Vaginal health: Doctors bust myths for intimate hygiene

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According to the World Bank, “Every day, some 800 million women and girls menstruate. Being able to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically and with confidence and dignity is critical not just for their health and education, but also for economic development and overall gender equality.”

The vagina is a tube of muscle inside a woman’s body that runs from the opening of the womb or cervix to the vaginal opening and is designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions (discharge). However, most women fail to follow the basic rules to maintain their vaginal health as they don’t know the difference between intimate and regular hygiene and discussions about hygiene of intimate areas can be awkward and embarrassing, so they might simply believe and practice myths.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sejal Saheta, Dermatologist at InUrSkn and Dr B Gowthami, Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital in Bangalore’s Kumarapark, differentiate between myths and facts to avoid bad practices which may lead to vaginal health issues.

Myth #1: The biggest myth is that a lot of women believe that it is ‘natural’ to have a bit of itching and discomfort in the intimate areas and hence do not see a doctor until there are severe or visible symptoms. While it is true that hair growth, sweating and constant abrasion can cause a bit of discomfort sometimes, it is not ok to ignore any sustained or abnormal discomfort. Even if it is just a regular bout of itching it is best to discuss this with your gynaecologist or dermatologist who can rule out any issues and also point you towards any practices that can alleviate such discomfort.

Myth #2: It is important to note that just because your vaginal discharge has a different consistency or smell it does not mean you have an infection or STD and should not panic. These can be temporary changes which are caused by changes in your lifestyle, environment or body. If such changes persist do discuss it with your gynaecologist. 

Myth #3: Intimate areas should be washed with soap every day is a heavily believed myth but in fact soap should not be used as it is harsh and causes irritation. Simple hygienic water wash is sufficient. 

Myth #4: Vaginal douching is usually believed to be a good practice to keep vagina clean but it should be avoided as it disturbs natural flora and PH of vagina. 

Myth #5: Though shaving of an intimate area is a good practice, there is no need to shave regularly as it increases the risk of infection. 

Myth #6: During periods, most women believe that it is okay to use a single pad throughout the day but prolonged exposure to damp sanitary pads can irritate the skin. 

Myth #7:For most women in almost all age groups, vaginal discharge is a point of concern. Though moderate, clear, watery discharge is normal during some days of cycle, discharge with itching, irritation, foul smell, burning, discoloration etc should not be overlooked. If these symptoms persist for a long time or recurring frequently it’s better to consult a doctor.

 

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