The vaginal flora has a significant impact on the health of a woman’s entire body. Many essential bacteria live within the vagina, and they all act as watchdogs and protect the body against pathogenic germs. Many women don’t even know what their vaginas are capable of and how important it is to take care of them. This is probably due to the fact that women only talk to doctors they trust about their “vaginal health”. The vagina is garbed with a thick layer of mucosa that protects it from foreign germs and fungi. To do this, the vagina needs its own “good bacteria”, so-called lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria) to be precise. These countless small helpers come together to form the vaginal flora. They create a balance within the vagina and protect it against germs trying to enter a woman’s body.
Strengthen your immune system
A strong immune system equals a “strong” vagina. A powerful immune system promotes an intact vaginal flora. There are many different ways to support your immune system, whether it is exercising outdoors, eating healthily or using various food supplements. You just have to find out what works best for you. Click here to find more ways to strengthen your immune system.
A healthy diet
Even though it doesn’t make much sense at first: Our diet has a huge impact on our vaginal health. There really are foods that can disturb the balance of the vagina and therefore enable the colonisation of the vagina with bad bacteria. Healthy fats such as nuts, olive oil, avocado and co. have a positive effect on our defence system. They also support metabolic processes, the development of cell walls and hormone production. Sugar, on the other hand, isn’t very good for the microbiome. It acts as a food source for bad germs in the intestines, which can subsequently reach the vagina. Your mouth can also indicate the state of your vaginal flora. If you’re thirsty, you can assume that your vagina is too. In that sense: make sure you drink enough!
Correct genital hygiene
Correct genital hygiene is the cornerstone of a healthy vagina. Too little hygiene isn’t healthy, but too much isn’t either. Cleaning the vagina once a day with luke-warm water is more than enough for optimal hygiene. If you still want to use products, make sure you use special hygiene products. These should have a neutral pH and be free of perfumes. Furthermore, it is also recommended to use an extra towel for your genital area and avoid softeners when washing underwear.
Avoid constant stress
Another significant factor that influences vaginal health is stress. It can lead to an imbalance within the intestinal and vaginal flora and, therefore, increase the risk of infections. It isn’t only important for your body to avoid constant stress, but also for your mental health.
Using probiotics
Just like the intestines, the vagina also needs “good” bacteria to maintain a healthy balance and keep the pH-value stable. There is a proven connection between the vaginal and intestinal flora in our bodies. Intestinal disturbances, such as diarrhoea or constipation, can harm the vagina and its microflora. Probiotics are a good solution to support the intestinal and vaginal flora and avoid a dysbalance. The use of probiotics is most recommended after antibiotic treatment. The intake of probiotics with important, wholesome bacteria helps maintain a healthy microflora within the vagina and intestines.
Protected sex
Not only the vagina is inhabited by bacteria, but the penis too. During sex, the bacteria on the penis can enter the vagina and trigger various diseases. To lower this risk as much as possible, it is always recommended to use a condom if you tend to suffer from vaginal infections. The change form anal to vaginal intercourse can also increase the risk of vaginal infections