“A healthy vagina is as clean and pure as a carton of yoghurt”,

Dr Hillier

Magee-Women hospital in Pittsburgh states

A healthy vagina is a self regulating system and is cleaner than mouths and much cleaner than rectums. Vagina is full of life in the form of bacteria, which are good bacteria fighting the good battle to keep bad bacteria out of the reproductive system. These good bacteria are called lactobacilli, the same organisms found in yoghurt. In a healthy vagina these lactobacilli maintain an acidic environment - around 3.8 - 4.5 pH (a little bit more acidic than black coffee which has a pH of 5).

Vaginal mucus is made up of the same contents found in blood serum, the clear, thin, sticky liquid that remains behind when the solid components of blood, like clotting factors, are separated away. Vaginal discharge comprises: water; albumin, the most abundant protein in the body; a few stray white blood cells; and mucin, the oily substance that gives the vagina and cervix their slippery sheen. Vaginal discharge is neither dirt nor toxic waste product of the body in the sense of urine and feces. It is the same substance as what is inside the vagina: neither better nor worse, pulled down because we're bipedal and gravity exists.

The imbalance in the vagina results in the smelly condition called bacterial vaginosis. The main sign of bacterial vaginosis is vaginal discharge (fluid from the vagina) with a fish-like odor. Some women say the odor is more intense after having sex. The discharge may be white (milky) or gray and it can be thin. There are numerous causes that upset bacterial vaginosis as the following:

• Poor hygiene – in case you haven't bathed for a week - things will start getting aromatic. It is not necessary to scrub or use heavily perfumed soaps or sprays on your genital area. Clean water is the best, as lots of perfumed products used here can lead to thrush.
• Illness – Pelvic Infections can lead to vaginosis. Candida is a condition where the vagina is too alkaline (due to diet, oral contraceptives, stress) causing some of the bad bacteria to flourish.
• Pregnancy and the following change in your hormone levels can cause thrush.
• Drugs like oral contraceptives and antibiotics can contribute to vaginosis.
• Low levels of lactobacilli – some women have less healthy lactobacilli leaving them opened to infections.
• Do not douche – douching is really bad for the vagina. It kills off the lactobacilli and leaving your vagina opened to attacks from the bad bacteria. Most experts believe that douching leads to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) ), which can cause serious complications.
• Use condoms – which you should use at least to avoid Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's). Sperm are highly alkaline and the vagina needs to return itself to its acidic status so this can cause a brief increase in odor. If a woman has many sexual partners without using condoms, the body tries to adjust acidic status from different kinds of sperm.

Burning or pain while urinating may occur. While not common, itching around the outside of the vagina and redness can also occur. However, it is important to know that many women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms at all.

What is the best way to clean my vagina?

• The vagina cleans itself naturally during the menstrual cycle by producing mucous. It’s not necessary to douche to wash away blood, semen, or vaginal discharge. Even healthy, clean vaginas may have a mild odor.
• Regular washing with warm water and mild soap during baths or showers. Pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid scented tampons, pad, toilet paper, powders, perfumes or spray. These products can increase a woman's chances of getting vaginal infections.

How can I keep my vulva/vagina healthy?

• Eat a good healthy diet by minimizing sugar consumption (sugar helps the bad bacteria grow). Include good yoghurt or acidophilus every day.
• Wear cotton underwear – this stops things getting too humid down there, allowing good air flow.
• It’s important to keep the vulva dry and clean because bacteria thrive in dark, warm, and wet environments.
• Avoid sitting around in wet bathing suit or wet clothing. Furthermore, women should always wipe front to back after using the toilet.
• Do not use perfumes/spray on the genital area.