There are times when we engage in certain habits which we think are healthy even when they are not. As a woman, you might think that you know all there is to know about your vagina and how to properly take care of it – but you could be wrong.
For the knowledge of everyone, here are some common habits that could really cause more harm than good to the vagina:
Douching or Using Feminine Sprays
Whether they are scented or unscented, feminine sprays, wipes and douches strip the vagina of bacteria – and believe it or not, not all bacteria need to be cleaned away. Feminine sprays and wipes are known to alter the vaginal environment and may reduce the bacteria needed to fight off yeast growth. They might also irritate the skin around the vaginal area. Douches flush water up into the vagina, clearing out vaginal secretions – this disrupts the normal vaginal bacteria and can lead to several health problems.
Eating Too Much Sweets
A diet rich in refined carbohydrates (white rice, white sugar, and white flour) has led some women to experience developing vaginal odour, itching, and other symptoms of a yeast infection. There is a theory that says elevated glucose in the blood make it easier for the yeast organism, candida albicans. to stick to the vaginal cells. Having high levels of blood sugar also affects the immune system. Women who have weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for yeast infection because their bodies cannot fight off the yeast as well.
Stressful Lifestyle
It is a known fact that stress compromises the immune system. This is why some women develop a yeast infection when going through stressful and major life changes such as moving, planning a wedding, facing unemployment, getting a divorce, and more. To lower your risk of a yeast infection, stress-reduction techniques should be considered. Certain stress-reducing activities include yoga, meditation as well as regular exercise.
Unhealthy Sleeping Pattern
If you toss and turn all night long, or if you do not get a full eight hours of sleep, you might be compromising your immune system – making it weak. When you get a restful sleep, you are also helping your body repair itself and maintain its optimal health. Remember, a weakened immune system can lead to higher levels of naturally-occurring vaginal acidity. This lowers your vagina’s pH level, creating an environment in which vaginal yeast can thrive. Some women, when their vaginal pH gets low, are not able to naturally fight-off yeast infection.
For persistent symptoms of vaginal infections, it is best to consult your physician right away.
