Did you know that many Singaporean women still lack knowledge in many female health matters? Not knowing enough about your intimate health can be a major reason behind the issues you face today or in the future.
One of the topics you might not be as familiar with is vulvar care. The vulva is the term for the external parts of a woman’s genitals, which include the labia majora, labia minora, and the clitoris. It serves several purposes, such as:
- A barrier against infections that could affect our internal reproductive organs
- Aids in sexual intercourse and childbirth
- Directs how urine flows out of our bodies
Apart from visiting our women’s health clinic in Singapore, how else can we keep our vulvas safe and healthy so they can protect the rest of our intimate parts? Let’s discuss the basics in this guide here.
Why is Vulvar Care Important?
We should take good care of our vulvas because they can contribute to both our overall health and comfort.
- The vulva is susceptible to various skin conditions because it can be easily exposed to factors like sweat, fabrics, and other allergens.
- Maintaining the vulva’s pH levels helps keep harmful bacteria and fungi from growing down there.
- Poor vulvar care may also increase our risk of vulvar cancer.
Basic Care Tips for Your Vulva
You don’t need a complicated routine to maintain your vulva’s health. What’s important is being consistent with it. Here’s how you can get started:
- Wash your external parts gently with warm water and use mild soaps to avoid disrupting the pH balance and irritating the sensitive skin.
- Do avoid cleaning the vulva too frequently — once a day is typically enough. Overcleaning can cause problems like itching and dermatitis.
- Wear loose-fitting underwear with breathable fabrics like cotton. This allows for air circulation and keeps the vulva dry, which prevents moisture and bacteria growth.
- Avoid using scented female hygiene products because these may irritate you below.
- When you’re menstruating, always change your pads or tampons regularly to avoid infections.
Catch Problems Early by Knowing the Symptoms
Do you suspect you have some issues with your vulva? Let’s check out some important symptoms to watch out for so you can get checked at a women’s health clinic in Singapore.
- Persistent itching or irritation can be a sign of yeast infections or allergic reactions to hygiene products, detergents, or underwear fabrics.
- Lumps or bumps on your vulva can indicate problems like cysts or genital warts.
- Pain or burning sensation during sexual intercourse or when urinating can be due to infections or hormonal issues.
Always See Your Gynae for Vulva-related Concerns
A visit to your gynaecologist can help determine the health problem causing symptoms on your vulva. They’ll conduct thorough tests so they can recommend suitable treatments for your condition.
But they don’t stop at simply treating your vulvar issues. Feel free to ask them for advice on other things too. They can suggest appropriate hygiene products and help you make changes to your care routine so you can better prevent future conditions.
Vulvar Care is Vital to Our Health
The way we care for our vulvas should be just as important as how we look after the rest of our bodies. These basic practices we’ve given here can already help boost your reproductive and sexual health, so you’d do well to keep them in mind.
But don’t hesitate to reach out to your gynaecologist if you have any further concerns about your vulvar health. They can give you personalised advice that a simple guide like ours can’t provide.
A trip to your women’s health clinic in Singapore can make a big difference in how your intimate parts will fare in the future.