‘Harmful’ vagina act women should never do

A doctor has warned against a common thing women do to their vaginas, especially this time of year.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner explains how to keep a vagina healthy.

QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, What should I do to keep my hoo-ha in tiptop shape? Do those vagina douches or soaps really work or is it or just a marketing ploy? I want to make sure I’m fresh down there, especially in the heat of summer, but don’t want to cause myself damage. – Nicole, 22, Melbourne

ANSWER: Firstly, let’s stop calling it your hoo-ha. It is your vagina or vulva! They deserve the correct title, and you’ll find it eventually easier to talk about when you call it that instead of nicknames.

If you’re worried or you notice any changes in the appearance of your vulva, you can always talk to your doctor about it.

I hate to break it to you because you may enjoy smelling “summery fresh,” but douching is actually harmful to the vagina.

I hate to break it to you because you may enjoy smelling “summery fresh,” but douching is actually harmful to the vagina. Picture: iStock

So, how do you keep it clean?

Vaginas are amazing and have many self-sustaining functions, including an ability to self-clean! They are able to balance healthy bacteria and pH levels on their own. Douching can actually eliminate some of that healthy bacteria, which changes the pH and makes you more susceptible to infections.

If you are worried about smell, please know that everyone’s vagina has a smell. So do penises. It’s a part of life! If you want to wash your vagina and vulva, make sure to use non-scented products and only wash the labia majora. This can help remove excess sweat as well as feel a little cleaner without affecting your natural pH levels.

Wiping front to back prevents the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the vagina. Picture: iStock

You should also avoid wiping back to front after using the toilet. Wiping front to back prevents the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the vagina. Also aim to wear cotton underwear as it prevents moisture build-up and the risk of infections.

Diet also plays a factor in vaginal health. Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients to boost your vagina’s health!

Vaginas are amazing and have many self-sustaining functions, including an ability to self-clean. Picture: iStock

Also, remember that the vagina is a muscular canal made up of many nerves and mucous membranes. The muscular component can be trained through different exercises that promote core strength. It connects the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body, allowing for multiple functions from menstruation and intercourse to being the predominant passage for child birth.

While the mucous membranes consist of many different cells, their numbers may decrease. However, there are various treatments available to stimulate cell growth and excretion. These treatments can help maintain everything from sexual health to general hygiene.

Aim to wear cotton underwear as it prevents moisture build-up and the risk of infections. Picture: iStock

If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort in this area, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. There could be multiple factors at play, including hormone imbalances and physical changes. While these changes are normal, they can often be improved with medical assistance.

Lastly, practising safe sex is important if you have casual sex partners. Condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections and help maintain vaginal health. If you use other types of contraception, be sure to always wash your labia majora with non-scented products after sex.

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Dr Zac Turner has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney. He is both a medical practitioner and a co-founder of telehealth service, Concierge Doctors. He was also a registered nurse and is a qualified and experienced biomedical scientist along with being a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering.