{"id":1464,"date":"2022-06-10T09:19:03","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T09:19:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/?p=1464"},"modified":"2022-06-10T09:19:03","modified_gmt":"2022-06-10T09:19:03","slug":"6-tips-for-maintaining-vaginal-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/6-tips-for-maintaining-vaginal-health\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Tips For Maintaining Vaginal Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Since you&#8217;re here, you&#8217;re probably wondering how to take care of your vagina the right way. Maintaining vaginal health involves a variety of things. There are multiple steps a woman can take to improve vaginal health, including using protection during sexual intercourse, proper nutrition, exercise, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vaginal wellness is essential. Indeed, one of the most important things in maintaining vaginal health is regular screening. Regular visits to the gynecologist prevent health problems at all stages of life. So, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Doral Beach Gynecology<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and improve your vaginal health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is the Difference Between the Vagina and Vulva?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">People usually use the phrases &#8220;vagina&#8221; and &#8220;vulva&#8221; interchangeably. However, these are different terms. Before moving on to the tips for maintaining <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/services\/gynecologist-doral-florida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">vaginal health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and how to take care of your vagina, let&#8217;s talk about the differences between &#8220;vagina&#8221; and &#8220;vulva.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Is a Vagina?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The vagina is also known as the birth canal. The vagina is where menstruation and penetration occur during sexual intercourse, and babies descend during childbirth. The vagina is not visible from the outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What Is a Vulva?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The vulva is the outside area of the female genitals \u2013 the visible part. It consists of the mons pubis, urethra, clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Take Care of Your Vagina?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep reading and find some of our tips for maintaining vaginal health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Make a Conscious Effort to Improve Your Overall Health<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overall, health care also affects the reproductive organs. If you eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you reduce the risk of chronic diseases and thus prevent genital organs from diseases. Research has shown that chronic conditions can increase the risk of genital infections. Take care of yourself and your health!<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Regular Visits to the Gynecologist<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Getting regular screenings and occasionally seeing a gynecologist is vital for vaginal wellness and health. Pap smears screening intervals vary depending on the age and findings of the previous Pap smears. Usually, doctors suggest that women aged 21-29 should do a Pap test every three years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For women aged 30-65, doctors suggest repeating Pap tests every five years, while after age 65, women can stop doing Pap tests if all of the previous tests never had an abnormal result.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, there are some exceptions, and in that case, women should follow instructions on how often to repeat a Pap test. To lower the incidence of cervical cancer, younger women should consider getting the HPV vaccine which has been proven to be beneficial.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In case of any significant abnormality, the gynecologist may refer the patient for further examinations that include colposcopy and ultrasound examination. Regular visits to the gynecologist improve your vaginal health, so don&#8217;t forget to put them on your calendar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1466\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/2.-Regular-Visits-to-the-Gynecologist.jpg\" alt=\"Adult Smiling Female Gynecologist Working With Patient\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/2.-Regular-Visits-to-the-Gynecologist-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/2.-Regular-Visits-to-the-Gynecologist-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/2.-Regular-Visits-to-the-Gynecologist-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/2.-Regular-Visits-to-the-Gynecologist-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/2.-Regular-Visits-to-the-Gynecologist-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/2.-Regular-Visits-to-the-Gynecologist-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/2.-Regular-Visits-to-the-Gynecologist.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Protection Is Important<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many unplanned events may occur as a consequence of unprotected sexual intercourse. Sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancies are just some of them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">STDs are infections spread through sexual contact from one person to another. Some of the most common STDs are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">HIV\/AIDS<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">chlamydia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">genital herpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">HPV<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">gonorrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">syphilis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">trichomoniasis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is necessary to use a condom during sexual intercourse to protect against these diseases and take care of your vaginal health. Experts also recommend using condoms with new partners to avoid spreading an STD you may not know about at the time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Different types of condoms are available on the market. So if a latex allergy is stopping you from using them, there are other condom options available for purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Water Is Enough<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Though many women aren&#8217;t aware of it, the vagina is an organ that cleans itself. In most cases, using water is quite enough to maintain a healthy vagina.