(BPT) – While you may spend plenty of your time and energy working on health goals like physical fitness, how much effort do you put toward your urinary and vaginal health? If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how uncomfortable they can be. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to help relieve feminine discomfort.
‘Similar to how one may care for their heart, lungs, and other vital organs, caring for and prioritizing one’s sexual health is equally as important,’ says Dr. Jackie Walters, women’s advocate, TV personality, award-winning OB-GYN and RepHresh™ women’s health and wellness expert. ‘Not only can neglecting sexual health lead to discomfort and potential long-term complications, but it can also impact our relationships, confidence and overall well-being. However, in addition to keeping up with your annual well-woman exams, taking time to understand your body, evaluating existing healthy habits, and increasing the VQ – or vaginal IQ – can help women approach sexual health decisions with ease.’
The following are easy tips to consider in order to maintain women’s sexual health during Sexual Health Awareness Month.
1. Stay hydrated
Yes, you’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of drinking water to recover from strenuous exercise, aid in weight management, avoid heat exhaustion and more. But drinking water can also help keep your urinary tract free from infection. Experts at the National Institute of Health recommend drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day to help prevent UTIs. It is also important to empty your bladder regularly to help keep your system flushed out.
2. Stay clean
The Mayo Clinic advises keeping the vulva clean and dry every day to help safeguard against vaginal health issues, especially after intercourse. Also, after using the bathroom, always wipe yourself from front to back.
3. Take a cranberry supplement
You can help to reduce the risk of recurring UTIs by taking a daily cranberry supplement, like RepHresh Urinary Tract Health + Immune Support*. Limited scientific evidence shows that by consuming 500 milligrams each day of a cranberry dietary supplement, healthy women who have had UTI may reduce risk of recurrent UTI. RepHresh Urinary Tract Health + Immune Support* is made with 500 milligrams of whole cranberry fruit powder per serving and blended with vitamin D and zinc for immune support, this supplement helps support your overall urinary tract health.*
4. Avoid scented products
The Center for Women’s Health at Oregon Health and Science University recommends following basic hygiene by washing the vulva with water and unscented soap when showering. They also advise against douching, which can disrupt your body’s natural balance, causing irritation.
5. Help eliminate odor
The thing about your period is that it’s not always over when it’s over. Sometimes odor can linger, but gynecologist-recommended RepHresh Vaginal Gel goes to work in seconds to help eliminate odor. It’s clinically tested to maintain healthy vaginal pH, and can relieve feminine discomfort due to dryness as well as eliminating feminine odor for up to three days.
6. Keep yeast and bacteria balanced
Another supplement that’s designed for supporting feminine health is RepHresh Pro-B, a daily oral probiotic supplement that helps balance yeast and bacteria to maintain feminine health. Just one capsule per day is clinically shown to maintain vaginal flora in a normal range.
7. See your healthcare provider
Don’t put off going to regular wellness exams with your OB/GYN. Regular check-ups and preventive health screenings can spot problems while they are much more treatable. If you notice any changes or have any concerns with your body, remember to contact your healthcare provider right away.
Staying healthy means prioritizing all aspects of your health, including your sexual health. Following these tips can help you feel more in control of your sexual health, so you can keep on living your best life.
