VAGINAL HYGIENE�what every women should know

VAGINAL HYGIENE�what every women should know

1. VAGINAL HYGIENE what every women should know Dr.T.V.Rao MD 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 1

2. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 2

3. What is Vagina The vagina is a tube of muscle inside a woman's body that runs from the cervix (the opening of the womb) to the vaginal opening. The external sex organs, which are called the vulva, surround the vaginal opening. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 3

4. Bacteria in the vagina The vagina contains more bacteria than anywhere else in the body after the bowel, but the bacteria are there for a reason." 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 4

5. How the normal flora helps the Vagina Provide "numerical dominance" – they outnumber other potential harmful bacteria that might enter the vagina Help keep the vagina's pH balance (how acidic the vagina is) at an even level, which helps keep the balance of bacteria healthy Can produce bacteriocin's (naturally occurring antibiotics) to reduce or kill other bacteria entering the vagina Produce a substance that stops invading bacteria sticking to the vagina walls, which prevents bacteria invading the tissues 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 5

6. Lactobacilli helps to maintain the Health of Vagina If the balance of bacteria is disturbed, this can lead to infection and inflammation. Bacteria called lactobacilli help keep the vagina's pH balance at its normal low level (less than pH 4.5), which also prevents the growth of other organis ms. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 6

7. pH maintain the health of Vagina If the pH of the vagina increases – it gets less acidic – the quality or amount of lactobacilli can fall and other bacteria can multiply. This can result in infections such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, which can cause symptoms including itching, irritation and abnormal discharge. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 7

8. Vaginal hygiene tips to follow after sexual intercourse Sex, while pleasurable can also cause some unwarranted infections, leaving behind horrible traces of the act. So instead of regretting later, it is best to learn the right way to clean-up to ensure maximum hygiene. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 8

9. Here are some simple ways you can follow to maintain hygiene and prevent infections It always advised to urinate both before and after sexual intercourse. It is an ideal way to flush out toxins and prevent bacteria from breeding near urethra. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 9

10. Perineal Care Procedure Normal conditions, Discharge, Menses Women Wipe labia majora (outer) from front to back in downward motion using clean surface of wash cloth for each swipe. Wipe labia minora (inner) from front to back in downward motion using clean surface of wash cloth for each swipe Wipe down the center of the meatus from front to back. If catheter in place, clean around catheter in circular fashion, using clean surface of wash cloth for each swipe. Wash inner thighs from proximal to distal 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 10

11. Female Perineal Care Rinse with warm to tepid water using pour from peri-bottle if available. Pat dry using clean towel in same order as wash Remove bedpan if one is used Verbalize turning patient on side to wash anal area from front to back and dry 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 11

12. PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH MENSTURATION 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 12

13. PERSONAL HYGIENE DURING MENSTURATION Observing personal hygiene is necessary to prevent reproductive tract infection, local itching and bad odour. Following are general guidelines:- Take bath morning and evening, and always wear neat, sun dried cotton clothes and undergarments. After attending toilet, wash with soap and water; the inner thighs and labial folds should be cleaned properly in squatting position. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 13

14. Care of Napkins Do not use the same sanitary napkin for extended hours- When you are in your periods, it is of utmost importance that you change your sanitary pad every 4-6 hours, no matter what. If you are keeping the same sanitary napkin any longer than that then you are giving an invitation to problems such as bad odour , rashes as well as infections. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 14

15. Misbalance in the pH level Vagina has a natural way of self-cleaning it and keeping it safe from infections and bacteria by maintaining a certain amount of moisture in the vagina and a pH level of 3.8 to 4.5. When you use soaps or any harsh chemicals which are not meant for your vagina then you are causing a misbalance in the vaginal area, which might turn into infections and continuous irritation. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 15

16. Clean the vaginal area after having sex If you do not clean after having sex then there are chances of getting an infection since the residue of certain body fluids or from the condoms or lubes may still be present in the vagina. There are always chances of things going wrong, thus it is always better to be safe. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 16

17. Vaginal Washes Vaginal washes can ruin the pH balance so it is best to clean your privates with plain water, preferably lukewarm. Also, don’t forget that vagina is self-cleaning. You don’t have to douche and clean the deeper areas. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 17

