Dockyard : Keep infections at bay

Untreated bacterial infections in vagina can result in pelvic inflammatory disease which further leads to infertility

We often don’t talk about vaginal infections openly, many women feel shy and often do not feel comfortable talking about it but actually it is a very important topic to be discussed about. The vagina can often be prickly, dry, or may produce excessive and discoloured discharge and smell bad too. It is indeed the most sensitive organ and requires proper care and attention too.

There are several mistakes that a woman makes unintentionally with her vagina which can often lead her to several harsh effects in the long run. These mistakes can often be made while urinating or otherwise on a normal day, during menstruation or even before and after having sex. It is very necessary that a woman takes care of her health, hygiene and well being.

• Avoid using scented soaps and fragrances for your vagina. The artificial scents which soaps usually have can be really dangerous for the vagina as they contain several chemicals and harsh ingredients. Also, these artificial scented soaps and body washes do not have a proper pH balance for the vagina. A woman must always use intimate washes that are pH balanced and are totally safe for use.
• Change sanitary pads at regular intervals: please do change your sanitary pads at regular intervals to keep vaginal infections and viruses at bay. Keeping the single pad for long causes itching and rashes. Also, failure in doing so results in a host to infectious diseases.
• Clean your vagina after having sex: cleaning vagina after having sex is very important as this shall significantly reduce spreading of bacteria. Also, it is essential to use a condom while having sex as this will certainly reduce the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Also, make sure that you and your partner always wash hands before getting laid. Most infections happen to couples who escape this process since the bacteria contained on the hands is transferred to other parts of the body like urethra and vagina.
• Do not wipe your vagina from back to front: Do not ever wipe yourself down there from back to front as it leads to the diffusion of bacteria and infections in the vagina. It is highly advised to wipe it from front to back always.
• Wear comfortable undergarments: Wear clothes that are looser in the crotch, wear cotton-crotch underwear rather than synthetic.
• Avoid using dirty public toilets: Avoid using public toilets as they are mostly dirty in case of emergency, do it in a standing position or you can also carry disposable or portable urinating devices with yourself.
• Urinate well: It is important to use the washroom whenever you feel urge to do so. Refraining yourself from urinating for too long can put unnecessary pressure on your bladder which can also result in infections.
• Keep yourself hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated. This shall prevent urinary infections and shall evade all the waste from your system.

Whenever you feel that there is a vaginal discharge which is heavier or smells different, or if you notice any itching, burning, swelling, or soreness around or outside of your vagina; or it feels like a burning sensation when you pee and when sex is uncomfortable then please do not delay and please visit your doctor as it could lead to some serious problems. Untreated bacterial infections in vagina can result in pelvic inflammatory disease which further leads to infertility also.

The writer is DR Shweta Goswami, Medical Director at Zeeva Fertility Clinic