A Gynaecologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Dr. Jibril Abdullahi, has advised women to avoid cleaning the vagina with soap and alum as such could do more harm than good.

Abdullahi gave the advice against the backdrop of general understanding among women that such cleaning was the best way to keep the female part healthy.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday that the vagina had a pH level that needs to be maintained between 3.5 and 4.5 in order to prevent the growth of unhealthy bacteria and maintain the growth of good bacteria.

He said washing the vagina with harsh chemical could hurt the pH (potential of hydrogen) balance around the organ and could lead to irritation, infection, as well as offensive odour.

According to Abdullahi, women can use lukewarm water to clean by wiping from front to the back instead of using harsh chemicals in the area.

He explained that “the use of simple clean water is enough to keep the vagina clean because it has natural fluid to clean itself.

“The vagina cleanses itself. Avoid the use of feminine sprays on the vagina, scented pads, tampons, as well as scented wipes to avoid burning and irritation.

“Wipe from front to back to avoid bacteria from the anus invading the vagina and wear cotton underwears.

“Women should also avoid tight underwears made from synthetic fabrics such as silk and lace, among others.”

The gynaecologist also advised women to always change wet clothes and underwears immediately after workout or swimming to guard against yeast infection.

He said: “Taking yogurt also helps to prevent yeast infection.”

Abdullahi further advised women to maintain good hygiene during menstruation by changing sanitary pads frequently and to always wash the vagina after sex to minimise the chances of infection such as bacteria, among others, from invading the organ.

The expert also advised male partners to always wash the penis before sex to minimise bacterial infection invading the vagina, especially if condom was not used.

He advised women to urinate after sexual intercourse, saying it helped to flush bacteria out of the vaginal area and also prevent the risk of developing Urinary Tract Infection.

He stressed that “the consumption of fruits such as cranberries, pineapples, strawberries, among others, helps to freshen the smell of the liquids secreted by the vagina.

“Drinking lots of water and consuming lots of garlic also helps to remove toxins from the vagina, as well as prevent yeast infection.”

Abdullahi suggested kegel exercise to help maintain healthy vagina, noting that “it helps to strengthen the vaginal pelvic muscle due to the fact that it tends to get weaker with age and childbearing.

“Also, having sex regularly helps to keep the vagina toned and elastic as it is another way of maintaining healthy vagina.”

Abdullahi then advised women to go for regular test to check Sexually Transmitted Diseases and get treated if infection was present, stressing that if left untreated, it could cause long term damage.

He also urged women to seek medical help if there was a change in the looks, discharge, smell, as well as pain in and around the vagina.

NAN