In the female physiological structure, the vagina is a crucial part, as it not only serves as the core of the female reproductive system but also plays a significant role in sexual activity. Due to various social and psychological reasons, many women do not have a deep understanding of the vagina, and there are even some misconceptions and prejudices.
1. Interpreting the Vagina: Its Significance Goes Beyond a Single Reproductive Organ
The vagina, this mysterious passage located inside a woman’s body, is not as simple as we might imagine. As the point of connection between the uterus and the outside, it is an indispensable core element in female reproductive health. Many women may mistakenly view the vagina as the complete manifestation of the female reproductive organs, but the truth is, it is just a part of this complex system. The female reproductive system also includes organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, which work together to perform the reproductive function.
2. The Mystery of the Vagina: It Has Its Own Ecosystem and Protective Mechanism
The vagina is not a place of silence but rather a vibrant ecosystem. In this ecosystem, beneficial bacteria like lactobacilli are dominant, producing lactic acid by breaking down glycogen in the vagina, maintaining its acidic environment (pH between 3.8-4.4). This acidic environment serves as the vagina’s natural defense layer, effectively resisting foreign pathogens and maintaining vaginal health.
When the vaginal ecosystem undergoes drastic changes, it can lead to imbalances in the microbial community, causing various types of vaginitis. For example, trichomonas vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis are common types of vaginitis. These inflammations not only trouble women but also may threaten their fertility. Women should understand and maintain the harmonious balance of the vaginal ecosystem to ensure its health.
3. Daily Care for the Vagina: Proper Cleansing Is Key
In daily life, how should female friends care for their vaginas? First and foremost, we need to understand that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and does not require excessive cleansing. Over-cleaning can disrupt the vaginal ecosystem, leading to microbial imbalances. When cleaning the vagina, women should follow the principle of “moderate and gentle.”
Specifically, women should wash the external genital area with warm water daily to ensure cleanliness and dryness. During menstruation, it is recommended to use breathable sanitary pads, avoiding non-breathable liners and pads to ensure comfort and health. Women should prioritize hygiene during sexual activity, avoid unclean behavior, reduce multiple sexual partners to safeguard health. Before and after sexual activity, both parties should clean their external genitalia, use protective measures like condoms to reduce the risk of infections transmitted sexually.
4. Vaginal Health Check-Up Is Crucial for Early Detection and Prevention of Diseases
In addition to meticulous daily care, women should undergo regular vaginal health check-ups to prevent potential risks. Efficient screening can identify vaginal inflammations and other gynecological risks, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment. After menstruation ends, women are advised to seek medical attention for routine discharge testing between days 3 to 7. When facing abnormal gynecological conditions like vaginal inflammations, immediate medical consultation is necessary upon noticeable increased discharge and continuous itching of the external genitalia.
5. Tragedy Caused by Over-Cleansing
In daily life, some female friends may adopt incorrect cleansing methods due to misunderstandings and prejudices about vaginal health. The case of Wang Fang can be seen as a typical example. Due to over-cleaning the vagina, she developed ulcerative growth in the external genital region, eventually diagnosed with advanced vulvar cancer. This cautionary case reveals that over-cleansing the vagina is not protective but rather a health hazard, leading to serious consequences.
The skin of the external genital regions is delicate, and excessive washing can damage the skin barrier, making it easier for pathogens to invade. Particularly, frequent use of alkaline soaps and shower gels for cleansing can disturb the vaginal pH balance, weaken the beneficial bacterial population, cause microbial imbalances, and increase the risk of infections. Excessive scrubbing of the external genital areas can trigger local chronic irritation, leading to abnormal epithelial proliferation, a potential risk factor for vulvar cancer.
In recent years, with advancements in medical research, the vaginal microecology evaluation system has garnered attention. This assessment system provides rapid and accurate diagnosis of common clinical vaginitis, such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and mixed infections. By evaluating vaginal microecology, healthcare providers can guide treatment accurately, assess prognosis, and deliver better medical services to female friends.
The vagina is a vital part of the female body that requires careful attention. By understanding relevant knowledge about the vagina and mastering correct cleansing and care methods, we can better safeguard vaginal health. Additionally, women should undergo regular vaginal health checks to detect diseases early and receive timely treatment. Let’s strive together to safeguard our health!
I am Dr. He, welcome everyone to like and follow, share your opinions in the comments. Let’s have a discussion.
