Seven Common Myths About Vaginal Care – Busting Each One And More
The vagina is arguably one of the most misunderstood body parts.
There is a lot of misinformation out there about how to care for this important part of the female anatomy.
Women looking for ways to maintain a consistent and healthy routine to care for their health often encounter inaccurate information or distorted facts.
Many who follow these wrong practices often end up with irritations, infections, or even long-term damage and other side effects.
In this article, we will dispel some of the false beliefs and myths that have been spread about the vagina and provide some general tips on how to take care of yourself down there.
#1: The vagina must always have a freshly pleasant smell
Fact: Everyone loves the idea of a fresh-smelling vagina, but the truth is there is nothing natural about that.
The vagina has its own natural musty smell which is perfectly okay.
It’s not meant to be heavily scented and you shouldn’t expect it to smell like daisies or roses. Come on, it’s a vagina, not a fruit!
Using cleansers made with chemicals or harsh products in a bid to get a ‘fresh-smelling’ vagina can cause an imbalance in the normally healthy, acidic vaginal pH.
Consequently, it can expose you to diseases like yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis.
Vaginas self-clean or can be cleaned with water or a non-scented soap once a day.
If you are still concerned about your vagina smelling or tasting fresh, there are a few healthy ways to switch things up.
Everyone has a slightly different smell in their genitals and you can influence your personal scent by changing your diet.
While there’s currently no research on the effect of different foods on the smell and taste of a person’s vagina, there are some anecdotal reports that suggest it does.
For instance, eating fruits like pineapple has been found to stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria in the vagina which may in turn affect how it smells.
On the other hand, foods like asparagus may have the opposite effect. You’ll find some tips to make your vagina smell better here.
#2: All vaginas must bleed after virginity sex
Fact: Bleeding when you have sex for the first time is normal, but not bleeding is also normal.
Information about chastity or purity is one of the leading sources of inaccuracies about the vagina and this is one of them that has persisted for a long time.
Hymen is the medical term for the thin tissue that stretches across the vagina’s opening.
While it is true that when your cherry is popped it breaks the hymen (leading to blood in some cases), your hymen can also be broken through a bunch of other things like sports or putting fingers or objects inside the vagina.
The bottom line is even if you do not bleed when it is your first time, there is nothing bad about it.
In fact, some women are born with practically no hymen which makes the idea of a compulsory vagina bleed even more ridiculous.
#3: You can cure yeast infections with garlic/yoghurt
Fact: It is not advisable to put food products in your vagina for any reason.
Yet, several online sources claim that it is possible to get cured of a yeast infection using garlic or yoghurt.
Some of them go as far as saying that placing the garlic in your vagina overnight cures you of the infection by morning.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the candida fungus which gives off a burning or itching sensation.
It is an immensely uncomfortable situation. The best way to treat them is by getting a couple of anti-fungal medications prescribed by a medical doctor.
Sometimes the immune system, increase in pH balance in the vagina, or even the monthly menstrual period can heal up a yeast infection but not garlic or yoghurt.
#4: Vaginal discharge always means there’s fire on the mountain
Fact: It is normal to have vaginal secretions every other day. Clear elastic milky-white odourless vaginal discharge actually signifies a healthy vagina.
Vaginal discharge should also be expected during ovulation or before the monthly period starts.
It is also true that, oftentimes, a change in colour or strange and offensive vaginal odour during discharge can signify an underlying problem.
This is when you might need to see a gynaecologist to have it checked out.
On the other hand, yellow, green, or grey discharge could be an indication of a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.
Similarly, brown or red discharge could be as a result of menstruation, fibroids, cervical cancer or pregnancy among several other causes.
You should talk to a doctor if the colour of your vaginal discharge changes suddenly or if it has an unusual appearance or smell.
#5: The vagina will give off symptoms when there is a Sexually Transmitted Disease
Fact: It is possible to have a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) for years and it will lie dormant within your body until it is detected through a test or screening.
Chlamydia and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are classic examples.
According to the CDC when symptoms are mild, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which is a complication of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can be undetected and non-specific.
Certain STDs can affect reproduction and cause infertility which is why an important part of vaginal care is regular STD testing, especially if you are sexually active.
#6: You should remove pubic hair to clean the vagina
Fact: Pubic hair is actually a defence mechanism against harmful bacteria.
While the idea of staying hairy below the belt may sound unhealthy, research has shown that leaving some hair down there is better than being clean-shaven all the time.
Since the vagina is a sensitive place, there is so much that can cause itchiness, irritation, and a number of infections.
Pubic hair acts as the first form of defence against such troublesome invaders.
#7: A ‘tight’ vagina is a ‘better’ vagina
Fact: This is a stereotype that has persisted for ages and is particularly common among males.
For many people, a tight vagina equals sexual purity, virginity, and a better sexual experience.
A loose vagina on the other hand is often equated to being promiscuous.
As such many women erroneously believe that ‘tightening’ their vagina is advantageous. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Leveraging this myth, many dubious characters profit from selling the so-called ‘vagina-tightening’ products that often have debilitating effects on women in the long run.
Natural feminine events such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can cause changes in the vaginal muscles.
Using tightening creams and gels, or herbal remedies can cause long-term damage to the vagina.
Tightening the vagina through non-scientific methods is unhealthy and not a way to care for the vagina.
If it is worrisome to you or your male partner, see your gynaecologist who may recommend pelvic exercises like kegel which helps strengthen the vaginal muscles.
It’s a safe and natural way to restore tightness if you ever desire.
Other procedures like vaginoplasty and laser/radiofrequency tightening may be recommended in extreme cases.
Tips for a healthier vagina
- Do not douche
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Practise safe sex
- Wear breathable clothes
- Get tested regularly
- Indulge in kegel exercise
- Avoid excessive smoking
- Avoid excessive drinking
Conclusion
The vagina is the entryway into the female reproductive system and it is one of the most important organs in a woman’s body.
Neutral and light washes, regular testing and vaccinations plus sexual discipline are the major ways to keep it healthy.
It is also important for women to understand the most healthy practices like keeping the vagina clean and dry, wearing breathable fabrics, and adhering to the dos and don’ts to maintain a healthy vagina.
Image credits: Featured image at the top of this page is credited to Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik.