To keep the vagina clean and healthy when traveling

Traveling often makes it more difficult for us to maintain personal hygiene and requires us to use public facilities that are not necessarily clean. For women, this is certainly more disturbing. It is not impossible that a dirty toilet in your place of stay causes infection in your vagina. The vagina is a female organ that connects the uterus to the outside area. Vaginal health is influenced by hormonal and bacterial conditions in the area. The hormone estrogen helps thickening the lining of the vaginal wall and the growth of Lactobacillus bacteria. These good bacteria function to maintain vaginal acidity (pH) and prevent the growth of bad bacteria.

Tips for Maintaining Vaginal Hygiene and Health when Traveling

Vaginal infections or vaginitis can occur when the natural balance formed by pH, fluid, and vaginal bacteria is disrupted. Three types of infections that often occur are bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. When the vagina is infected, it's not just the itchiness you can feel, but the vagina will also release a lot of vaginal discharge that smells. If this infection is experienced during the holidays, it will certainly disrupt your traveling schedule and comfort. To keep your vagina clean and healthy, here are some tips you can do:

1. Avoid vaginal douching

Douching is the process of cleaning the inside of the vagina by spraying liquid. This process can actually kill good bacteria and change the pH of the vagina, making it more susceptible to infection.

2. Maintaining the presence of hair in the vaginal area

The presence of hair in the vaginal area is actually useful for protecting this organ from bacterial infections, as well as preventing irritation due to friction or excessive sweating. In addition, maintaining the presence of pubic hair can reduce itching compared to shaving it thoroughly. If you do not feel comfortable with the presence of hair in the vagina and insist on shaving, it is recommended to use natural-based creams to avoid irritation.

3. Having safe sex

To prevent transmission of sexual diseases when traveling, have safe sex with your partner. Use condoms and avoid changing partners.

4. Keep the vagina dry

When traveling, there are certainly many activities that have the potential to increase sweat production. If the pubic area has begun to damp due to sweating, immediately change the underwear to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. Use cotton underwear to help absorb sweat and maintain air circulation in the vaginal area.

5. Clean the vaginal area properly

In cleaning the vagina, use warm water and safe feminine area cleaning products. Do not use cleansers that contain deodorizers or antiseptic substances. These products can affect the balance of good bacteria and vaginal pH levels, and cause irritation. Wash the vaginal area from front to back. When menstruating, the vaginal area may be washed more than once a day if deemed necessary.

6. Pay attention to the cleanliness of public toilets

Cleanliness of the toilet is very influential on vaginal health. The following are the steps in choosing and using public toilets when you are traveling:

• Choose a public toilet that is maintained clean. You can search for information about clean and comfortable toilets from the internet or the surrounding population.
• Avoid entering and leaving the toilet by touching the toilet door handle. Also try not to touch the surface or toilet seat directly. When you want to press the flush button, you can coat your hands first with toilet paper.
• Look at the toilet seat. If it's dirty, you can clean it with toilet paper and antiseptic liquid, or cover the surface of the toilet with a tissue before sitting on it.
• Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet. If there is no hand washing facility, bring a practical hand sanitizer.

7. Take care of your diet

When traveling, eating patterns must also be maintained. Try to eat nutritious foods. One of them is vegetables. Besides being rich in fiber that can maintain your digestive health while on vacation, vegetables also contain lots of probiotics that are useful for maintaining the growth of good bacteria and the natural pH of the vagina. Immediately consult a local doctor if you experience the following complaints when traveling:

• Pain when urinating or having sex.
• The vagina feels itchy and emits a green, yellow or gray liquid with an unpleasant odor.
• There are lumps or warts in the area around the vagina.
• Bleeding in the vagina outside the menstrual period.

Do not let problems in the femininity area interfere with your traveling moments. Maintain confidence and comfort while on vacation while continuing to maintain vaginal health through the tips that have been shared above.