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How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) - Health - Nairaland

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Why The Vagina May Itch / Let’s Talk Vagina: Clean, Odorless, And Healthy Tips… / Let's Talk Vagina: Clean,odorless And Healthy Tips... (2) (3) (4)

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How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nobody: 2:56pm On Jan 20, 2015
The vagina is designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions (discharge). Find out how to help your vagina keep clean and healthy – and why you don’t need douches or vaginal wipes.

The vagina is a tube of muscle inside a woman’s body that runs from the cervix (the opening of the womb) to the vaginal opening. The external sex organs, which are called the vulva, surround the vaginal opening. Looking after your everyday health can help keep your vagina in good shape, says Dr Suzy Elneil, consultant in urogynaecology at University College Hospital, London, and spokesperson for Wellbeing of Women. “Generally, good vaginal health is maintained by making sure you’re in good general health,” she explains. “This includes healthy diet and exercise. Normal exercise helps maintain good vaginal function, as walking and running helps the pelvic floor to tone up and helps ensure good general health.”

Find out more about having a healthy diet, exercise and keeping fit, and pelvic floor exercises.

Vaginal secretions or discharge
Other than your period as part of your natural menstrual cycle, it’s normal to produce clear or white secretions (discharge) from your vagina. This mucus is produced naturally from the neck of the womb, known as the cervix.
“Vaginal discharge is not ‘always a bad sign’,” says Dr Elneil. “There is a myth that copious clear or white discharge is associated with sexually transmitted infections. Changes in the amount of discharge can be 100% hormonal – in other words, linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.”

The character and amount of vaginal discharge varies throughout your menstrual cycle. Around the time that your ovary releases an egg (ovulation), your discharge usually becomes thicker and stretchy, like raw egg white.
Healthy discharge doesn’t have a strong smell or colour. You may feel an uncomfortable wetness, but you shouldn’t have any itching or soreness around your vagina. If there are any changes to your discharge that aren’t normal for you, such as a change in colour or if it starts to smell or itch, see your GP as you might have an infection.

You can find out more about vaginal discharge, pregnancy and the menopause.

Bacteria in the vagina
There are lots of bacteria inside the vagina, and they’re there to protect it. Professor Ronnie Lamont, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says: “The vagina contains more bacteria than anywhere else in the body after the bowel, but the bacteria are there for a reason.”

The good bacteria inside the vagina:
provide "numerical dominance": they outnumber other potential harmful bacteria that might enter the vagina
help to keep the vagina’s pH balance (how acidic the vagina is) at an even level, which helps to keep the balance of bacteria healthy
can produce bacteriocins (naturally occurring antibiotics) to reduce or kill other bacteria entering the vagina
produce a substance that stops invading bacteria sticking to the vagina walls, which prevents bacteria from invading the tissues
If the balance of bacteria is disturbed, this can lead to infection and inflammation. Bacteria called lactobacilli help to keep the vagina’s pH balance at its normal low level (less than pH 4.5), which also prevents the growth of other organisms. If the pH of the vagina increases (in other words, if it gets less acidic), the quality or amount of lactobacilli can fall and other bacteria can multiply. This can result in infections such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, which can cause symptoms including itching, irritation and abnormal discharge.

Washing your vagina
It’s a good idea to avoid perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina, and cause irritation.

Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina (the vulva) gently every day. The vagina will clean itself inside your body with natural vaginal secretions (discharge). “During your period, washing more than once a day may be helpful,” says Dr Elneil, who points out that keeping the perineal area (between the vagina and anus) clean is important too. “Good perineal hygiene is necessary, by washing that area at least once a day using your normal bathing routines.”

“All women are different,” says Professor Lamont. “Some may wash with perfumed soap and not notice any problems. But if a woman has vulval irritation or symptoms, then one of the first things you can do is to use non-allergenic, plain soaps to see if that helps.”

Vaginal douches
A douche flushes water up into the vagina, clearing out vaginal secretions. Some women use a douche to "clean" the vagina, but using a douche can disrupt the normal vaginal bacteria so it isn't recommended that you use one.
“I can’t think of any circumstances where douches are helpful, because all they do is wash out everything that’s in the vagina, including all the healthy bacteria,” explains Professor Lamont.
There is no evidence that douching protects against STIs or vaginal infections, and it may even increase the risk.

Scented wipes and vaginal deodorants
These perfumed products can disrupt the vagina’s healthy, natural balance. “If nature had intended the vagina to smell like roses or lavender, it would have made the vagina smell like roses or lavender,” says Professor Lamont.

Washing with water and a plain soap should be all you need to keep your vagina healthy. It’s normal for the vagina to have a scent. “Vaginal odour can change at different times of the reproductive cycle and shouldn’t always be thought of as being a sign of infection or illness,” says Dr Elneil.

If you’re worried about the way your vagina smells, if the smell is unpleasant, or you’re using perfumed products to cover up your vagina’s smell, you should see your GP. You might have an infection that needs treatment.

