GENITAL HYGEINE CARE PART 1<\/b><\/p>\n
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What\u2019s the difference between the vagina and vulva, I am confused?<\/b><\/p>\n
You must get to know your vulva and vagina, up close and personal. <\/span>First – let\u2019s be clear what we are talking about regarding the \u201cvagina\u201d.\u00a0 When women are talking about their \u201cvagina\u201d they are mistakably including the vulva which is really the labia majora and labia minora.\u00a0 Women lump the word \u201cvagina\u201d to mean anything down south to describe it.\u00a0 <\/span>Medically speaking the vagina is only the inside and the outside is the vulva-labia majora and minora. Most women call all of this the “vagina” and don’t separate the 2 areas.\u00a0 The \u201cvagina\u201d <\/span>actually includes the vulva, labia-majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips), the opening to the vagina is called the introitus, the inner vagina, the urethra (small opening leading to the bladder), the clitoris and the protective hood of the clitoris. The inside of the vagina, where tampons go, is a temperamental and ultra-sensitive area. <\/span>50% of women wonder if their vagina is normal looking. My first and foremost advice to women is to get to know your lady parts, know what <\/span>your<\/span><\/i> \u201cnormal\u201d is so you will know when a potential problem arises.\u00a0 If you have not done so already, pull out the mirror and get to know your vagina, your vaginal health depends on it. Every woman needs to take a \u201cvagie\u201d to really know this lady part intimately.<\/span><\/p>\n What do you mean when it\u2019s said,\u00a0 the vagina is \u201cself-cleaning\u201d?<\/b><\/p>\n The vagina is equipped with over thirty organisms that help the pH balanced and free of infections. These organisms produce secretions (discharge) to naturally clean the vagina, much like the mouth does with saliva and the eyes do with tears. The cervical glands also contribute to the vaginal secretions (discharge). Depending on the time of month, vaginal discharge will change in consistency, texture, and smell.\u00a0These organisms are responsible for keeping the vagina clean and free of harmful infections.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Can you explain what\u2019s \u201cnormal” in terms of vaginal odor and secretions?<\/b><\/p>\n Normal discharge is simply a fluid that carries away dead cells and bacteria, protecting the vagina from infection. During ovulation, the slippery clear discharge helps propel the swimming sperm eager to get into the uterus so the egg can be fertilized in the fallopian tube. This healthy discharge will appear clear to milky in color. Normal vaginal discharge can also be described as white, thin and odorless.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A couple days after your period the discharge will appear white and thick. Around Day 14, you may notice a clear, slippery, odorless discharge the consistency of egg whites. This is also completely normal, and it suggests ovulation. During puberty<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>a milky discharge (leucorrhea) is produced. This naturally occurring discharge protects the stability of the vagina.\u00a0Right before your period the white discharge will become thicker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My mom always told me to douche after my period, it that safe to do?<\/b><\/p>\n Douching is a premade cleaning mixture that comes in a plastic bottle that can be squirted high up into the vagina. This internal vaginal cleaning is not a recommended routine to keep the vagina smelling fresh and clean. The active cleaning ingredients used in most douches can upset the healthy vaginal discharge and pH balance and create a nasty yeast or bacterial infection.<\/span><\/p>\n I got a horrible yeast infection after taking a bubble bath that reminded me of Hawaii, could that have been the cause?<\/b><\/p>\n All of us vagina owners know how disconcerting it can be to encounter a new smell down south, so the key is to know what your particular \u201cnormal\u201d smells like. Since the vagina is very sensitive to changes in your daily environment, anything that affects its pH balance will also affect the smell and consistency of discharge. Factors that affect this balance include:<\/span><\/p>\n These factors may not only cause a strange new odor, they also may create other uncomfortable symptoms such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A strong, foul, fishy vaginal odor with a thin, grayish-white discharge is a classic symptom of bacterial infections, but it can also be a result of other types of organisms (infections) such as Candidiasis, Bacterial Vaginosis\/Gardnerella, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n How do I know if it\u2019s my gifted bubble bath that smells like Hawaii or an infection that\u2019s giving me these nasty symptoms?