It’s-time-to-celebrate-vaginal-health

THIS WOMEN’S MONTH, IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE VAGINAL HEALTH

…and to perhaps think twice before using perfumed soaps or bubble bath1

Your vagina contains large amounts of beneficial bacteria and is naturally acidic1, with a typical pH level of between 3.8 and 4.52.

This naturally acidic environment is protective, creating a barrier against unhealthy bacteria and preventing yeast from multiplying too quickly and causing an infection2. A vagina with a pH of over 4.5 puts a woman at risk of developing an infection, as it creates an environment that can enable unhealthy bacteria to grow2. One such condition is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) 2, which effects 1 in 3 women3.

This Women’s Month, empower yourself and learn more about what vaginal health really means.

When the balance of the vaginal bacteria is altered, the inside of the vagina becomes slightly less acidic, which encourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria4, causing a discharge with a “fishy” odour to occur which is often watery and greyish in colour4. Unfortunately, 3 in 5 women with BV will mistake it for a yeast infection, and 20% of women actually believe that BV is a yeast infection3.

While BV doesn’t usually cause pain or itching, it can make women feel unclean but it is important to know that BV is not caused by bad hygeine4. In fact, excessive washing of the vagina particularly using strong soaps or perfumed deodorants or bubble bath, can change the natural pH of the vagina, allowing BV to develop or worsen4. Showering once a day is recommended to keep your vagina clean and it is important to avoid using harsh soaps which can cause irritation and affect the pH level1. Douching is also not recommended at all. 20% of women are said to regularly wash out their vagina but this practice not only increases the vaginal pH level, but also encourages the growth of harmful bacteria2.

A survey conducted last year by the American Sexual Health Association found that only 43% of women were aware that leaving BV untreated can increase the risk of developing a sexually transmitted disease, along with increased risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight for pregnant women, as well as the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease3. Along with the physical symptoms and risks associated with BV, there are also emotional effects3.

Results from the same survey found that women with BV are self-conscious and embarrassed by their condition3. Women with BV also admitted that they ended up avoiding everyday situations such as being intimate or exercising because of their BV3. It is important for women to be educated about their vaginal health, particularly to be open to initiate conversations with their pharmacist or doctor in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment3.

The good news is that with the proper diagnosis, BV can be effectively treated3. Options include gels, creams and oral treatments5. The ideal treatment for this uncomfortable condition needs to be one that fits into a busy and social lifestyle – a treatment that is both effective and discreet.

If you suspect that you may have Bacterial Vaginosis, speak to your doctor or pharmacist or explore the website for more information about this common but very treatable condition.

Maintaining a healthy vagina will go a long way in maintaining a healthier and happier life1.

 

DISCLAIMER: This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals and includes independent comment and opinion from independent healthcare providers and is the opinion and experience of those particular healthcare providers and not necessarily that of iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. For more information on your medical condition and treatment options, speak to your healthcare professional.

Name and business address: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07. 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. For more information, speak to your healthcare professional. Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. IN2770/18

 

References:

  1. Tips for Optimal Vaginal Health – Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas (http://womenswellnessinstitute.com/blog/tips-optimal-vaginal-health/) Website accessed on 29 June 2018
  2. Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining Your Vaginal pH – Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance) Website accessed on 29 June 2018
  3. New Survey Reveals Impact BV has on Women – MD. 18 November 2017 (http://www.mdmag.com/medical-news/new-survey-reveals-impact-bv-has-on-women) Website accessed on 29 June 2018.
  4. Bacterial Vaginosis – Patient Info. 14 December 2017 (https://patient.info/health/vaginal-discharge-female-discharge/bacterial-vaginosis) Website accessed on 29 June 2018
  5. Kyle JA and Butcher A. Bacterial Vaginosis: Facts and Myths – Pharmacy Times. June 2008 (http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2008/2008-06/2008-06-8557) Website accessed on 01 May 2018.