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is often mistaken that a healthy vagina involves the use of various chemicals and soaps, but in most cases, their use can have a counter-effect. Using all kinds of chemicals can potentially cause additional problems. Those with sensitive skin should be even more careful while choosing soap and shampoo for the shower.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Have an Appointment With a Gynecologist? No Preparation Is Needed<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you doubt whether you need preparations for a gynecological examination, the answer is: no. All that is expected of the patient before the exam is a shower. Once you&#8217;re done with that, you&#8217;re good to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Think About Natural Lubricants\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The skin around the genitals can be very sensitive. Therefore you need to think carefully about what type of lubricant you will use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some people are prone to various allergies and may need natural lubricants or vaginal moisturizers. If you&#8217;re one of them, be careful when buying lubricants since some of them sold in stores contain chemicals that are not suitable for your most sensitive parts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That way, you will avoid unnecessary irritation and discomfort. In addition, lubricants are one of the options for people who do not use condoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some of the natural lubricants are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">coconut oil (well-tolerated)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">olive oil\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">aloe vera (recommended for people with sensitive skin and genitals since it prevents irritation)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">avocado oil (similar to coconut and olive oil)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Experiencing Postmenopausal Bleeding? See Your Gynecologist.<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bleeding that occurs one year or more after entering menopause isn&#8217;t an everyday occurrence and should be taken seriously. In fact, postmenopausal bleeding shouldn\u2019t be ignored, and visit your gynecologist if it happens to you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This type of vaginal bleeding can be caused by polyps, inflammation, vaginal lining, and vaginal dryness. In about 10% of cases, postmenopausal bleeding is a symptom of uterine cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Are Prolapses and Incontinence? Are They Dangerous?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pelvic organ prolapse happens if one or more pelvic organs fall out of their usual position and bulge into the vaginal canal. It could be the uterus, the colon, the bladder, or the top of the vaginal canal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although a prolapse is rarely life-threatening, it can be painful and inconvenient. If bladder control seems to be problematic, you&#8217;re likely suffering from urinary incontinence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Both of these health problems are not life-threatening and do not require treatment unless they cause additional issues such as pain, bleeding, or a bladder emptying problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/What-Are-Prolapses-and-Incontinence-Are-They-Dangerous.jpg\" alt=\"Woman With Incontinence Problem in Front of Toilet Bowl\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/What-Are-Prolapses-and-Incontinence-Are-They-Dangerous-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/What-Are-Prolapses-and-Incontinence-Are-They-Dangerous-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/What-Are-Prolapses-and-Incontinence-Are-They-Dangerous-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/What-Are-Prolapses-and-Incontinence-Are-They-Dangerous-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/What-Are-Prolapses-and-Incontinence-Are-They-Dangerous-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/What-Are-Prolapses-and-Incontinence-Are-They-Dangerous-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2022\/06\/What-Are-Prolapses-and-Incontinence-Are-They-Dangerous.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>6. Think About Vaginal Estrogen<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using vaginal estrogen while you are in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Menopause\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">menopause<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> can be beneficial. Vaginal estrogen is available in various forms &#8211; in a capsule, cream, or tablet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its use helps prevent changes that occur with age, such as pain during sexual intercourse. Regardless of the vagina&#8217;s ability to keep itself clean, regular care and prevention make a healthy vagina.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Noticing any of the following symptoms means you should consult your gynecologist:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">experiencing any pain during sexual intercourse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">vaginal bleeding not related to menstrual bleeding, as well as bleeding after sex or after you enter a menopause<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a protrusion or lump in your vaginal area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">itching or redness in the vaginal area<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It can be said that the vagina does not require much care, but it should certainly not be neglected. Vaginal wellness is an integral part of every woman&#8217;s reproductive health, but also an overall healthy lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Visit Doral Beach Gynecology and let our experts help you maintain your vaginal health or solve any issues you may have with your special parts.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since you&#8217;re here, you&#8217;re probably wondering how to take care of your vagina the right<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1465,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[32,33,35,31,34],"class_list":["post-1464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vaginal-health","tag-healthy-vagina","tag-how-to-take-care-of-your-vagina","tag-improve-vaginal-health","tag-vaginal-health","tag-vaginal-wellness"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1464"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1464\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1465"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/doral-beach-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}