagina’s pH for a greater good.

” Condoms also help keep your vagina clean. Having unprotected sex often can lead to vagina problems as well as the obvious pregnancy and STDs.

” Cotton is breathable fabric and best to be worn round the genital area. Wearing cotton allows the air to circulate which frees the skin resulting in freshness.

” Leaving a tampon for more than six hours is not healthy. It can cause a toxic syndrome. Sanitary towels should also be changed regular according to circumstance. Pads can cause serious irritation. Inserting objects even tampons into the vagina can cause damage. Safe insertion of a tampon should be done when you have made yourself comfortable Find the most relaxed position for your body. Raise one leg on a footstool or toilet seat. Do not rush as the tampon can displace later. insert the tampon slowly and gently.

” We all love our bathroom smellies but too much of good thing may not be healthy. Avoid sprays and scented soaps. Soap is really not necessary and along with bubble baths can worsen vaginal dryness. Moisturizers and lubricants are both popular treatments used for vaginal dryness.

Keeping a healthy vagina is part of a regular hygiene regimen. If you notice specks of blood between monthly cycles – see your doctor. Vaginal bleeding is not proof enough to signify something serious is wrong; nonetheless it is in your best interest to ask your GP the reason why.

Is there a specific way the vagina should be washed? No, but there are guidelines you should follow like using products that can irritate the skin or have you suffer an allergic reaction.

Cleansing the vagina is pretty straight forward i.e. warm water and flannel is all that is needed. If the need for lather is your forte then use a special soap for vaginal cleaning. Vinegar is fabulous for refreshing the vagina. Mix vinegar with water for washing. Regular pap smears which screens you for infections or illnesses is not only sensible but great for keeping the vagina in check. Avoid stressful events because they can lead to vaginal infections

Is there such a thing as a perfect vagina? If we knew what a perfect looked like this would be easy to answer. Women differ in shape and build, so therefore vagina`s display small, wide, big, hairy or hairless so how do you tell. If the vagina is healthy – it sure beats perfection hands down.

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How to Tell if Your Vagina is Perfect – the Ideal Vagina Has to be This?

Last Updated on Tuesday, 3 August 2010 09:49 Written by Natural Health Team Saturday, 27 March 2010 12:32

What gives me the impression that your here because you are concerned you may have an abnormal vagina or you know someone that has (girlfriend.) Before going further let`s put you out of your misery. There is no such thing as an abnormal vagina. Abnormal is a word which refers to something that is not considered “usual”, see the way I evaded the word “normal” and used usual because the same applies. What is meant here is the vagina may look different (not abnormal) that`s all. So no you don`t have an abnormal vagina but maybe one that is different.

What should be your concern is having a healthy vagina. Think about it; look at the women with different shaped faces, body size and hair color, which of these are considered normal “none” because this is how we were all born with differences. Nevertheless if you`re not swayed by the facts and still worry then let us explain using the words normal and abnormal.

Unless your vagina turns penis then this is not accepted as normal. What is normal anymore when you see some people changing their gender choosing the penis over the vagina? How can the vagina ever be perfect with foreskin.

The odds of your vagina being different to that of the next woman`s is very slim. Differences only occur if the pubic hair is colored styled or shaved. Keep your vagina healthy to have peace of mind. Poor genital hygiene causes other vaginal issues. Overall health of the entire body will contribute greatly towards keeping the vagina in good shape. Bathing is important to tackle build up of sweat and greasy skin oils round the genitals which can lead to vaginal infections and odors. Some women find this advice somewhat misleading as to what is the best solution because, too much bathing is not good, and to less is not good either. Only you know when water and soap is needed. No need for harsh elbow grease because the vagina is a self cleaning organ and is also odorless. If your vagina smells then it is caused by something other than the vagina itself. More women think they are doing themselves a favor by douching, well you`re not. While a douche removes “little” bad bacteria, it at the same time takes more good bacteria away. Douching can cause inflammation (vaginitis).

If you are sexually active then use condoms because these too help keep the vagina clean. Condom use is needed for preventing an unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. If you have genital discomfort go commando if possible (knicker-less) if this suggestion unnerves you then avoid nylon material, no matter how sexy the thong or other, opt for cotton briefs. The vagina/anus needs room to breathe, so let it. Women experience vaginal odor at the time of menstruation, the solution is to remove sanitary protection regular (tampons and pads.)

