All women should be concerned about their vaginal health. A healthy vagina is naturally acidic and contains rich quantities of beneficial bacteria that help fend off infections and maintain a normal pH level. A healthy vagina will also secrete small amounts of discharge to keep itself clean, much as saliva is produced to help cleanse your mouth. Any interference with these normal conditions, and you may face vaginal irritation or infection. Here’s how to keep your vagina healthy.

1.     Use Condoms: This will protect you against changes in pH and STDs

2.     Wear cotton underwear: breathable fabric will keep the vaginal area dry and less likely to breed bacteria

3.     Work you pelvic muscles: doing Kegels, and strengthening the pelvic floor can help you avoid incontinence and keep vaginal walls toned

4.     Eat Greek Yogurt: the probiotics in Greek yogurt help maintain healthy bacteria in the vagina

5.     Get checked annually: Make sure you see your GYN yearly

6.     Use lubricant: sex can be very painful if you suffer from vaginal dryness.  Lubrication is the best way to avoid this.

7.     Stop using intravaginal cleansers: these can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina and cause more harm than good, especially when the vagina cleans itself

8.     Avoid antibiotics when you can: antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria so when on them it might be easier for you get a yeast infection

9.     Good hygiene: to avoid bladder infection, make sure you wipe from front to back.  To avoid bacterial infections in the vagina, change sanitary napkins and tampons regularly. 

Here are the top issues women might face, and why maintaining vaginal health is so important.

·       Yeast infection: Many women are affects by yeast infections where an intense itching and thick white discharge occurs. Yeast is present in the vagina and the gut but various triggers such as an illness, antibiotic use and even diabetes can lead to a yeast increase. 75% of women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives. For symptoms, especially the first time, you must visit your doctor to confirm the diagnosis with a swab. For women prone to yeast infections, they should understand the signs and look to over-the-counter antifungal medications which are very safe.

·       Bacterial Vaginosis: Women will notice a greyish discharge, strong odor, itching or burning. It's an infection caused by an increase in normal bacteria in the vagina due to a number of possible factors such as a new sexual partner or douching. Confirm your suspicions with a swab and your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

·       Sexually Transmitted Disease: Think gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis - these infections are contracted through sexual contact with an infected partner. Many of these conditions will cause a sudden change in discharge, blood discharge, painful sex, abdominal pain, sores, rashes and bumps. Be sure to get STI screening every year as well as a regular HIV test.