A vagina is the foundation of womanhood known to facilitate both reproduction and sexual satisfaction. Scientifically, the term vagina refers to a soft and elastic canal that runs from the vulva all the way to the uterus. This means that using the word ‘vagina’ to refer to the external parts of a woman’s reproductive system is wrong. The correct name for that is vulva.

As a lady, you have spent all your life with your vagina. You have seen it develop over the years. This might make you feel like you know it better anyone, but then, you don’t. There are so many hidden facts about your vagina that will astound you. That is why it will always remain to be one of the most fascinating parts of a woman’s body. Below are ten facts about a vagina that will make you understand it better and enable you to keep it healthy throughout.

Do not use soap and other cleansers to clean your vagina

So many women spend plenty of time cleaning their vaginas in an attempt to attain remarkable hygiene. Some go for too much soap and water while others douche their vaginas in fragranced water to make them smell nice. What you don’t know is that none of that is necessary. As a matter of fact, those methods only end up doing you more harm than good.

According to research, a vagina cleans itself regularly. This is because it has glands that lubricate it and clean it naturally keeping it fresh always. The best way to clean it is to apply very little on the labia and using water to clean it. Don’t worry about the inner section. It will handle that on its own.

You should let your vagina relax after giving birth

After birth, give your vagina some time off to relax. Don’t take part in any sexual activity. The relaxation of the vagina is essential, and it is so far one of the best ways to keep it healthy after the stretch it has undergone during birth. Doctors often recommend that you wait for 6 weeks after delivery before you have your first penetration. This time is meant to help your vagina heal.

Sexual time off is also significant in the restructuring of the vagina. The six weeks are enough to reduce it to its usual size. After that time elapses, you can go ahead and have sex. In case you are wondering if time off is also vital after Caesarian section, yes it is.

You should have sex regularly to keep the vagina healthy

Regular sex is vital not just for your happiness but also when it comes to keeping your lady-parts healthy. According to research, constant penetration keeps your vagina active and also strengthens the inner walls. It’s like your vagina gets better every time you have sex. Both you and your partner will notice this the more you make use of the vagina sexually.

Women who tend to neglect sexual activities end up with weak vagina walls. This might not seem to be causing any problem at the moment, but once you reach menopause, it will definitely affect you. The walls of your vagina will start scarring. It will also close partially. In case you are yet to get a sexual partner, visit a gynecologist to get more information on how to make your vagina active.

Condom won’t stop your vagina from getting infected with some diseases

Most ladies think that when their spouse or mate use condoms, they become bulletproof to sexually transmitted infections popularly known as STI’s. You should, however, keep in mind that condoms only protect you against pregnancy, HIV, and a handful of STI’s. You are, however, susceptible to other diseases that only require contact to get transmitted from one person to another.

It is thus crucial that you be very careful to avoid catching diseases such as genital herpes. The same applies to female condoms. The only way to prevent infection of your vagina is to ensure that whoever you are having sex with is free from STI’s and HIV. That way, you will be able to maintain the health of your vagina.

Avoid birth control pills to enhance lubrication of your vagina

There are very many women out there who tend to have a challenge enjoying sex. This is often caused by lack of enough lubrication making sex to be painful. To curb this situation, try having extensive foreplay before sex. This should stimulate your vagina to release enough fluids for lubrication. If that does not work, then stop using birth controls.

The lubrication of your vagina depends on the levels of estrogen. When the levels are low, it becomes impossible for the vagina to lubricate itself. Birth control pills are known to reduce the level of estrogen hormones in your body. You should thus avoid using them to restore the hormone. This will lead to increased lubrication of your vagina when stimulated, and sex will start being enjoyable.

Drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs

Urinary Tract Infections, also known as UTIs, are diseases caused when bacteria invade the urinary tract in your vagina. They have symptoms such as a burning sensation when urinating and constant urination. Research indicates that drinking cranberry juice can inhibit the growth and multiplication of E.coli, a bacteria that causes UTI thus preventing the infection. In case you are wondering how cranberry juice can prevent the infection. This is because it comes with certain compounds that are not digested in the stomach but instead taken to the urinary tract where they fight harmful bacteria, including E.coli. So always drink cranberry drink and keep your vagina healthy by preventing inhibiting the existence of E.coli bacteria that causes UTIs.

Commence Kegel exercise to keep your vagina in shape

If you are not having sex regularly, go ahead, and commence Kegel exercise. That is another way to keep your vagina both flexible and active. To do Kegel exercise, lie on the floor and tighten your pelvic muscles. You need to maintain focus throughout for you to achieve remarkable results. Kegel exercise will enable you to strengthen your vagina walls and keep it very active, similar to someone having sex regularly. Do this every day or a couple of times every week for you to strengthen your vagina.

Consume healthy foods to nourish your vagina

Different vaginas have a distinct odor and look. What determines how your vagina smells is the PH. A healthy vagina is supposed to have a PH of 3.8 to 4.5. Anything below or above that may lead to infections. To keep the PH exactly how it should be, consume healthy foods like yogurt and honey. They not only help when it comes to balancing your vagina’s PH, but they also ensure its nourishment. At the end of the day, you will be able to keep it from yeast and bacterial infection. With time you will notice its odor transforming too. This practice added to Kegel exercise will see to it that your vagina remains healthy and safe from diseases.

Keep your pubes for protection

So many women shave their pubic hair entirely for hygiene purposes. You should, however, know that your pubes are there for a fundamental reason. That is to protect your vagina and the surrounding. The opening of the vagina tissue is very soft and delicate. It requires special protection from external factors. You should also know that shaving tends to make your vagina, and it’s surrounding vulnerable to infections. The small spots left after shaving as well as exposed pores, may lead to diseases that may end up causing complications to your vagina. It is thus advisable to trim and not to shave clean.

Verdict

From the above information, you will realize that there are several facts that you dint know about your vagina. You might have also found answers to some of the questions you have been asking yourself for a long time. It is thus crucial that you keep in mind the above factors so that you don’t end up experiencing any problems with your vagina in the long run. The factors will enable you to keep your vagina healthy and with a good odor without the risk of getting infections.