Experts clear the confusion around a topic many women shy away from discussing
It is an area of the body that women refer to as their `private part', but should it be so private that its functioning should be shrouded in mystery? Nevermind how confused men are about the female anatomy, so much of the information even women have is inaccurate. Experts dispel commonly held myths about the vagina.
A vaginal cleanser is essential to kill germs and make it healthy
Dr Alka Kumar, an obstetrician and gynaecologist with S L Raheja Hospital says that the routine use of vaginal cleanser is not recommended, unless a woman has chronic vaginal discharge.“Unhealthy vaginal discharge may be prevented by taking a few simple steps, such as avoiding douching after every act of urination -instead, one may wipe it dry with tissues.“Tight undergarments should be avoided. One can also do without wearing undergarments at night as it helps prevent fungal infections particularly in humid conditions.“
Dr Anita Soni, a gynaecologist with L H Hiranandani Hospital adds that cleansers don't kill germs -the lacto-serum in them helps maintain the pH balance of the area, preventing infections.
Giving birth = permanent stretching
According to Dr Mini Nampoothri, consultant gynaecologist with the Apollo Hospital, after a normal delivery, the vagina does become a little loose but women can restore the previous elasticity by exercising the pelvic floor muscles. “Eventually, in the long run, hormones also play a role in the tone of the perineum (outer part of the vagina) and anus, so, exercise is a must whether it is a normal delivery or a Cesarean section,“ she says.
Dr Ranjana Dhanu, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with Hinduja Hospital points out that the area of the vaginal wall is such that it has tremendous elasticity and even if a vaginal birth is assisted with an episiotomy (a deliberate incision taken at the perineum to facilitate and ease delivery of the foetal head), it does not cause irreparable stretching.
Excessive vaginal discharge leads to weakness
“There is no connection between vaginal discharge and tiredness or weakness.This is a very common perception among women but it is totally false,“ says Dr Rekha Thote, gynaecologist with IVF Birthing Hospital, Thane. A white discharge or leucorrhoea plays an important role in maintaining the health of the vagina as it flushes out bacteria and prevents infections.“Vaginal secretions don't necessarily indicate infection,“ says Dr Gayatri Deshpande, gynaecologist at Nanavati hospital.
Young girls, after attaining puberty, experience heavy white discharge through most of their menstrual cycles due to hormonal changes, and its perfectly normal. Many women too, between periods, may observe more than normal white discharge, but this is not indicative of any major health issue. “However, a discharge which is curdy, foul smelling and accompanied by an itching or burning sensation, needs attention.“
Bad odour is always a hygiene issue
It's normal for the vagina to emit a slight odour -which can vary depending upon the menstrual cycle, or after sex, or if you have been sweating a lot. “However, if you suddenly notice a significant change in the odour or pick up on a foul smell in the discharge, you should get it examined as it can be sign of an infection. Foul smell accompanied with bleeding may even indicate cervical cancer,“ says Dr Thote.
Sexually transmitted diseases are a sign of promiscuity
“Diseases such AIDS can spread during transmission of blood products or even during childbirth,“ says Dr Kumar.
Dr Bandita Sinha, an infertility expert and gynaecologist, warns that in many cases sexually transmitted diseases can be contracted even through sex with a regular partner.
First intercourse leads to tearing of the hymen and causes bleeding
The hymen, a band of tissue, sometimes ruptures during the first intercourse and leads to bleeding. However, many young women may rupture the hymen during their adolescent years, while participating in vigorous physical activity like sports. Therefore, sex for the first time is not always associated with a tearing of the hymen as is commonly believed. “However, some degree of pain during the first intercourse is a common occurrence, and how severe this is, depends on the pain-bearing capacity of the individual,“ Dr Kumar says.
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