The Dos and Don'ts of home remedies for the vagina

The vaginal mucosa is one of the main environments of our flora and each woman has her own. The key is to maintain the proportions of the different bacteria that are part of the vaginal flora to contribute greatly to maintaining the balance of intimate health.

// "Let's talk about vaginas": what women complain about at the gynecologist

"The vagina has a particular flora where bacteria coexist in harmony, which are coordinated and balanced by Lactobacillus," explains Dr. Sandra Magirena (MN 65130), a gynecologist, sexologist and expert in child and adolescent sexuality, to Con Bienestar. Lactobacillus fulfill a protective function because they maintain the acidic vaginal pH by inhibiting the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. "If this disappears, it could cause inflammation or that a fungus such as candida lodges in the vagina and produces the famous mycosis," he warns. "Another cause that can alter the vaginal balance is the fact of introducing products that are not indicated," says the doctor. Here is a list of the most used:

Yogurt: Yes

"It can provide a balance to the flora by providing an extra amount of bacilli", says Magirena. Being a food rich in live bacteria, it contains many benefits to help strengthen defenses and enrich the flora naturally.

Vaginal ovules: in excess NO

There are women who after their period resort to suppositories because they believe it is a way to sanitize the area. However, specialists agree that it is a belief, a myth, because this is a completely normal physiological process. The consequences of placing ovules without a prescription are failed treatments, repeated infections, acute and chronic infections.

Nasal decongestants: No

It has been shown that using products that are not specific for the intimate area represents a great risk of infections. However, the use of ointments with camphor is extended to achieve greater pleasure in the intimate moment. "It produces a sensation of deep vasodilation of the vulva and women reach orgasm easier. Although it does not have a therapeutic purpose, the ideal is to use substances that are approved for edible use or on the skin," Sandra Magirena points out.

// What is a vaginal douche and why it is not a good idea to do it

Garlic: Yes

It has phytotherapeutic properties that can modify the pH of the vagina. "What I recommend is first to try it in the mouth to see the reaction of each mucosa in particular."

Healthy vaginas

"The vagina is a very noble organ. It has high resistance, a very safe epithelium, and a bacterial flora that protects it," says the doctor, adding: "The vagina is a "An organ through which substances can be absorbed because the capillaries carry it into the blood. If you put on something you're allergic to, you can cause a reaction." To avoid upsetting the balance of the vaginal flora, the following measures can be taken:

- Yes Wear cotton underwear.

- Do not stay for a long time with wet clothes.

- Do not douche, as this alters the internal chemistry.

"To take care of vaginal health, you just have to have a healthy life. Do not use daily protectors, do not shave completely, which removes the sebaceous secretion that protects the vagina. The best thing is to leave it alone as it is," concludes the specialist.