18. Cleaning Genital Region Clean from front to back (vagina to anus) and not vice-versa as you may drag harmful bacteria from the anus to the vagina and cause infection. Dry yourself completely using toilet paper or a soft cloth after use of toilet. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 18

19. Remove your pubic hair In order to keep your vaginal area extra clean you should keep your pubic hair short. You can trim them using a bikini trimmer or if you can bear the pain then you can also go for a Brazilian or bikini wax. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 19

20. Do’s and Do not of Genital cleaning 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 20

21. Use talcum powder If your vaginal area feels too moist almost wet all the time then you can use talcum powder to keep your vagina dry. After you take a shower apply some talcum powder on that area and you are set for the day. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 21

22. Douching Douching the vagina is not necessary as it is self-cleansing. In fact frequent douching with scented feminine hygiene products upsets the harmoniously balanced vaginal flora. According to Women. douching can actually increase the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis, causes pregnancy complications and other health problems. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 22

23. Soap and water keeps you clean. Soap and water is the best way to clean this area. The vagina is acidic and naturally has healthy bacteria which protect us from infections. Soaps are alkaline and this may disturb this delicate pH balance and the healthy vaginal bacteria. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 23

24. Soap and water keeps you clean. Also, some soaps are harsh and may cause irritation.The delicate area needs a gentle pH balanced cleanser which protects better against harmful bacteria and fungi 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 24

25. Simple measures makes difference After washing it is always advisable to put on a clean pair of underwear to avoid the remnants in the underwear to expose you to infections. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 25

26. Menopause and Vaginal Infection Vaginal infections are more common among woman of menopausal age. This is due to the changing vaginal estrogen levels that occurs at pre-menopause or post menopause. Drop in estrogen levels causes the vaginal lining to be thinner and drier. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 26

27. Menopause and Vaginal Infection The vaginal walls become more delicate and are prone to tears and cracks making them more susceptible to an infection. Delicate vaginal tissues are also one of the main causes of vaginal burning during sex. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 27

28. Oral sex Increasing phenomenon Oral sex is common among sexually active adults. According to a national survey conducted from June 2006 through December 2008, over 80% of sexually active youth and adults ages 15-44 years reported having had oral sex at least once with a partner of the opposite sex. The same survey found that 45% or more of teenage girls and boys (ages 15-19 years) report having had oral sex with a partner of the opposite sex 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 28

29. Oral sex Associated with Increasing Sexually Transmitted Infections As with other types of sexual activity, oral sex carries the risk of STIs. It may be possible to get some STIs in the mouth or throat from giving oral sex to a partner with a genital or anal/rectal infection, particularly from giving fellatio. It also may be possible to get certain STIs on the penis, and possibly the vagina, anus or rectum, from receiving oral sex from a partner with a mouth or throat infection. It’s possible to have an STI in more than one area, for example in the throat and the genitals 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 29

30. Oral Sex and STI Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be spread through oral sex. However, the chances of giving or getting STIs during oral sex can be lowered by using a condom or dental dam. Preventing STIs The chances of giving or getting STIs during oral sex can be lowered by using a condom, dental dam or other barrier method each and every time a person has oral sex: 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 30

31. Indulging in Oral sex must create awareness for clinical consultation and laboratory support The surest way to not get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex is to abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. However, many infected persons may be unaware of their infection because STIs often have no symptoms and are unrecognized. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 31

32. Cervical screening All women aged from 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening. Being screened regularly means any abnormal changes in the cervix can be identified early on and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 32

33. Testing for abnormal cells Cervical screening isn't a test for cancer; it's a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Most women's test results show that everything is normal, but for around 1 in 20 women the test shows some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix . 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 33

34. The cervical screening Programme The aim of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme is to reduce the number of women who develop cervical cancer and the number of women who die from the condition. Since the screening programme was introduced in the 1980s, the number of cervical cancer cases has decreased by about 7% each year. 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 34

35. How the Cervical Screening to be planned All women who are registered with a GP are invited for cervical screening: aged 25 to 49 – every three years aged 50 to 64 – every five years over 65 – only women who haven't been screened since age 50 or those who have recently had abnormal tests 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 35

36. References Keeping your vagina clean and healthy NHS choices 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 36

37. Program is created by Dr.T.V.Rao MD for matters related to Hygiene in the Developing world Email [email protected] 4/9/2017 Dr.T.V.Rao MD @ Vaginal Hygeine 37