Is everything okay... Down below?

HUD App is thrilled to partner with Stigma Health, Australia’s largest online sexual health clinic group, to educate and empower dating app users to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing.

When it comes to vaginal health, there’s a lot of confusion and misinformation. Women are just not taught about their vaginal health until they go to the GP unsure whether they have a problem, and most women would probably admit their "vaginal literacy" is pretty dire. That's why we asked Stigma Health’s sexual health expert Dr Claire Pickett to give us the facts on how to have - and maintain - good vaginal health.

Understanding vaginal pH balance

First, let's talk about pH balance. "pH" means "potential hydrogen" and measures the levels and activity of your vagina's hydrogen ions - more leads to a lower pH (more acidic), and fewer leads to a higher pH (more basic/alkaline).

The vagina thrives in a slightly acidic environment, with a "normal" pH of around 3.8 to 4.5. This acidity keeps the bad bacteria at bay and helps the good bacteria, particularly Lactobacilli, flourish. When this balance gets thrown off, you might notice some unwelcome symptoms like unusual discharge, odour, itching, or irritation.

So what can mess with your vagina's pH balance?

• Menstruation: Period blood is more alkaline, which can nudge your pH up.
• Sex with someone who has a penis: Semen is alkaline too, so it can temporarily change your pH.
• Hygiene products: Douching or using scented products like soap or perfume can disrupt your pH balance.
• Antibiotics: These meds can wipe out your good bacteria, leading to an imbalance.

How do I know what's normal and what's actually an infection?

Vaginal discharge - which you'll notice in your underwear or on toilet paper when you going to the bathroom - is one way to know whether things are okay down below, but it's a bit of a shape-shifter, varying in consistency, colour, and amount throughout your menstrual cycle. If it's clear and stretchy, you may be ovulating. If it's white and thick (like an egg white), you're probably close to getting your period.

But some changes to vaginal discharge can signal you may have an infection. Here are some things to look out for:

• Thin, grayish discharge with a fishy odor, especially after sex: This could be bacterial vaginosis (BV), an overgrowth of bad bacteria.
• Thick, white, cottage-cheesy discharge, itching, and redness: This may be a yeast infection, which is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus.
• Frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong odor, itching, discomfort during urination or sex: This may be trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite and can be considered an STI.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs are infections you can get (or pass on) via sexual contact. They can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. Here are some common STIs and their symptoms:

• Chlamydia: Often sneaky with no symptoms, but can cause abnormal discharge and pain during urination or sex.
• Gonorrhea: Symptoms include unusual discharge, pain when you urinate, and bleeding between periods.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Most types are asymptomatic, but some can cause genital warts or be linked to cervical cancer.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV): Causes painful blisters or sores on the genitals or mouth.

Regular testing is also crucial, especially if you have multiple partners. In Australia, Stigma Health offers convenient online STI testing, giving you an easy and discreet way to look after your sexual health.

What you can do to keep things down below shipshape

Keeping yourself healthy "down below" involves good hygiene practices, safe sex, and self-care. Here are some things you can do to ensure your vagina is healthy and happy:

• Practice safe sex: Condoms, including female condoms, are your best friends when it comes to reducing the risk of STIs.
• Wear breathable underwear: Cotton or other natural-fibre underwear allows for better air circulation, reducing the risk of yeast infections.
• Avoid douching: Your vagina is self-cleaning, so there’s no need to douche. Douching can disrupt your pH balance and can lead to infections.
• Look after your nutrition: Probiotics found in yoghurt and fermented foods can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria.

When should you see a doctor?

If you're not sure whether your vaginal symptoms are normal, or if you might have an infection, the best way to find out is to make an appointment with your GP or other health professional. You might feel a bit embarrassed, but they will know how to treat your symptoms and help you to feel better as soon as possible. Persistent symptoms, unusual discharge, strong odors, and discomfort should never be ignored and definitely need to be investigated.

Understanding the difference between normal vaginal health and infections is key to maintaining your vaginal wellbeing. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can ensure your vagina stays on the healthy side.