<\/b><\/p>\n If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is important that you see your healthcare provider. She can take a series of vaginal cultures in order to determine what organism is involved. Many women will invariably self-diagnose vaginal discharge and itching as a common yeast infection. I know it seems much easier to head to the drug store for an over-the-counter medication, but, unfortunately, you may only make your symptoms worse and delay a proper diagnosis and treatment. Vaginal cultures can confirm what organism is causing your disruptive symptoms in order for the best treatment to be prescribed. Even if you tend towards more \u201cnatural\u201d remedies, please, before you start <\/span>packing yogurt<\/span><\/i> into your vagina, take a trip to your healthcare provider to check things out properly.<\/span><\/p>\n How do we safely clean the vulva area? <\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The\u00a0vulva includes the labia-majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips), the opening to the vagina which is called the introitus, the urethra (small opening leading to the bladder), the clitoris and the protective hood of the clitoris. This entire area needs to be cleaned, hydrated and moisturized daily for properly daily cleaning. Creating a feminine hygiene routine will<\/span> prevent dryness of the skin which helps avoid unwanted acne, irritation and infection.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Using the wrong types of soap can cause irritation, dryness and bad odor. Avoid soaps which are heavily perfumed, contain too many unnatural ingredients, or have antibacterial properties which upset the natural balance of your body.<\/span><\/p>\n Do I need to use soap on the vulva area?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0Ideally, you want to use pH balanced, clean, toxic-free, dermatologically and gynecologically approved formulations made to protect the delicate skin of the vulva from harmful bacteria, dryness, itching, irritation, infection, breakouts, and other causes of premature aging. \u00a0There are vagina friendly formulations made especially for the vulva. Do our research and find products made especially for your Lady Parts.<\/span><\/p>\n Can I use scented soaps to clean my vulva?<\/b><\/p>\n Since the vulva is very sensitive to changes in your daily environment, anything that affects its pH balance will also affect the smell and consistency of discharge.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Scented soaps, cleaners and feminine intimate grooming products can actually upset the normal pH balance of the vagina, causing infections and skin irritation. Disrupting the pH balance can cause a yeast or bacterial infection which creates uncomfortable symptoms including itching, burning, redness, swelling, and foul vaginal discharge.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When we clean the vulva do we have to go front to back?<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ensuring you do not bring harmful bacteria from the anus towards the vulva and vagina is important while cleaning this sensitive area.<\/span><\/p>\n How do I moisturize my vulva?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The skin of the vulva is prone to dryness if not taken care of properly. If you don\u2019t moisturize your vulva the skin will become dry which can cause irritation, itching, burning and pain.\u00a0 Feminine hygiene products including fragrant soaps, bubble bath liquids, sanitary wipes, laundry detergent and sexual lubricants are some of the products that lead to vaginal dryness. Extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) in a warm bath helps naturally moisturizes the vulva helps prevent the disruptive symptoms caused by vaginal dryness. I recommended taking baths with EVCO nightly to prevent dryness and premature aging of the vulva.<\/span><\/p>\n When I am on my period is there a different cleaning routine I need to follow?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Normal blood flow requires 3-6 pads or tampons per day.\u00a0 The average woman only bleeds about 3 ounces during an entire period.\u00a0\u00a0Pads, tampons, menstrual cups and Thinx-like underwear can all be used to collect blood during a period.\u00a0Tampons and pads should be changed every 4 to 8 hours.\u00a0During a period, it\u2019s especially important to have a daily hygiene routine due to additional bacteria introduced into this area. Cleaning and moisturizing the vulva skin helps prevent infections and dryness.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n What other tips do you have about keeping the vagina and vulva healthy?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I like to think the vulva should have the same feminine hygiene ritual as we do for our face. It needs to be cleaned, hydrated and moisturized with the same love and attention. Using vulva and vagina-friendly products keep the skin of the vulva hydrated, moisturized, and cleansed properly.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Can I get acne on my vulva?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Vulva acne, also known as pimples, are more common than people think!