Care of Intimate Areas

Some useful facts about your 'lady bits'.

• The bits you can see are the vulva which consists of the labial lips, the clitoris and the urethra. The vagina is the tube that runs from the opening in this area up to the cervix (entrance to the womb).
• The bacteria that populate your vagina (vaginal flora) are mostly lactobacillus species and their role is to keep the vagina healthy by producing acids that inhibit the growth of yeasts and other harmful bugs. If this balance is disrupted, you become prone to infections.
• The inner lips of the vagina are the sweatiest part of your genitalia and very sensitive to emotional stress. The sweat glands prevent these super-sensitive areas from friction and over-heating.
• Do check with your GP any lumps or bumps (rarely a cause for worry), blisters or ulcers (may be caused by herpes infection) or warts (tend to have a cauliflower appearance, are contagious and can grow large).
• Some vaginal discharge is normal and is the vagina's own cleaning system. But check with your GP if it smells unpleasant, becomes blood-stained or very different from normal, or the area feels itchy or burning, as you may have an infection.
• Perfumed soap and feminine hygiene products and douching can upset the delicate pH balance of the vagina and leave you more prone to infection, and you may also have an allergic reaction to soap or shower gel in this area.
• Vaginal skin gets thinner and more fragile after the menopause. Your GP may prescribe topical oestrogen cream (not if you have oestrogen-dependent cancer). Non-oestrogen vaginal moisturisers are also available from your pharmacist.
• Cotton is best for underwear. Tight jeans and leggings and synthetic fibres raise temperature at the vaginal opening, leaving you vulnerable to yeast infections.
• Don't get a Brazilian wax. Your pubic hair provides protection for the vulva against friction, and helps prevent bacteria and other bugs entering your vagina.
• Use the loo after sex; urinating helps protect against urinary tract infections by washing away potentially harmful bacteria.

Feature in Good Housekeeping, April 2015