‘Don’t be fooled by ads that claim the use of vaginal wash helps you to maintain intimate hygiene and keep your vagina clean and healthy,’ says Dr Nupur Gupta, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Director Well Woman Clinic, Gurgaon. Instead, these ‘so-called’ hygienic products can increase your risk of vaginal infections. Right from the use of vaginal wash and tampon to having multiple sex partners, here are five common risk factors for vaginal infections every woman should be aware of.
1. Vaginal wash: If you have seen ads on TV or YouTube about vaginal washes, it claims that vaginal washes work by maintaining the pH balance in the vagina. However, in reality, commercially available vaginal washes are the main cause of vaginal infection as they not only alter the pH but also create a favourable environment for the bacteria and fungus to grow. In fact, cleaning the vagina with mild soap and water is the best way to keep the vagina healthy and free from infections. Here's more on is cleaning your vagina with a vaginal wash healthy?
2. Douche: It contains a mix of various products like vinegar or baking soda with water and used to clean the vagina. Just like a vaginal wash, douching disrupts the pH balance and changes the bacterial composition increasing the risk of vaginal infection. Moreover, it can put you at risk of reproductive tract infection, if you are already suffering from an infection. Hence, stay away from douching as it does more harm than good.
3. Poor personal hygiene: It is a known fact that even a slight change in pH of the vagina can trigger a bacterial growth, thereby leading to a vaginal infection. Do not fall prey to fake promos of scented soaps. Follow simple tips like cleaning the vagina every time you visit a washroom with water and wiping it off with toilet paper and also washing private parts after having sex might help you to prevent infections. Read more about tips to maintain better vaginal hygiene.
4. Tampon: Unlike sanitary napkins which normally cause skin rashes, tampons are very comfortable. However, it is important to change it regularly as keeping to for too long can up your risk of infections. Also, make sure you maintain hygiene and clean the vagina properly every time you change the tampon to lower your risk of vaginal infection. Wondering if tampons are safe? Here are 7 myths about tampons busted.
5. Low immunity: Low immunity increases the risk of fever, cough, cold and infections is a known fact. But what most people not know is that it can also cause changes in the vaginal pH, thereby increasing your chances of vaginal infection. This is because the vagina has bacteria which flourish in the alkaline pH and not cause any harm. However, a slight change in the pH can trigger bacterial growth leading to infections. Here are common signs and symptoms of vaginal infections. Also, if you want to boost your immunity try chewing tulsi leaves.
6. Sex with multiple partners: The last and the most ignored risk factor of vaginal infection is having sex with multiple partners. Not just females, even males with multiple sex partners can spread the infection to the partner. So if you have an active sex life with multiple partners, it is not only important to be hygienic, but you also need to make sure you do not indulge in sex if you are suffering from any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or reproductive tract infections (RTIs).
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