What Kinds of Probiotics or Supplements Improve Vaginal Health?
Some health experts recommend that women take probiotics to sustain a healthy vagina because these living microorganisms can help manage vaginal pH levels. The strains GR-1 and RC-14 have the most clinical test support done over 25 years by numerous reputable institutions and universities. These strains can be found in the vaginal probiotics Pro-Fem.
Most people know probiotics are good bacteria that help improve the health of our digestive systems. But most people don’t realize that these living microorganisms can enhance vagina health as well. So whether you’re a man or woman, you can receive health benefits from consuming probiotics.
Does My Vagina Smell Healthy?
Every woman’s vagina has an odor. Interestingly, the vaginal odor changes based on the menstrual cycle phase she is in at the moment. But it can also change due to poor personal hygiene practices or a vaginal infection like vaginitis.
If it is a vaginal infection, it is usually a rotten fish smell, which may even be worse than the poor personal hygiene smell. Learning about these various smells will help you understand your vaginal health condition more clearly.
Should I Have Sex If I Have Vaginitis?
It would be more painful to have sex if you have a vaginal infection like vaginitis. You may also experience worsening symptoms from prolonged penetration and skin contact during sex, such as increased itching, irritation, and swelling of your vaginal tissues.
If you plan to have sex despite having a vaginal infection like bacteria vaginosis, let your partner know beforehand because you could easily transmit it to them. Then your partner can decide whether to take the risk or not.
Which Foods Promote Better Vaginal Health?
Probiotics exist in nutritional supplements and whole foods sold at grocery stores and supermarkets. Foods like plain yogurt and sauerkraut are the more natural options for consuming probiotics.
The important thing is to avoid sugary and refined foods because they can aggravate and increase the risk of vaginitis. That is why women typically experience worsening symptoms of vaginitis after consuming desserts, potatoes, pasta, and bread. Although no conclusive scientific evidence links refined sugars to worsening vaginitis symptoms, many women have experienced the link for themselves.
Whole foods can benefit the health of your entire body, including your vagina. You can consume yogurt and sauerkraut if you want, but the real benefit to your vaginal health comes from regularly consuming proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Should You Use Vaginal Lubricants?
Women experiencing vaginal dryness and pain may want to consider applying vaginal lubricants to their vaginal tissues. Since vaginal sexual intercourse produces friction between your partner’s body part and your dry vaginal skin, you can reduce vaginal discomfort by applying the lubricant before sex.
Try to find a vaginal lubricant with no irritants in it. Check the ingredients list on the back of the vaginal lubricant bottle to see if it has irritants like glycerin, nonoxynol-9, parabens, benzocaine, propylene glycol, and chlorhexidine gluconate. If it does, look for a different lubricant product that doesn’t have any of these irritants.
Water-based lubricants are the safest and least likely to have irritants. However, they are also very slippery, which could be a good or bad thing regarding the sexual sensation you feel. But at least you won’t feel any discomfort, which is essential. Other options include silicone-based lubricants like Uberlube and Sliquid or oil-based lubricants like mineral oil, coconut oil, and petroleum jelly.
Consult your doctor for further guidance about vaginal lubricants, especially if you’re attempting to get pregnant. Your doctor can advise you appropriately.
