How can I determine whether I have a healthy vagina?
A healthy vagina has a whitish or clear discharge with no foul odor. The inner vaginal walls should feel elastic too. However, if you feel pain or itchiness while urinating or having sexual intercourse, you should consult a doctor immediately.
What are the possible reasons for foul vaginal odor?
The typical reasons for vaginal odor are menstruation, pregnancy, diet, and sweating. But the more serious reasons for vaginal odor are vaginal infections like trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis.
How do I prevent daily vaginal discharge?
Shower or bathe to wash the exterior of your genital region daily. Use a soft cloth to pat your genital area dry.
Avoid douching or applying chemical-based products to your genitals, such as scented toilet paper, hygiene sprays, deodorant pads, bubble bath formulas, etc.
I practice good hygiene but still have bad vaginal odor. Why is that?
Foul vaginal odor can occur from infections, certain foods, medications, hormonal changes, or health problems like diabetes. In addition, people with more bad bacteria will continue to smell terrible, even if they shower or bathe daily.
Consult your primary care physician to understand the reason behind your bad body odor.
What are the consequences of a vaginal pH imbalance?
A vaginal pH imbalance can cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections. Remember that your bladder health impacts your vaginal health and vice versa. As a result, bad vaginal health can lead to bad urinary tract health.
How do I balance my vaginal pH levels without medical treatment?
The best way to naturally balance your vaginal pH levels is to stop or lower your consumption of highly acidic foods and sugary foods. In fact, experts recommend about 70% of a woman’s daily diet consist of alkaline foods like almonds, spinach, celery, bell peppers, fruits, and legumes.
However, you should still consume healthy acidic foods like cranberries or cranberry juice because they can fight off the bad bacteria in the vagina to prevent vaginal infections and urinary tract infections.
Can probiotics improve my vaginal health?
Yes, there are vaginal probiotics can enhance vaginal flora, reduce bad bacteria, increase good bacteria, and maintain vaginal pH levels.
How often should a woman consume probiotics?
Generally, a woman should consume probiotic supplements daily. Of course, it is advised to consult a primary care physician to ensure the probiotics won’t interfere with any other medications you may be taking.
When should I take my probiotic supplements?
It is best to take probiotics on an empty stomach. Therefore, you should take it in the morning before breakfast or at least 2 to 3 hours after your last meal.
What are the best probiotics for improving vaginal health?
The most effective probiotics for vaginal health and balancing vaginal pH levels are lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and lactobacillus reuteri RC-14.
How will I know if the probiotics are working?
The positive effects of probiotics include better sleep, more bowel movements, reduced stomach pains, reduced vagina infections, better memory, and enhanced focus.
