Intimate Health

While our intimate health is often overlooked, and can be an area that many don’t feel comfortable discussing with their partners, their friends or even their GP’s, it is a key aspect and indicator of overall wellbeing. A healthy vaginal microbiome maintains a delicate balance of bacteria to protect against infections and discomfort.

Given the multitude of factors that play into our vaginal health, it is important to ensure that we are aware of possible drivers of infection and practices that can contribute to disharmony in the vaginal microbiome. Understanding and nurturing your own unique vaginal microbiome is an important part of maintaining intimate health.

One of the primary ways to disrupt the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome (particularly for a compromised microbiome) is sexual practices. Due to the transfer of microbes that occurs between partners during unprotected intercourse, sexual practices have the ability to influence vaginal microbiome health as they can disrupt both the pH of the vagina, as well as the state of the microbiome itself.

Intimate and sexual hygiene is therefore an important consideration when it comes to maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome

 Supportive lifestyle practices for a healthy vaginal microbiome include:

• Be very mindful about the products that you use in the vaginal area, steering clear of soaps, mainstream body washes or “femfresh products” as these disrupt the pH of the vagina, making you more susceptible to infection

• Choose organic cotton or bamboo underwear to allow the area to breathe

• Change out of sweaty clothes post exercise or wet swimwear to allow the area to breathe

• Opt for organic sanitary products

• Invest in a pH friendly lubricant and condoms, and ensure adequate lubrication to avoid irritation of tissues

• Ensure adequate personal and sexual hygiene such as wiping front to back, urinating or showering post intercourse, and washing hands and any devices thoroughly before use

 While the vagina is technically a self-cleaning organ, a compromised vaginal microbiome can often benefit from assistance through topical intimate care products in order to provide protection against dryness and inflammation, increase moisture, regulate pH and soothe irritated tissues. For those that crave a feeling of cleanliness, a mindfully formulated, pH friendly gentle cleanser can be a nice ritual to care for vaginal microbiome health at home.