The most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis, which can cause an unpleasant smell. It’s easily treated with antibiotics, so see your GP if you’re worried. You can find out more about symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, symptoms of thrush and symptoms that could signal a sexually transmitted infection.

Safer sex
Some bacteria and viruses can get into the vagina during sex. These include the bugs that cause chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis and HIV. You can protect your vagina against these infections by using a condom every time you have sex.
Find out some tips about using condoms.

Cervical screening
All women aged from 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening. Being screened regularly means that any abnormal changes in the cervix can be identified early on and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing. Find out more about cervical screening.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/vagina-health/Pages/keep-vagina-clean.aspx

42 Likes 8 Shares

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nobody: 3:00pm On Jan 20, 2015
Apparently, most Nigerian women walk around with smelly VJs (that's NO NO for grown ar.se women), and this is my service to humanity - to help keep the black family together.

The VJ is the most sensitive part of the female's anatomy. And once you're over 21, and your VJ stinks, you should be ashamed of your existence. You're just basically dirty and classless.

Hopefully, this will be helpful.

P.S: no ad hominems.

74 Likes 3 Shares

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Redoil: 3:06pm On Jan 20, 2015
Imagine a man given women lectures on how to keep their part clean. The ijebu money doubler that shoot slugs from his brain. I hail you and ur business

36 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by demelza: 3:12pm On Jan 20, 2015
Redoil:
Imagine a man given women lectures on how to keep their part clean. The ijebu money doubler that shoot slugs from his brain. I hail you and ur business
Erm....
They are the ones who tend to suffer when the pum gives out offensive odour.
So they should be concerned also.

20 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Redoil: 3:17pm On Jan 20, 2015
demelza:
Erm....
They are the ones who tend to suffer when the pum gives out offensive odour.
So they should be concerned also.
some men love the odour so much that they will do anything to always return their

11 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Horrlah(f): 3:33pm On Jan 20, 2015
Gracias mr

3 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by achinaboy(m): 4:03pm On Jan 20, 2015
i like the smelly ones,leave me alone cool

41 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by babygirlfl: 6:40pm On Jan 20, 2015
The VJ issue is slowing but surely becoming a big issue on nairaland grin grin grin

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nobody: 7:30pm On Jan 20, 2015
SirShymex:
Apparently, most Nigerian women walk around with smelly VJs (that's NO NO for grown ar.se women), and this is my service to humanity - to help keep the black family together.

The VJ is the most sensitive part of the female's anatomy. And once you're over 21, and your VJ stinks, you should be ashamed of your existence. You're just basically dirty and classless.

Hopefully, this will be helpful.

P.S: no ad hominems.
You are damn right... Had a nasty experience sometimes back with a chic.. I nearly choked in the room.. On a hot afternoon... Chai cheesy
The whole room was smelling like rotten dried fish... And this wasn't the first time I was with this chic, but my first experience...
I was already in the mood to visit Jerusalem, but the stinking smell.. My JT won't obey the clarion call... grin
I asked her what's up with her, who straffed you of late? You have yeast infection? But she was on the defensive,and even claimed she can't smell anything..
o'boy.. I had to choice than to cut off contact with her.. The fear of STD infection cheesy

62 Likes 7 Shares

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nobody: 9:20pm On Jan 20, 2015
Ogbeche77:
You are damn right... Had a nasty experience sometimes back with a chic.. I nearly choked in the room.. On a hot afternoon... Chai cheesy
The whole room was smelling like rotten dried fish... And this wasn't the first time I was with this chic, but my first experience...
I was already in the mood to visit Jerusalem, but the stinking smell.. My JT won't obey the clarion call... grin
I asked her what's up with her, who straffed you of late? You have yeast infection? But she was on the defensive,and even claimed she can't smell anything..
o'boy.. I had to choice than to cut off contact with her.. The fear of STD infection cheesy

Bwahahahahahahaha

Cray! grin

14 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Ishilove: 2:27am On Jan 21, 2015
SirShymex:
Apparently, most Nigerian women walk around with smelly VJs (that's NO NO for grown ar.se women), and this is my service to humanity - to help keep the black family together.

The VJ is the most sensitive part of the female's anatomy. And once you're over 21, and your VJ stinks, you should be ashamed of your existence. You're just basically dirty and classless.

Hopefully, this will be helpful.

P.S: no ad hominems.
Lmao!!

