Vaginal health: The complete guide to understanding and caring for your body
The vaginal ecosystem: a fragile and intelligent balance
Vaginal health relies on a delicate balance, an ecosystem called the vaginal flora or microbiome. This environment is naturally populated by "good" bacteria (lactobacilli) that maintain an acidic pH, thus creating a protective barrier against infections.
It is important to know that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Understanding its normal functioning is the first step to destigmatizing discomfort and making informed decisions.
Vaginal discharge: Demystifying what is normal
Having vaginal discharge is not only normal, but it is also a sign of good health. It serves to clean and lubricate the vagina.
Its appearance (texture, quantity, color) naturally varies throughout the menstrual cycle:
- Beginning of the cycle: Often drier or absent.
- Before ovulation: Becomes clearer, more liquid, and elastic (like egg white).
- After ovulation: Thickens and becomes more whitish or creamy.
When to be concerned
A change from your usual discharge can be a sign of an imbalance. Consult a professional if you notice:
- A change in color (greenish, grayish, yellow).
- A strong and unusual odor (e.g., a fishy smell).
- An abnormal texture (e.g., lumpy like cottage cheese, or frothy).
- The appearance of itching, irritation, or pain.
Common discomforts and infections: How to tell them apart
Yeast infection (Candidiasis)
This is a very common infection caused by a fungus.
- Key symptoms: Intense itching, redness, and thick, white, lumpy discharge, usually without an odor.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
This is an imbalance of the vaginal flora, not an infection in the strict sense.
- Key symptoms: A fishy odor (especially after sexual intercourse) and thin, grayish, watery discharge. Itching is less common.
Trichomoniasis
This is a common STI caused by a parasite.
- Key symptoms: Yellowish or greenish, frothy discharge, with an unpleasant odor. Itching and irritation are also common.
Vaginal Dryness (Vaginal Atrophy)
- Common causes: Menopause, breastfeeding, taking certain medications (like some hormonal contraceptives).
- Key symptoms: Discomfort, irritation, a burning sensation, and pain during sexual intercourse.
Your pharmacist: your first-line expert
For many of these issues, your pharmacist can be a valuable and accessible resource.
- Advise: We can help you analyze your symptoms to better distinguish the nature of the problem.
- Prescribe: In Quebec, pharmacists can prescribe treatment for uncomplicated yeast infections.
- Suggest solutions: We let you know when it's time to consult a physician. We can recommend the best over-the-counter products for vaginal dryness (lubricants, moisturizers) or advise on complementary products like probiotics.
Best practices for vaginal health: Myths and realities
- Hygiene: The best hygiene is the simplest. Use water or a mild, unscented soap, and only on the outside (on the vulva). Absolutely avoid vaginal douches, which destroy the protective flora.
- Lifestyle: Opt for breathable cotton underwear. After sports or swimming, don't stay in damp clothing for long, as moisture promotes yeast growth.
- Sexuality: Use a lubricant if necessary to avoid irritation. Urinating after intercourse can help prevent urinary tract infections.
- "Miracle products": The effectiveness of vaginal probiotics is still debated, but some people find them beneficial. Boric acid in vaginal capsule form is an option sometimes recommended by doctors for recurrent infections, but it must be used with caution and on professional advice.
When to see a doctor
It is important to see a doctor if:
- It is the first time you have had symptoms of a yeast infection.
- You are not sure about the cause of your symptoms.
- Over-the-counter treatments are not working.
- You have severe pain, fever, or abnormal bleeding.
- You think you may have been exposed to an STI.
Trusted resources to learn more
- Sex & U by the SOGC : THE Canadian reference on vaginal health, created by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
- Government of Canada : Clear information sheets on infections like bacterial vaginosis.
- Menopause Quebec (FR): An excellent local resource for questions related to perimenopause, menopause, and vaginal dryness.
