Looking after your gynaecological health

7 ways to ensure your down there is in tip top shape

Know what’s normal

This means what’s normal for you. Get to know your body—inside and out—and see your doctor about any unusual bleeding, discharge, bloating, pelvic pain, weight loss, fatigue or change in bowel habits. Besides, research shows the more comfortable you are with the way your genitals look, feel and smell, the more sexually satisfied you’ll be.

Chill out

Dr Xiaobin Wang at the Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago found stressed-out women are twice as likely to suffer period pain, possibly because stress increases the production of prostaglandins which trigger cramps.

Stop smoking

Beyond all the issues smoking can cause in your lungs and heart, it also increases your risk of cervical cancer. Smoking has a direct effect on the immune system of the cervix and women who smoke are less able to get rid of a Human Papilloma Virus infection, the virus which causes cervical cancer.

Go to the doctor

We can’t stress this enough. A third of women with vulval cancer are diagnosed late because they’re too embarrassed to go to the doctor. If you’ve got a weird itch or sore spot, small ulcer or something that’s bleeding on your vulva, make an appointment with your doctor. It’s a rare cancer but seeking advice if anything goes a little weird down there is a good habit to get into.

Opt for cotton

When it comes to your underwear, your vagina wants cotton—that’s why most knickers come with a strip of cotton in the crotch. Cotton lets air in and absorbs any moisture, letting your lady parts breathe the way they need to.

Skip the scented soaps

To keep things clean down there, you really only need to rinse with warm water and maybe a plain, gentle, unscented soap. Anything with scents or chemicals will be too drying on the sensitive skin otherwise.

Kegels all day

Kegel exercises aren’t just for postpartum women; they help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which then reduces strain on your pelvic organs and improves bladder and bowel function. Try three sets of 10 kegels each day—tighten your pelvic floor muscles (the ones you squeeze to stop urination) and then hold them tight for five seconds. Release and repeat.