FEMININE HYGIENE

Normal vaginal discharges clean, moistens and helps to prevent and fight infections by changing the pH o the vagina. Discharges vary throughout the menstrual cycle and with use of the Pill, so you need to familiarize yourself with your normal discharges. Normal discharges are sticky and elastic, thick and globular, clear or off-white or milky. Discharges turn yellow when they have contact with air. If you are using hormone replacement therapy or are menopausal you may experience a loss of vaginal lubrication, use a water-based lubricant during sexual intercourse to relieve discomfort.

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING GENITAL FRESHNESS

· Wash your vulva and the entrance to the vagina and anus daily with a mild, non-perfumed soap. Washing this area more than twice daily can affect your body’s natural ability to fight off the bacteria causing a malodour.
· Don’t use perfumed soaps, douches and vaginal deodorants as a matter of course, use them only when needed.
· Always wipe from front to the back to avoid transferring bacteria from your anus to your vagina.
· Always wash you genital area carefully after sex.
· Make sure that any item you put into your vagina is sterile.
· If you are using a feminine deodorant spray, don’t spray into your vagina. This can irritate the vaginal lining and exacerbate your odour.

CONSULT A DOCTOR

If your discharge changes colour, consistency or odour.
If your genital area starts itching.
If you experience a change in the colour of your discharge that may indicate vaginal bleeding.
If you feel you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease.