Vaginal health: what you need to know

Learn about the causes and risk factors of vaginal infections. Find out what symptoms of those infections are and find tips on how to prevent vaginal infections.

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Intimate conditions: what to look out for and why

Intimate health affects all women, but the subject still isn’t raised enough. Always remember you are not alone and your intimate health isn’t something you should feel embarrassed about. Most vaginal conditions such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are easy to resolve whilst can cause discomfort if left untreated. That’s why it’s always best take special care of your intimate parts, and seek medical advice whenever you just feel something isn’t right.¹

The reason why it’s best to take extra care of your intimate areas is that your vagina is a highly susceptible environment for microbes to develop. The pH of your vagina is different from the pH of the rest of your body, so even using a harsh soap can disturb the pH level. Then there’s your period, when poor hygiene can lead to bacterial development. Also, some bacteria can be transmitted during sex.

Vaginal Infections can start with itching between your legs or an unusual, often smelly discharge. If you notice these symptoms, remember it’s never a good idea to keep quiet about it and hope it will just go away.2 Don’t stress as these conditions are common and usually easily treatable, but it’s always advisable to seek help from your doctor or pharmacists when you notice anything unusual for the first time.

It is also worth understanding more about your vaginal discharge. You might even think that typical discharge alone is already a sign of infection. However, typical (clear or white) discharge is a normal sign which indicates that your vagina is healthy. Your body produces discharge so that your vagina can clean and lubricate itself. However, smelly and/or colored discharge may indicate that you have an infection.³

Causes and triggers of vaginal infections

Vaginal infections may be caused by bacteria, yeast or other microorganisms. There are some conditions that can make them more likely to happen:

Taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill all bacteria, including your good bacteria, so there is nothing to prevent the yeast from overgrowing.⁴
Impaired immune system. If you have lowered immunity you are more likely to get yeast infections.⁵
Reduced acidity (increased pH) of the vagina. Lower acidity in your vagina leads to reduced number of good bacteria and the growth of bacteria causing infections.⁶
Poor hygiene. When your intimate area is not cleaned properly, bacteria causing infections can grow.⁷
Tight, non-absorbent underwear. By wearing this type of underwear you may be encouraging the growth of yeast and bacteria because of the trapped moisture.⁸

Why you need to take control of your vaginal health

There might be many physical and psychological consequences of not treating vaginal infections. Many women find that their psychological well-being suffers, as well as their relationships. Moreover, untreated intimate infections may also have an impact on your general health, so you should consult your doctor or pharmacist in order to get back to feeling like your normal self sooner.⁹

How can you prevent the infections from happening?

There are simple ways that can help to prevent vaginal infections from happening or reoccurring. Keep your intimate parts clean with regular washes, every day with mild, non-scented soap.¹⁰ After washing , also remember to dry your intimate parts thoroughly.

Another way of help avoiding infections is to wear loose, absorbent clothing and cotton lined underpants. This type of clothing will help air to circulate and will help keep your genital area dry. ¹¹

Other things to remember if you want to avoid vaginal infections include:

Wipe from front to back after going to the toiletsup>123<<>
Remove wet clothes, for example swimsuits or workout gear straight after finishing exercising.
Avoid vaginal douching which might remove some of the good bacteria.¹³⁴
Avoid using hot tubs and taking very hot baths.

It is very important to take special care of your vaginal area. Using normal soaps and shower gels or overwashing could lead to pH imbalance which in turn can lead to infections.14 Canesten offers a range of products that can help you care of your intimate hygiene leaving you feeling clean and fresh.

https://www.canwelivebetter.bayer.com/health/womens-intimate-health-sobering-truth-about-keeping-quiet
https://www.canwelivebetter.bayer.com/health/womens-intimate-health-sobering-truth-about-keeping-quiet
Knowing the difference between normal discharge and infections, in: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/vaginal_discharge.html (2015)
Monilla (Yeast) infection, in: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/vaginal_discharge.html (2015)
Prevention, in: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
Introduction, in: Hay, P.E, Ugwumadu, A., Chowns, J. (1997) Sex, thrush and bacterial vaginosis. International Journal of STD & AIDS; 8: 603-608
Prevention and treatment guidelines for vaginal infections, in: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/vaginal_discharge.html (2015)
https://www.canwelivebetter.bayer.com/health/womens-intimate-health-sobering-truth-about-keeping-quiet
Things you can do yourself, in: www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis
Prevention and treatment guidelines for vaginal infections, in: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/vaginal_discharge.html (2015)
Prevention and treatment guidelines for vaginal infections, in: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/vaginal_discharge.html (2015)
Things you can do yourself, in: www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis

Understanding vaginal dryness

You can experience symptoms of vaginal dryness before you start menopause. However, during menopause a decrease in lubrication is considered natural. As your oestrogen levels decrease, vaginal walls become thinner and less lubrication is produced in your cervix.

Vaginal dryness treatment

Vaginal dryness treatment depends on your individual situation, so it is always recommended to consult your doctor for treatment options.

If you have started menopause, you can ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). You can also treat vaginal dryness symptoms with regular use of moisturisers, e.g. gels like Canesintima. Its non-sticky formulation is gentle enough for daily use, helps lubricate your intimate area and protects from further irritation.