By Shirlea North, PT, DPT, GCS, CLT
January is National Cervical Health Month, and we aren’t talking about a pain in your neck or about your poor posture. For all of the ladies and individuals with female reproductive organs, this is for YOU! Just as you are starting a new year and a new outlook on your health, don’t forget your cervix. There are many misconceptions and misinformation about cervical health and prevention, but here are a few tips and recommendations not only for your overall pelvic health, but specifically to your cervix.
Stop using douches or special soaps for your vagina. That is purely a marketing ploy. Your vagina is self-cleaning and naturally sheds every month (aka your menstrual cycle). Now for those “on the other side” of menopause, no soap, deodorant, or flushes are needed, the tissues maybe dryer due to the estrogen level lowering, and lubrication is required. Your vagina self regulates pH levels and these soaps and deodorants disrupt that balance. If your perineal area has an odor, there may be something else going on, that’s an indication that it is time to see your GYN rather than just covering it up.
Follow those tried and true health prevention adages. Keep active, get good regular sleep, stay well hydrated, and eat a nutritious diet. All of these are essential to maintaining the health of your cervix.
Speaking of regular activity, sex is good! Those tissues need to be stimulated just like your legs for the squats. Remember to urinate before and after sexual intercourse to assist with the self-cleaning process and good hygiene in this area to reduce infection risk. (Just don’t use soap!)
For those of you still getting your monthly visit from Aunt Flo, try switching from pads and tampons to using cups or menstrual discs. Tampons increase absorption of natural secretions that are helpful in maintaining the vagina’s delicate pH. They reduce air flow and disrupt good bacteria flora in vaginal canal. Menstrual discs reduce risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, assist in the natural removal of the vaginal contents, and can also be used during sexual intercourse.
Go commando…for sleep. That’s right, let it breathe! Having synthetic material cutting off airflow to the area promotes yeast and bacterial growth. If absolutely needed, try undyed organic material like cotton for underwear.
Hope these simple tips help you continue your wellness journey both inside and out!
Sources: 9 Tips For Vaginal And Cervical Health (traditionalcookingschool.com)
Sources: Cervical Changes During Menopause (hellomotherhood.com)