The vagina is an organ that is open to the external environment, meaning it is always susceptible to threats like bacteria. Unlike the male sex organ, the vagina has a short, wide entrance. This is why cystitis bladder or infection occurs more often in women than in men. These inflammatory diseases are not only limited to the vagina or the cervix, but can also infect the abdominal cavity, leading to adhesions of the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and menstrual infertility. The woman's vagina protects itself with an acidic pH and a moist lubricant that prevents infection. In addition, beneficial bacteria inhabit and defend against harmful outside bacteria. Dr. Leah Millheiser, Director of Feminine Sexual Medicine at Stanford University Medical Center in the United States says, "Women come out with a teaspoon or a tablespoon of liquid a day to cleanse their vagina." This lubricant reduces the discomfort due to dryness and the chance of bacterial infection. She advises, "If you have symptoms such as odor, secretion color, discomfort in the pelvis or vulva, itching, burning sensation, you should hurry up to a doctor for diagnosis." “8 Rules for a Healthy Vagina” is incredibly informative concerning this topic and comes from “Everyday Health,” an online media source specializing in health medicine in the United States that has 50 million members and 700,000 doctors.

1. Maintain pH balance

In general, the pH of the vagina is 3.8-4.5. It has a higher level of acidity than the skin's sebaceous pH of 4.5~6.5 (weakly acidic). Therefore, washing the vulva and vagina with soap or cleanser with pH 9 (strong alkali) may cause the pH balance to be break down both inside and out. This will kill beneficial germs that live in the vagina and attract harmful bacteria.

If the vagina has a strong and unpleasant smell, washing will not solve the problem. It is time to seek medical attention.

2. Eat probiotic-rich yogurt frequently

A balanced nutritious diet and fluid intake are important factors in maintaining a healthy vagina. In fact, certain foods have a direct effect on vaginal well-being.

For example, yogurt is said to help prevent infection and assists in treatment. In particular, the more probiotic-rich the product, the better the effect. Dr. Heisser (or Millheiser?) recommends “Greek yogurt rich in Lactobacilli for candidiasis, the most common infection.”

In the medical journal “Archives of Internal Medicine (July 2012),” a paper was published stating that daily cranberry supplements can help prevent infections. Experts interpret this data due to the cranberry’s ability to lower the acidity of our body and to increase the regeneration of mucosal cells.

3. Tips on using condoms for safe sex

The use of condoms in sexual intercourse can prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, and chlamydia. There is no cure for virally transmitted diseases such as HIV (AIDS) or genital herpes. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts, is known to cause cancer.

To prevent harmful bacteria from entering the vagina, you should have oral or anal sex and replace the condom for vaginal intercourse. This requires partner understanding and information sharing.

4. Regular health checks

Regular gynecological or urological examinations are very important for vaginal health. American gynecologists recommend the first gynecological examination at the age of 21 at the latest. At this time, a cytological examination of the cervix is recommended as a test item. This is because examining changes in the vaginal mucosal cells reveals the change in stage O, which is the early or initial stage of cervical cancer. HPV in particular, is the cause of uterine cancer, and should be screened in advance for treatment.

5. The later the treatment, the higher likelihood of infertility

STI is a disease that many people unexpectedly suffer from. Most do not know they have it, and it is becoming more prevalent since it occurs without symptoms in women. In general, STI reaches the cervix via the vulva and vagina, and can rapidly spread into the abdominal cavity, such as the endometrium and fallopian tubes. In the case of chlamydia, if not treated early, scarring, stenosis, and adhesion due to mucosal inflammation may occur and cause infertility.

Therefore, it is best to get preventive treatment as soon as possible. It is also important to note that there is a high probability of relapse without treatment of a health partner.

6. Use proper lubricant for sexual activity

Having sex without a lubricant can cause labia and vaginal problems. Women’s secretion is a natural phenomenon, but diminishes with age or menopause. If the mucous membrane is damaged by severe friction, the likelihood of infection increases, making artificial lubricants necessary.

However, there are reports that some products may interfere with pregnancy. Be sure to use products that have passed strict screening by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, such as those that have undergone skin or sensitivity tests.

Few products are licensed to be applied in the vagina. Products classified as cosmetics are strictly restricted for use only on the outer vulva.

Baby oil should never be applied in the vagina since it can cause inflammation and infection.

7. Avoid wearing tight clothes

Clothes, especially bottoms, should keep the intimate area “breathing.” The wrong fabric, or tight garments can create an environment for harmful bacteria. Breathable cotton underwear is ideal. When doing strenuous activity, change wet swimsuits or sweaty garments as soon as possible. Women with a lot of secretions need to pack a clean change of underwear and change as needed even when in school or at work.

8. Make a habit of wiping from front to back after bowel movements

To avoid bacterial contamination of the vagina and to reduce the risk of bladder infection, you should practice wiping from front to back after a bowel movement. Unlike males, females have a shorter urethra making it easier for bacteria to enter. Sanitary pads and tampons should be replaced regularly. Wearing a panty liner can absorb normal vaginal discharge, but women who change frequently can get an irritated vulva.