1. Is vaginal douching necessary?
A: It is necessary to wash the vulva daily, especially during menstruation. Use warm water to wash the vulva appropriately to prevent external pathogens from entering the vagina. Avoid douching unless absolutely necessary, and do not use gynecological washes. This helps maintain the natural defenses of the female reproductive tract and preserves the vaginal pH balance. You will need your own dedicated washing basin and towel. Wash these utensils before use, and dry the towel in the sun or in a well-ventilated area after use, ideally by sun-drying it to kill bacteria.
2. Will frequent sex damage the vagina?
A: Excessive sexual activity can cause the vagina to be in a state of congestion for a long time, which can easily lead to damage to the vaginal mucosa and a decrease in vaginal resistance, thus causing gynecological inflammations such as vaginitis and cervicitis. Therefore, sexual activity should not be too frequent.
3. Will prolonged intercourse harm a woman's body? How long is appropriate?
A: Prolonged sexual intercourse can cause prolonged pelvic congestion, making it easier for bacteria to invade and cause gynecological inflammation. Generally, the duration of sexual intercourse should not exceed 30 minutes.
4. Are there any side effects from using vaginal lubricants?
A: Under normal circumstances, vaginal lubricants are not needed. They can be used in special cases when vaginal secretions are low. Vaginal lubricants include pure lubricants, astringent lubricants, silicone lubricants, etc., and generally have no side effects.
5. Some people say that semen can moisturize the vagina and is good for women's health. Is this true?
A: While there is no comprehensive and authoritative confirmation yet that semen promotes women's health, many experts and scholars have pointed out after research that semen does have certain health benefits for women. For example, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it may have a positive effect on the hormonal balance in women, which can reduce the risk of cancer. Furthermore, semen can promote the secretion of female sex hormones, leading to fuller breasts, fuller hips, and smoother skin; it can also lubricate the vagina, improve the quality of sexual life, enhance sexual psychological satisfaction, and contribute to the health benefits of sexual activity.
6. What is HPV infection? Under what circumstances should one be alert?
A: HPV is the human papillomavirus. Infection with HPV causes epithelial hyperplasia, forming papillary lesions known as genital warts. HPV infection of the genital tract is a long-term process; it can remain dormant within cells for several years. Once the body's immunity decreases, the dormant virus can become active again. HPV is widespread in nature. Some people are susceptible to this virus, while others are not. Women who start having sexual intercourse too early, have multiple sexual partners, use birth control pills too early or for a long period, or smoke and drink alcohol should be wary of the possibility of HPV infection.
7. How can ordinary white-collar workers prevent cervical cancer ?
A: The prevention of cervical cancer mainly involves the following aspects: (1) Pay attention to late marriage and late childbirth; (2) Pay attention to sexual hygiene and menstrual hygiene, and treat cervicitis in a timely manner; (3) Have regular gynecological examinations, and women over 35 years of age should have a cancer screening once a year.
8. If I have a cold uterus and irregular menstruation, can I still consider it a safe period?
A: It's difficult for people with irregular periods to calculate their safe period because ovulation occurs about 14 days before the next menstrual period. If your periods are irregular, it's hard to calculate the ovulation period and therefore the safe period.
9. Does regular menstruation mean that the endocrine system is not imbalanced?
What are the standards for normal female endocrine function? A: Sex hormone levels are influenced by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. The hypothalamus is the "command center," releasing hormones to instruct the pituitary gland, which in turn sends signals to regulate other glands. For the ovaries, these signals are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by the pituitary gland, and prolactin is also produced during lactation. These hormones act on various organs, producing corresponding changes. If these regulatory mechanisms are disrupted, a series of symptoms occur, known as endocrine imbalance. Regular menstruation only indicates that some of these regulatory mechanisms are functioning normally; it does not mean there is no endocrine imbalance.