<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The vulva has sweat glands and hair follicles that are prone to dirt buildup and getting clogged just like any other of the body with hair and sweat. \u00a0Between urine, sweat and being so close to the anus cleaning the vulva regularly is critical to prevent dirty bacterial buildup in clogged skin pours which could lead to acne.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Feminine hygiene routines such as shaving, waxing or lasering exposes the hair follicles that can be prone to getting infected or blocked causing acne, black heads and in groin hairs.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Vigorous exercise routines such as cycling and running, tight clothing, obesity, hormonal changes, Diabetics and sitting for long periods of time can increase the likelihood of vulva, groin, inner thigh and buttock acne.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What\u2019s the difference between vulva acne and folliculitis?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Acne is common on the vulva or areas near the external vulva genitalia including the inner thighs where there is more pressure applied to this delicate and sensitive part of the body. Acne,\u00a0or pimples,\u00a0of this area looks like acne occurring on the face.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Folliculitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of a hair follicle that causes inflammation, redness and infection of a hair follicle. With folliculitis, since it involves the hair follicle there is always a hair involved whereas with acne there is not. Folliculitis can turn into a skin boil. \u00a0Anywhere on the body where that are hair follicles, you are at risk of folliculitis. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Can I get razor burn on my vulva?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Razor burn is a byproduct of shaving the skin of the vulva which may include itching, a rash and red bump. It occurs when the razor blade interacts with the skin and hair of this delicate area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you use the razor, laser or wax your pubic hair make sure the skin is always kept clean before and after removing the hair.\u00a0 If you loofah the skin after any kind of hair removal, this helps prevent acne and in-groin hairs during the regrowth process. Antibacterial soaps and lotions are also helpful in protecting this sensitive area against acne and rashes. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you use a razor make sure you have a clean razor-blade, use shaving gel or cream with warm water, apply gentle pressure and use after skin cream to keep the skin hydrated and clean. Old razor blades carry unwanted bacteria that can cause razor burns, bumps, acne and other irritations to the skin and hair follicles of the vulva.\u00a0 Avoid alcohol containing products.\u00a0 Any female tool that is used on your body daily needs to be cleaned regularly.\u00a0 The bathroom can be a reservoir for bacteria so it is absolutely necessary to clean or replace bathroom items weekly. Lastly, never be in a rush when you have to shave the pubic hair area!<\/span><\/p>\n What causes blisters and bumps on my vulva?<\/b><\/p>\n Bumps and rashes are other forms of skin irritation that can occur on the vulva. Certain STI\u2019s including genital Herpes starts as a raised painful blister-like bump on the vulva whereas Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes raised painless white bumps.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Molluscum contagiosum is transmitted through skin to skin contact and from sharing infected towels\/clothing and causes raised\u00a0painless\u00a0bump.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Can you actually get dermatitis of the vulva?<\/b><\/p>\n Vulvar dermatitis is a term used to describe dry, painful or irritated skin. It\u2019s a generalized term that doesn\u2019t address the cause but describes the condition. Vulvar dermatitis can be caused by feminine hygiene products-fragrant soaps, bubble bath liquids, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, sanitary wipes, pads, sexual lubricants, nylon undergarments and latex products-condoms and diaphragms.<\/span><\/p>\n Treating vulvar dermatitis begins by identifying and removing the cause. Using anti-itch medication and steroid cream helps the symptoms and keeping the vulvar moisturized is, also, soothing to the skin.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Can I have vulva eczema?<\/b><\/p>\n Eczema causes an inflammatory change leading to red and sore areas on the skin including the vulva. These changes cause the skin to itch.<\/span><\/p>\n Using an oral anti-histamine, topical anti-itch cream, moisturizer, cool compresses and taking a warm bath are helpful. It\u2019s hard to do but avoid scratching and keep the vulva cool and not restrictive in clothing or undergarment. Commando may be the helpful when the itching is excessive or unbearable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Does Psoriasis go to the vulva?