These are the five most frequently asked questions to the gynecologist with answers
On my favorite platform Poosh, from our Kourtney Kardashian, interesting articles regularly appear that we as women benefit from. Everything you want to know about sex, love, and the female body can be found on Poosh. Topics that we might still consider taboo are regularly highlighted on Poosh. Recently, I read an interesting article in which gynecologist Jackie Walters answers the five most frequently asked questions by patients. These are questions that are likely also on your mind, and that's why I would like to share them with you.
1. What is the best way to wash my vagina?
‘Throw away that soap and just use warm water to wash your vagina. I tell all my patients not to let soap come near their clitoris and definitely not inside their vagina. Use a soft cloth (or even better: your hands) with warm water to clean the folds and surface of your clitoris. You don't need to do much more, because just like a self-cleaning oven, your vagina has its own cleaning process thanks to the discharge it produces.’
2. What should I do if I smell an unusual odor?
‘If you have an infection that causes the odor, then you need a diagnosis from your gynecologist to determine the cause. But the odor can also be caused by an imbalance in the pH level of your vagina. Avoid odor-masking products and perfumes, those are absolute no-gos. Instead, I recommend a safe gel to restore the balance. Such gels are readily available at the drugstore, no prescription is needed.’
3. How can I prevent bacterial vaginosis?
‘Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina is disturbed. Suddenly, there is too much of a certain bacterium present, resulting in a thin white, gray, or green discharge. This discharge is often accompanied by a fishy odor, a lot of itching, and a burning sensation during urination. If you don't have a healthy balance of bacteria in your vagina, you are at risk for bacterial vaginosis. In that case, I recommend taking a vaginal probiotic supplement to restore the pH level and bacteria balance. A product containing lactobacillus can help with that. Don't forget that having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners can also increase the risk, so always use condoms.’
4. How can I increase my libido?
‘There are plenty of natural options available on the market for this. Hormone-free products, for example, that contain botanical oils. Research has shown that this extract not only increases your desire but also your sexual satisfaction. Other libido enhancers include ginseng, maca, fenugreek, red clover, and arginine. Make sure to always consult your doctor beforehand when you want to take certain supplements.’
5. Why is my vagina always so dry?
‘First of all, it is important to determine the cause. It can have various reasons, such as hormonal fluctuations, chronic yeast infections, and soap. I recommend a water-based lubricant to my patients who experience pain during sex due to dryness.’
Source: Poosh
