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Proper Care For The Vagina
By: Mia Cabacungan
Every female should be conscious of her
private parts especially the vagina. Knowing
basic feminine hygiene is a must for all
descendants of Eve; as this will keep them
feeling good about themselves each day. But
the real question is: Do you really know how
to better take care for your femininity?
To help us ward off wrong notions, Dr.
Evelyn Palaypayon, current president of the
Philippine Obstetrical & Gynecological
Society (POGS), shared important eye-openers
when it comes to the right personal hygiene
for women.
“The vulva (genitals) should always be dry,
not moist. Wipe it dry. But be gentle. Don’t
rub it! Just pat,” she advised.
After bowel movement, don’t clean your anus
from back to front. Use toilet paper and
make sure it’s clean enough. Use soap and
water afterwards; but clean it from behind.
“When you clean your genitals (during this
time), use the other hand. Use a vaginal
wash that will serve as soap,” she pointed
out. Using your other hand in washing your
genitals will prevent infection in the
future.
Dr. Palaypayon also discourages women in
wearing tight pairs of jeans, as this will
allow “moisture to occur.” She added:
“Moisture is usually seen in vaginal
infection (candida infection).
All women have vaginal discharge. “We
normally have whitish or colorless vaginal
flora. But when it’s itchy, gives off
offensive odor or discolored, then that’s
abnormal,” Dr. Palaypayon reiterated. Some
abnormal discharges can come as curd-like
(similar to cheese—known as Monilia),
yellowish, greenish or grayish. When this
happens, a woman most likely has bacterial
vaginosis. An online resource defines
bacterial vaginosis as “an infection that
can lead to an unpleasant fishy odor.” A
woman with offensive vaginal discharge
should see a gynecologist right away.
Treatment usually entails oral medication to
prevent further infection.
In using panty liners, Dr. Palaypayon
advises women to change frequently. “Each
day, use clean liners. Don’t use liners once
a day. After urinating, it can become
moist.” Women who are fond of wearing sling
backs (or T-backs) should always make sure
its clean, to avoid infection from the anal
area.
Shaving of pubic hair is not advisable, Dr.
Palaypayon said. “The hair is usually there
to protect. You normally shave it up to the
hair follicles almost. That’s when organisms
can easily enter the hair follicles and
cause infection.”
So for proper feminine hygiene, always
consult your trusted gynecologist. Don’t be
afraid to ask questions in case you notice
something not right in your private part.
That way, you’ll be given proper diagnosis
and treatment to keep you in the pink of
feminine health all the time.
* Dr. Palaypayon is a former chairwoman of
the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
of the Far Eastern University (FEU) – Dr.
Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. An
associate professor in OB-Gyne at FEU-NRMF,
she is also affiliated to United Doctors
Medical Center and Armed Forces of the
Philippines-V. Luna General Hospital.
About the Author:
Mia is a senior copywriter
of of a public relations agency in the
Philippines. She graduated from the
University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a
degree in AB Journalism. Right after
college, she worked as a copywriter; then
later as a supplements and features writer
in two defunct newspapers.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
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