Feminine Health

Physical, mental and emotional factors affect a woman’s health throughout her lifespan. Among these are sexual organs, hormone-producing glands, the brain and her environment. Taking charge of one’s own health is critical to living longer and enjoying a better quality of life.

Understanding the vagina Flower Power and how to care for it is an important part of feminine health. This self-cleaning, naturally lubricated, and healthy area of the body helps support fertility, menstruation, and the health of the vaginal flora.

It also is a natural microbial habitat and contains rich quantities of beneficial bacteria that help defend against infection. Its delicate pH balance, which is maintained by the presence of healthy Lactobacilli and an acidic vaginal microbiome, is crucial for women’s health and wellbeing.

A Guide to Understanding Vaginal Discharge: What’s Normal and What’s Not

The vulva encompasses and protects the external genitalia, including the pubic mound, clitoris, labia and opening to the vagina.

Maintaining a healthy vulva and vaginal microbiome is key to good vaginal health, and can prevent infections, reduce odor and make it easier for you to have a baby.

Having regular gynecological exams and Pap smears to screen for diseases and conditions that can harm the vagina is vital to women’s overall health. Some common conditions that can harm the vagina include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and trichomoniasis (a type of bladder infection).

Practicing safe sex, completing STI testing if necessary, and following recommended cancer screening guidelines are essential for good female health. The United Nations’ Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health was updated in 2015 with the goal of a one-third reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2030.