Simply maintaining good everyday health can help you keep your pubic area clean and in good shape. This includes eating a balanced diet that’s rich in the various nutrients that you need to keep healthy, as well as regular exercise such as walking or running to keep the pelvic floor muscles tones and healthy. It is advised to know what is healthy for your body – everyone is different, but you need to be able to spot changes in your body so as to be able to spot infection or a health concern. For example, it’s normal for you to produce clear or white discharge, as this is naturally produced to keep the neck of the womb and the cervix healthy and clean. The amount of discharge you produce depends on your hormones and your menstrual cycle, and isn’t necessarily a sign of a sexually transmitted disease. However, if this discharge becomes thicker, develops a colour or a strong smell, you may want to speak to your GP in case you have developed an infection.
When washing your vagina, you don’t want to upset the delicate pH balance as this can disrupt the natural bacteria’s in the area which help to prevent infections and poor vaginal health. Try to avoid using harsh chemical products such as perfumes, strongly scented shower gels and antiseptics as these can alter the balance and cause irritation. During your period, wash more than once a day in order to avoid the spread of infection between the perineal area – good personal hygiene can help to avoid irritation and the spread of disease in the area. Avoid douches, which flush water up into the vagina, as these can disrupt the balance of the bacteria and can actually wash out the healthy secretions produced by the vagina. If you’re concerned about your genital health, speak to your GP who can resolve any issues you may be having.