There is much debate over what is the “perfect vagina?” and the argument is normally fought among women themselves. In my opinion a perfect vagina is a healthy one. Every woman differentiates greatly i.e. shape and size and because of this the vagina is affected, meaning, if you `re fat then the vagina looks spaced out and wide too but this does not insinuate the vaginal entrance is big. In fact the big woman`s vagina may be tighter that the skinny woman`s.

A healthy vagina is as clean and pure as a carton of yoghurt says Dr Hillier from the Magee-Woman`s hospital in Pittsburgh. The vagina is by no means dirty as some would have it. A healthy vagina is a self regulating system and would you believe is cleaner than the mouth and bum. The vaginal ecosystem is a jointly beneficial partnership between the vagina itself and the micro-organisms that exist here. The vagina is filled with bacteria, however all good and destroys the bad bacteria out of the reproductive system. The good bacteria known as lactobacilli are the same organisms contained in yoghurt. In a healthy vagina these lactobacilli maintain an acidic environment – around 3.8 – 4.5 pH.

Vaginal mucus is not a very nice word but one used and appropriate to help with vaginal explanations. Vaginal mucus is “made up and akin to the things found in blood serum, the lucid, thin, sticky fluid that stays behind when the solid components of blood, like clot issues, are separated away. Vaginal discharge consists of water, albumin – the most copious protein in the human body – a few lost white blood cells, and mucin, the oily matter that gives the vagina and cervix their greasy sheen. Discharge is not a toxic waste product of the body in the sense of urine and faeces.

Is the vagina abnormal because it smells, certainly not? A healthy vagina will however have a “slight” odor but nevertheless if “slight” turns strong (fishy odour) then this is usually a sign that the delicate balance has been upset and the Lactobacilli is not doing the job it should..If the balance in the vagina is upset it can cause the vaginal infection “bacterial vaginosis.”

Sufficient bathing for the vagina`s outer part “labia,” should be done twice a day with cold water. Cold is best because the genitals is already moist and warm which is a problem for allowing bacteria to grow. Scented products can cause vaginal thrush.

Pelvic Infections can lead to vaginosis. Candida is a condition where the vagina becomes too alkaline, primarily brought about by diet, oral contraceptives even stress. Pregnancy and the resultant change in your hormone levels can cause thrush.

Antibiotics although given for curing and healing along with oral contraceptives and can lead to vaginosis.

Low levels of lactobacilli leave particular women more susceptible to infections because they may have fewer robust lactobacilli.

How to maintain a healthy Vagina

Forget cleaning the inside of the vagina, it is not necessary. Your vagina will be no less healthy from not doing this. The vagina regularly flushes itself out. Avoid particular soaps because they can upset the natural balance of substances. You are at risk of developing a vaginal infection through specific product misuse. Do not douche. The only exception to this rule which may be acceptable for douching is if you`re trying to conceive or trying to alter your vaginas pH for a greater good. Do it as little as possible and increase the number of lactobacilli in your diet. Add yoghurt to your daily diet or take acidophilus tablets. Consult with your doctor over issues about pregnancy and suggested medicines.

Use condoms to keep the vagina clean and healthy and for protecting against unwanted pregnancies or STDs. Wear cotton underwear to allow good air flow. Avoid using perfumes/sprays round the genitals.

The way to avoid excess bacteria developing round the vagina/urethra is change motion when cleaning after bowel movement Clean from the front towards the back. Clean the anus last as contamination can spread doing otherwise. Vaginal discharge is a necessary part of the body’s regular function, however if it shows different have yourself checked over. Should the change in discharge be caused by infection then soap and water will not cure it, it will need antibiotics. Vaginal discharge is normally clear to white; changes in consistency and color are signs to say to call on your GP. Swap tissue to clean the vagina after urinating with a damp cloth. Using tissue has one tend to give a quick wipe, whereas with a cloth it urges the person to wash.

Good cleansing will see less chance of urinary tract infections (UTI’s) happening.

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