How to take care of your intimate health

Talking about female hygiene, especially for young women, can be embarrassing due to societal taboos. This lack of open discussion can leave many unsure about proper care. Well-intentioned efforts to maintain hygiene might inadvertently lead to painful conditions like cystitis and thrush. Dr Chandni Rajani and aesthetic nurse Amanda Azzopardi share some common pitfalls when it comes to intimate health.

Many of us can relate to feeling a little self-conscious about our body's smells, but it's important to remember that your vagina is self-cleaning so you don't need to use any special products on it. In fact, that can actually make things worse rather than better.

"Girls and young women often want to feel clean and fresh, especially during their periods, but using fragranced soaps can disrupt the vagina's pH balance, leading to infections and worsening odour," says Dr Chandni. "It's best to avoid perfumed or antiseptic products and opt for simple lukewarm water for gently washing daily."

It may come as a surprise, but certain drinks can affect your intimate health. Dr Chandni says, "Indulging in excessive coffee, fruit juice, and fizzy drinks isn't just detrimental to your overall health; it can also impact your urinary tract and vaginal health. These beverages can in some cases, have a tendency to irritate the bladder, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially for those who are sensitive to them."

That doesn't mean you can't drink these at all, but don't overdo it. The best drink for a healthy vagina is water, so stay hydrated!

"People often make common mistakes in intimate hygiene that can lead to infections and discomfort. For instance, falling asleep after sex can alter the vaginal microbiome and introduce new pathogens, potentially causing cystitis or urethral infections in women," says Amanda.

Dr Chandni advises against skipping pre- and post-sex hygiene. "Gently washing the intimate area externally, before and after intercourse can sometimes prevent bacterial buildup, especially with lubricant use," she says. "To help reduce the risk of bacterial buildup, urinating immediately before and after intercourse can help to avoid conditions like cystitis."

Your choice of underwear can play a role in your intimate health, too. "Wearing a G-string or thong for prolonged periods may seem convenient for achieving a seamless look, but it can quickly transfer bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra, leading to infections," warns Amanda.

"If wearing one is necessary, it's advisable to change it promptly and avoid prolonged use. Wearing breathable underwear made from cotton or other natural fibres can help keep the genital area dry and prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to bacterial or fungal overgrowth."

Sweating comes with the territory when you're exercising, so it's important to take extra care. Amanda recommends changing underwear after a gym session: "After exercising or being in the gym, changing underwear regularly is crucial to prevent bacterial growth in sweaty conditions. Women should also change menstrual pads frequently, especially during exercise, and avoid using perfumed soaps in the delicate genital area.

"Additionally, swimming or visiting saunas and spas shortly after intimate hair removal can increase the risk of infections in the hair follicles, causing pain and discomfort. It's best to avoid such activities for at least 72 hours after intimate treatments to minimise the risk of complications."

Regular gynaecological exams are an essential aspect of intimate health care. "These exams allow healthcare providers to monitor for any changes or abnormalities in the reproductive organs, screen for STIs, and discuss any concerns or symptoms you may have," Amanda says.

She adds, "At the Amanda Azzopardi clinic, we offer the EVA treatment to improve intimate health. This innovative procedure utilises radio-frequency technology, which is carefully applied to the vaginal area, targeting specific tissue layers. By doing so, it stimulates the body's natural regenerative response, promoting collagen production and tissue rejuvenation.

"One of the key advantages of the EVA treatment is its non-invasive nature, with minimal discomfort typically experienced during the procedure. Additionally, there is no downtime afterward, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately.

"Over the course of multiple sessions, patients can expect to see improvements in various intimate health concerns, including vaginal laxity, dryness, and mild incontinence. The EVA treatment offers a convenient and effective solution for women looking to rejuvenate their intimate wellness and enhance their overall quality of life."