Care for Vulvar
Infections and discomfort can be avoided by maintaining a healthy vulva and vagina. Changes in vaginal discharge that are unusual are a clue that there is a problem.
What are the benefits of vulvar and vaginal care?
Many women suffer from vaginal infections (vaginitis) at some point in their lives. The area around the vaginal (vulva) opening can also get irritated. There are steps that can be taken to reduce vulvar discomfort and avoid vaginal infections.
Some types of vaginal infections might be made worse by home remedies. If you have any concerns about your vulvar or vaginal health, or if you detect unexpected changes in vaginal discharge, speak with your healthcare professional.
What is a vulva, and what does it do?
The vulva is the area outside of the vagina where female sex organs are located. The labia are delicate tissue folds found in these organs (labia means "lips"). There are two components to the labia. The labia majora are the outermost folds. Within the labia majora lies a second set of folds known as the labia minora. The vulva also houses the pubic bone's mounded portion (mons pubis), a tiny, round organ (clitoris), and the vaginal and urine canal entrances (urethra).
What is the vagina?
The female genitalia includes the vagina. It begins at the introitus, or inner section of the labia, and ends at the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus.
What causes vaginal infections?
When bacteria, fungi, or other organisms grow out of control, they cause vaginal infections. Several of these organisms are already present in the vagina and are kept in check through coexistence with other organisms. Infectious organisms can potentially enter the vaginal canal through poor hygiene or unsafe sex.
What is vulvar care?
Keeping the vulva dry and free of irritants is the purpose of vulvar care. This will keep the vulva from getting red, puffy, and inflamed. Because many illnesses are transmitted through the vaginal canal, these guidelines also serve as a foundation for excellent vaginal hygiene.
What are some vulvar care tips?
When you wash the vulva, use warm water to get it clean. Always dry with a clean towel. If the vulva is extremely irritated let it dry naturally.
Douching is harmful to your vaginal health. You don't need to douch your vagina because the discharge from your vaginal cleans your vagina naturally. Cleaning your vaginal area excessively might cause irritation and infection. They disrupt organisms' natural balance which is found in the vagina.
Do not wear anything but white underwear that is made entirely of cotton!
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to vulvar discomfort, avoid wearing nylon, acetate, or other artificial fibers.
Thongs should be avoided.
After washing, rinse underclothes well or double-rinse. When it comes to laundry detergent, don't use it too much.
Before wearing new underwear, make sure they're clean.
When washing underwear, use a mild soap.
Avoid Fabric softeners.
Use toilet paper that is soft (white only).
To control menstrual bleeding, use tampons instead of sanitary napkins. (Deodorant tampons are not recommended.)
To avoid toxic shock syndrome, do not leave tampons in for an extended amount of time. Tampons should not be left in all night.
If your healthcare physician recommends it, take sitz baths on a daily basis.
It is important to avoid dryer sheets, fabric softeners, and enzyme-based detergents (amylase, lipase, protease, and cellulose).
Please don't scratch.
Avoid wearing nylon pantyhose or panty girdles because they trap moisture and heat which allows organisms to reproduce.
Do not wear leggings or pantyhose for a long period of time.
Bubble baths, feminine spray, scented oils, bath oils, deodorants, talc, or powder are all things that can irritate the vulva.
What kinds of over-the-counter lubricants are available for vaginal lubrication?
If necessary, vaginal moisturizers can be used to relieve dryness. These can be silicon or water-based products:
Replens® (Warner Wellcome) - Apply three times a week at bedtime with the applicator to maintain appropriate vaginal moisture.
Crisco vegetable shortening
Gyne-Moistrin® (Schering-Plough)
Vaginal lubricants are used during intercourse.
Astroglide® is a trademark of the Astroglide Corporation (Astro-Lube, Inc.)
Developed for postmenopausal women, Lubrin® Vaginal Suppository (Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.).
Today® Personal Lubricant (Manufactured by the same company that makes the Today® Sponge).
K-Y Liquid® is a brand of liquid that was developed by K-Y Li (Johnson and Johnson).
Condom-Mate® Vaginal Suppository.
Emollients (such as Petroleum jelly) should be used with caution in people who have vulvar discomfort. Vaginal insertion of emollients is not suggested.