<\/b><\/p>\n Yes! Psoriasis can appear bright red, smooth and shiny on the vulva. For some people it may be the only place it appears. <\/span>Regardless of where psoriasis is located on the body, persistent itchy skin is one of the most common disruptive symptoms.\u00a0 Skin rashes with scaly patches cause intense itching even when located on the vulva. Psoriasis is not a STI and you can\u2019t spread it to a partner.<\/span><\/p>\n Keeping the skin moisturized and well-ventilated is important. Anti-itch creams, avoiding stress and not scratching are also useful strategies to prevent itching.<\/span><\/p>\n Can vaginal acne ever be triggered by sex?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sex can trigger acne and rashes of the vulva if there is any skin trauma disrupting the skin. Vaginal dryness during intimacy can also cause a vulva rash and irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n How do I treat vaginal acne?<\/b><\/p>\n Avoiding what is causing the vulva acne is your best bet in treating it.<\/span><\/p>\n If you use the razor, laser or wax your pubic hair make sure the skin is always kept clean before and after removing the hair. \u00a0It\u2019s helpful to shave in the direction of the hair growth and using an electric razor is also an option. If you loofah the skin after any kind of hair removal this helps prevent acne and in-groin hairs during the regrowth process. Antibacterial soaps and lotions are also helpful in protecting this delicate area against acne and rashes.<\/span><\/p>\n Any female tool that is used on your body daily needs to be cleaned regularly.\u00a0 The bathroom can be a reservoir for bacteria, so it is absolutely necessary to clean or replace bathroom items weekly.<\/span><\/p>\n Washing your hands before touching any female related body parts or beauty tools, in addition, to keeping the tools clean and replacing them appropriately, is your best bet to keeping your skin \u201cdown south\u201d looking healthy, fresh and free of acne!<\/span><\/p>\n If vulva acne does not improve with these strategies, then using an anti-acne cream or exfoliate can be safely used on the vulva.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Are there any home remedies to get relief from painful skin in their genital area?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0A cold compress or taking a warm sitz bath with extra virgin coconut oil may relieve vulva swelling, pain, irritation or itching.<\/span><\/p>\n Keeping the vulva clean with an intimate vaginal wash and preventing dryness of the skin will help avoid unwanted hygiene obstacles including acne.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Women need to take care of their vulva and vagina with the same feminine ritual as they do with their face.<\/span><\/p>\n If I have an itch does that always mean I have a yeast infection?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Of all the infections that can affect the vulva, a yeast infection is the most common. It\u2019s estimated that 75% of women will experience a yeast infection in their lifetime.\u00a0 But just because you have itching of the vulva doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you have a yeast infection. The vulva can be delicate and temperamental, often affected by everyday routines including diet, medications, stress, fragranced body and laundry soaps, douching and sex, especially if you haven\u2019t had adequate foreplay. Anything that disrupts the ph balance makes the vulva and vagina a not so happy place.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Common irritants you may or may not realize can cause a yeast infection:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Caffeine and alcohol can also be added to the list of offensive culprits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Symptoms of a vulva irritation caused by feminine hygiene products and yeast infection are similar. Typical symptoms of both conditions include an inflamed vulva and vagina with itching, burning, redness and swelling.\u00a0 There may or may not be an obvious vaginal discharge which can appear as thick or lumpy white and cottage cheese-like in consistency.\u00a0 You may even notice a vaginal odor as well.\u00a0 When in doubt it\u2019s best to see your health care provider to see what you have baking.\u00a0 A simple vaginal culture can identify this infection.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What\u2019s the purpose of pubic hair?<\/b><\/p>\n The best kept secret about a women\u2019s body is why we actually have pubic hair.\u00a0 No one really knows the answer to this question.\u00a0 The suspected theories, some medical and some not, include pubic hair prevents dirt and other floating germs to enter the vagina, it keeps our genitals warm, and it\u2019s the perfect cushion during sex, bicycling and other forms of exercise that put pressure on our vagina.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pubic hair is also thought to create \u2018pheromones\u2019 which are invisible sexual smells that are sexually enticing and erotic to your partner.\u00a0 We know pubic hair can be a decorative accessory under the sheets during Valentine\u2019s Day or for different cultural preferences.