You need deliverance cheesy cheesy

Why on earth do men like commenting on this kind of topic? embarassed

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Brymo: 2:29am On Jan 21, 2015
Is okay
Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nobody: 2:32am On Jan 21, 2015
Ogbeche77:
You are damn right... Had a nasty experience sometimes back with a chic.. I nearly choked in the room.. On a hot afternoon... Chai cheesy
The whole room was smelling like rotten dried fish... And this wasn't the first time I was with this chic, but my first experience...
I was already in the mood to visit Jerusalem, but the stinking smell.. My JT won't obey the clarion call... grin
I asked her what's up with her, who straffed you of late? You have yeast infection? But she was on the defensive,and even claimed she can't smell anything..
o'boy.. I had to choice than to cut off contact with her.. The fear of STD infection cheesy
grin grin, this ain't good o

1 Like

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nobody: 2:33am On Jan 21, 2015
I can't believe a man opened a thread to tell us or rather educate us on how to keep our vj clean, okay! lipsrsealed

13 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nobody: 2:34am On Jan 21, 2015
should i stop using my vaginal wash? water doesn't really do all the job! undecided

8 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nihilist: 2:34am On Jan 21, 2015
The vaginal cleanliness test:

When you finger a girl, remove your finger and move it towards her nose, if she moves her head back, please send her home with alacrity

So many fishy smelling punas in the world these days. angry

Ladies please keep your plumbing clean!

105 Likes 10 Shares

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Lakayanah: 2:37am On Jan 21, 2015
Smelly vagina a big disgrace to the owner of the vagina.

14 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Lagusta(m): 2:37am On Jan 21, 2015
Ogbeche77:
You are damn right... Had a nasty experience sometimes back with a chic.. I nearly choked in the room.. On a hot afternoon... Chai cheesy
The whole room was smelling like rotten dried fish... And this wasn't the first time I was with this chic, but my first experience...
I was already in the mood to visit Jerusalem, but the stinking smell.. My JT won't obey the clarion call... grin
I asked her what's up with her, who straffed you of late? You have yeast infection? But she was on the defensive,and even claimed she can't smell anything..
o'boy.. I had to choice than to cut off contact with her.. The fear of STD infection cheesy

She didn't have yeast infection....

That fishy smell is a pathognomonic tell tale sign of bacterial vaginosis....

She needs treatment asap!!!

6 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by free2ryhme: 2:38am On Jan 21, 2015
grin grin grin grin grin grin

4 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Ishilove: 2:38am On Jan 21, 2015
Nneka123:
I can't believe a man opened a thread to tell us or rather educate us on how to keep our vj clean, okay! lipsrsealed
embarassed

Nneka123:
should i stop using my vaginal wash? water doesn't really do all the job! undecided
I hear just plain water is the best o. embarassed

5 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by cycline404(m): 2:39am On Jan 21, 2015
SHAI,
How i wish say that quikky chic dey on NL, this for help her well...
Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by yokiti: 2:42am On Jan 21, 2015
Ogbeche77:

I was already in the mood to visit Jerusalem, but the stinking smell.. My JT won't obey the clarion call.
lol @ clarion call.
If you havent deleted her contact, you should have forwarded this link to her to help her ministry.

8 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Lagusta(m): 2:43am On Jan 21, 2015
This can be applied in the white man's land....

But in Nigeria, ladies should stop sharing pants, stop wearing pants for 6months without washing, always wash pants everyday, keep that corner healthy, use a condom or tell that he-diot to use one, and treat any sign of infection like severe itching, crazy odour, discharge, etc....

10 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by mencade4: 2:43am On Jan 21, 2015
a healthy vagina and clean vagina makes to visit her inner chamber with my tongue every time.


signed


advocate for clean and odourless Vagina

1 Like

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by dollarsplenty(m): 2:44am On Jan 21, 2015
lele lele ( in hausa voice)

wetin persin no go see for front page.

this is supposed to be an educative post but some guys have turned it otherwise.

however, what is worth doing is worth doing well. V--g--na is a santuary of a good lady and it must be kept sacred.

remember the same guys that promise heaven & earth are the first to open your secrets to the outside world,

marriage is worth waiting for.

check here for how to stay odourless and healthy


http://sapostiks./2014/10/13/4-things-women-need-to-do-to-keep-their-vagina-clean-odorless/

3 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Nobody: 2:44am On Jan 21, 2015
Ishilove:

embarassed


I hear just plain water is the best o. embarassed
But plain water doesn't do all the job na undecided, what about when one is on her period, will i be using only water embarassed

2 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Iamfrank(m): 2:44am On Jan 21, 2015
Chai!!!!!!!!!! I wil neva hv sex again

11 Likes 1 Share

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Lagusta(m): 2:46am On Jan 21, 2015
Nneka123:
But plain water doesn't do all the job na undecided, what about when one is one her period, will i be using only water embarassed

Use a soft toilet soap, wash lightly and rinse, don't douche...

4 Likes

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by Lagusta(m): 2:47am On Jan 21, 2015
Iamfrank:
Chai!!!!!!!!!! I wil neva hv sex again

But if you see that your pastor's daughter today, would you still type this?? grin
Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by constance500: 2:47am On Jan 21, 2015
U go fear threads on fp these days grin

3 Likes 3 Shares

Re: How To Keep Vagina Clean And Healthy (NHS) by concacid: 2:49am On Jan 21, 2015
Lol @ ARROW. Really an Arrow. **wink**

1 Like

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