Beware products that promise a ‘healthy vagina’

IF YOU’RE a woman reading this, you’re bound to have one. You were born with it, grew up with it... but how much do you really know about your vagina?

Countless over-the-counter products promise to keep your vagina “healthy”, “clean” – guarding against harmful bacteria the genital organ is most vulnerable to.

But do women really need the douches, soaps, creams and liners to keep an otherwise normally functional vagina “healthy”? The short answer: No. “The “normal” vagina is like a self-cleaning oven – it doesn’t need to be cleaned in any way, since it contains millions of different organisms living in harmony. This balance must never be disturbed by any over-the-counter products, otherwise an overgrowth of resistant germs may cause itching, burning, odour or discharge,” says Cape Town gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Peter De Jong.

According to De Jong, a “healthy vagina” feels “comfortable” in the sense that there is no odour, discharge, itch or redness.

“Only when a woman experiences these symptoms, singly or in combination, is professional treatment necessary.”

De Jong adds that the vagina should not be abused by bathing with disinfectants, bath salts or harsh soaps which may enter the vagina and disturb the healthy balance.

“It’s always a mistake to think that a vagina should be ‘freshened up’. A healthy vagina needs to be left alone,” he says.

As to the “vaginal hygiene” products that line pharmacy shelves, doctors contend they often result in itchiness, redness, prolonged swelling and discomfort. In such instances women should also have check-ups for medical conditions, including chronic diseases such as diabetes. Any ulcer, sore or lesion could also suggest an infection, for example, herpes.

“A chronic sore that never heals always needs to be biopsied to exclude something nasty,” De Jong says. “Also, women beyond menopause may experience a thin, atrophic vaginal quality, which often responds well to topical oestrogen hormone therapy. This vaginal thinness may cause painful sex, so oestrogen treatment is beneficial. It’s also safe since minimal amounts are absorbed into the body.”

In younger women, “thrush” is often caused by a course of antibiotics, and can be easily treated by over-the-counter vaginal cream called clotrimazole. “This is safe and effective for vaginal discharge,” he says. “If any therapy does not cure the itch, odour or discharge, visit a clinic promptly.”

Probiotics don’t help much with vaginal health, De Jong says – despite claims by manufacturers. Save money and buy plain yoghurt with added cultures. The PH of the vagina is maintained by the healthy vaginal lactobacillus germs – not by douches or panty-liners.

“Tampons are fine– as long as you don’t forget to remove them without delay!” he says. “Don’t use over-the-counter products to aid vaginal health. Don’t bath, simply shower – and don’t ever put soap in your vagina!”