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When does the first sign of hair growth (vellus hair) begin on my vuvla?<\/b><\/p>\n Vellus hair is the very short, light fine hair that covers the skin on the body.\u00a0 This type of hair is meant to protect the skin and keep the body warm. Terminal hair is the thicker and darker hair that grows in the pubic area, on the head, under the arms and on the face and starts to grow during puberty.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Does pubic hair stop growing at a certain point?<\/b><\/p>\n Just like other hair on our body, pubic hair will start to thin out during different hormonal stages in our lives.\u00a0 During menopause and with age, pubic hair will start to thin out and not grow as steadily. Also, certain medical conditions and medications and getting chemotherapy can make pubic hair thin out. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Can it be a different color than the hair on your head?<\/b><\/p>\n Usually the hair on your head, under your arms and on your vagina is similar in color.\u00a0 It\u2019s not always the case since there can be slight variations in color due to the amount of melanin that gives hair its color.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Why do women like to groom their pubic hair?<\/b><\/p>\n Ask a roomful of us and this is what you may hear:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What do men prefer for their female partner\u2019s pubic hair?<\/b><\/p>\n In a recent survey 5,000 men were asked, \u201cWhat do you find attractive when it comes to women\u2019s pubic hair?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Forty-one percent preferred the \u201ccompletely bare look,\u201d noting that, \u201cBrazilian is king!\u201d. Thirty-eight percent preferring a trimmed and well-groomed pubic area, citing that a grown woman ought to have \u201csomething down there.\u201d Fifteen percent had no preference whatsoever; generously acknowledging \u201ca woman should do whatever makes her feel comfortable and sexy.\u201d Five percent preferred an \u201call natural\u201d bush, and one percent said \u201cother\u201d (whatever that might mean).<\/span><\/p>\n Although 85 percent of the men surveyed did, indeed, have a preference when it came to a woman\u2019s pubic hair, only nine percent claimed they would end a date or that they would forego sex based on a woman\u2019s care of her pubic hair. Even as of this writing, the style tending towards a bit more bush may be trending.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do men like to do with their pubic hair?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n It may surprise you, but 88 percent of men do some form of manscaping (defined as the aesthetic grooming of a man\u2019s bodily hair). Out of this percentage, nearly half felt the pressure to do some pubic grooming because their partner did so. But what really impressed me about this study was that two thirds of the men surveyed found that a woman who didn\u2019t fuss about grooming and who was comfortable in her own skin to be sexier than a woman who put excessive time and money into trying to maintain someone else\u2019s idea of perfection. Interesting. Three cheers for these particular men!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Shaving, waxing or laxer hair removal is a personal preference based on what is easiest and most convenient for women.\u00a0 Shaving tends to be quick and easy and can be done every few days.\u00a0 Waxing is a popular pubic hair removal technique that can be done every 4 to 6 weeks. Laser is another great option but is costly and gives you a similar result to waxing.<\/span><\/p>\n The factors that influence our decision to shave, wax or laser will depend on your personal preference, your partners preference, frequency of getting naked, convenience and cost of what procedure works best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you chose the blade, laser or wax for pubic hair removal, just make sure your skin is kept clean before and after.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The pubic area is a highly sensitive place, so it\u2019s possible that a simple wax job may prove a painful experience. I would also advise any first timer to trim their pubic hair as short as possible before waxing. Although rare, labia tears can occur in an improperly executed wax job. Know your waxer, or get a referral. Whether you\u2019re a newbie or wax master, there are ways you can prepare for your waxing appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n A couple disadvantages to laser removal is that it can be costly and cause skin irritation, and, because of the possibility of skin discoloration, it works best only on certain skin and hair types.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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\n<\/b>How do I know if I have a irritation caused by a feminine hygiene products?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
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\n<\/b>What\u2019s the best way to care for my pubic hair?<\/b><\/p>\n