Many women struggle again and again with pathological discharge and regularly occurring inflammations. Especially then, preventive measures are recommended to strengthen the vaginal environment. Many of these also have a positive effect on the intestinal flora and general resistance. These include a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins (especially vitamin C and zinc) and whole grain products, as well as little sugar and dairy products. Drink enough – why not a glass of aloe vera juice every day?
Strengthen the vaginal environment
Word has also spread in the meantime that substances used in microbiological therapy not only help with intestinal cleansing, but equally support the vaginal flora. This includes, for example, probiotics, i.e. living bacteria (in this case, mainly lactic acid bacteria), which can not only be eaten as yogurt (or inserted into the vagina as a tampon soaked with them), but which are also available as ready-made preparations in pharmacies – also either in the form of dietary supplements or as tablets and suppositories to be inserted into the vagina.
In the case of repeated vaginal fungus, daily sitz baths for several weeks are also worth trying, using a mixture of the following Schüßler salts: No. 3, No. 5, No. 6, No. 8, No. 9 and No. 10. If necessary, seek advice at your pharmacy.
Discharge: normal, strong or colored – what does it mean?
Basic hygiene measures
Not to forget, of course, basic hygiene measures: daily change of underwear – not too tight – made of natural materials, avoidance of intimate sprays, regular cleaning of the genital area, but only with mild washing substances. Take care of your external intimate area with a neutral skin grease or a special cream for the genital area – so the sensitive skin remains supple and resistant to small injuries and inflammations.
By the way: some authors also see smoking as a possible trigger for constant vaginal infections – wouldn’t that be a good reason to stop?
Low risk for the vaginal flora
Numerous studies show that the following factors – contrary to popular belief – do not have a negative impact on the vaginal environment:
- The proper use of tampons and panty liners (these may therefore continue to be used even if there is an existing infection); the only exception is the – rare – allergy to the ingredients. This is particularly triggered by perfumed panty liners.
- Bathing and swimming – this usually does not enter the vagina water. Possible exceptions:
- If a tampon is used during the stay in the water, water can enter the vagina – presumably via the return thread (wicking) and the mechanical widening of the vaginal opening: the larger the tampon, the greater the amount.
- For some women, the chlorine in swimming pool water irritates the mucous membranes. This in turn leads to the fact that already existing, but kept in check pathogens – can spread. For this, the chlorine kills most pathogens (eg also flagellate) quite well, ie the risk of infection is very low.
- There are isolated reports that certain flagellate bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), are transmitted by a stay in the hot tub. These germs are found preferentially in hospitals especially in moist environments such as rinsing solutions, hot water pipes, disinfectants. They have also been transmitted in children’s hospitals through contaminated bath toys. But: As a rule, only “risk patients” are affected, i.e. persons whose immune system is weakened, who have just had an operation, etc. However, it is conceivable that women who have an impaired and sensitive vaginal flora can be infected with it in the hot tub.