Certain everyday actions or bad habits can disrupt the proper functioning of the vaginal microbiota, essential for good vaginal health, recalls on Europe 1 Dr. Jean-Marc Bohbot, doctor-infectiologist specializing in genitourinary infections.
INTERVIEW
These are simple recommendations that can avoid many personal worries.
In women, the vagina is made up of a set of microorganisms essential to its good health and which constitute the "vaginal flora" or the "vaginal microbiota".
These good bacteria, lactobacilli, make it possible to limit infections but can see their functioning disrupted by certain everyday actions or by bad habits.
Guest Monday of
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, Dr. Jean-Marc Bohbot, doctor-infectiologist specializing in genitourinary infections at the Fournier Institute in Paris, gave some advice to best protect his privacy.
Do not consume tobacco
"The number 1 enemy of the vagina is tobacco," assures the co-author of the book
Take care of your vaginal microbiota.
Indeed, "nicotine decreases the level of estrogen in the blood. However, these estrogens are essential for the well-being of the vagina".
And when we smoke, "we find lots of nicotine and tar components in the vagina, which completely suffocates the vaginal cells," continues the specialist.
Be vigilant about antibiotics
In the event of a health problem, "antibiotics are often necessary", recalls Jean-Marc Bohbot, "but many have a very aggressive action on lactobacilli".
And a lower number of lactobacilli will cause "an imbalance of the flora with a risk of infection"
Fight against stress
"Chronic stress in some women allows the production of a number of hormones toxic to the vagina", further indicates the guest from Europe 1. The latter will then, for example, have repeated yeast infections.
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In addition, certain other health problems will also promote infections, such as diabetes.
"Diabetic women have microbiota imbalances in general, and more particularly the vagina. They are more prone to yeast infections," says Jean-Marc Bohbot.
No permanent full hair removal
"Save the hairs!", Insists Jean-Marc Bohbot, warning against the consequences of permanent laser hair removal of the vagina.
This hair removal "will make the area completely dry. However, it needs sufficient hydration."
Beware of bad hygiene practices
For personal hygiene, the infectious disease doctor advises to use moisturizing products that do not contain antiseptics.
"In daily hygiene, this area must be treated with dedicated products," he adds.
And to insist on the importance of especially not making a vaginal douche: "Never internal toilet, the vagina is self-cleaning."
Likewise, wipes can be used "exceptionally", but are rather to be avoided. "They tend to strip the outer area a little, even though it is an area that replenishes the vagina", explains Jean-Marc Bohbot.