How do I keep myself clean and healthy? 

The acidity of the vagina will naturally control bacteria, and simply washing the vagina with warm water and mild soap is enough to keep clean.

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Why do we get vaginal discharges?

Fluid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection. Most of the time, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. For example, there will be more discharge when you're ovulating, breastfeeding, or sexually aroused.

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Is there a proper or correct way to clean around that area?

Keeping your bush clean is easy. You should:

• Wash with warm, soapy water when you take a shower.

• Avoid using scented products to clean your pubic area, as they can lead to a pH imbalance.

• Wipe after you use the toilet from front to back.

• Use a damp towel or tissue to clean your pubic area between baths or showers.

• Always dry your pubic hair after cleaning.

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What should the pH level be?

A normal vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic. However, what constitutes a “normal” pH level can vary slightly based on your stage of life. An acidic vaginal environment is protective. It creates a barrier that prevents unhealthy bacteria and yeast from multiplying too quickly and causing infection. 

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Is it necessary to urinate after sex?

It is not necessary to pee after sex, however, it could be helpful. Peeing after sex can help flush bacteria that was introduced during intercourse away from your urethra. Although it isn’t a foolproof way to prevent sex-related UTIs, it’s one fairly easy way to try. 

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What kind of soap or cleaner can we use to clean the vagina?

You don't have to use soap to wash your vulva, according to Mayo Clinic. If you want to use soap, choose a soap that's unscented, mild, and colorless. Fragranced soap can irritate the sensitive skin in and around the vulva. 

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How do you get a yeast infection and how do you prevent it? 

• Risk factors: These risk factors for developing yeast factors include:

• Things that alter your normal hormone balance, including pregnancy, birth control pills, and estrogen therapy

• Frequent antibiotic use, which kills the beneficial bacteria that normally keep Candida's population under control

• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, which can cause a spike in sugar in the membrane of the vagina (sugar encourages the growth of yeast)

• Conditions that affect your immune system, particularly HIV

• Obesity, which provides more areas of moisture and warmth (such as skin folds) in which Candida can grow

• Clothing that is tightfitting and synthetic, keeping the vaginal area moist and warm

• Your anatomy can contribute: Having a short distance between the vagina and anus, where microorganisms frequently live 

• Prevention includes: Practice good hygiene

• Wear the right clothes

• Avoid scented sprays and bath products

• Don't douche

• Avoid certain medications (when possible)

• Maintain proper diet, sleep, and exercise

• Keep the vagina clean and dry

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What are douches for?

It is a method to wash out the vagina, usually with a mixture of water and vinegar. Douches that are sold in drugstores and supermarkets contain antiseptics and fragrances. A douche comes in a bottle or bag and is sprayed through a tube upward into the vagina. According to health experts, including those at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you should avoid douching. Having some vaginal odor is normal. However, if you notice a very strong odor, it could be a sign of infection.

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