Vaginal mucosa – preventing dryness and infections
When the vaginal mucosa is healthy, it’s pink, thick, moist and acts like its own little ecosystem. But it can also suffer from imbalance, fungus and bacterial vaginosis. Here's everything you need to know about the lining of the vagina and how to prevent dryness and infections!
In the vagina, there is a unique composition of mainly lactic acid bacteria that protect against harmful bacteria and infections.
“They create an acidic environment that means that other types of bacteria don’t thrive. This is why you should be careful and not wash yourself too much, because you risk washing away the good bacteria that are so important for the vagina and mucous membranes to feel good”, says Lina Isaksson, midwife at the RFSU clinic.
The mucous membrane cleans itself
To avoid problems, it is often a good idea to let the vagina and mucous membranes take care of themselves as much as possible.
“The mucous membrane of the vagina is like its own little ecosystem and has a fantastic ability to stay clean and healthy. The more you let it be, the better it often feels,” says Lina Isaksson.
The vagina cleans itself through discharge. These discharges help keep the mucous membrane moist and free from bacteria and infections. Excessive washing may actually increase the risk of various types of infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast.
You should try not to upset the balance in the vagina as much as possible.
”Wash it no more than once a day and avoid strong soap. If you want to use something other than water, feel free to use a parfume-free oil ”, says Lina Isaksson.
If you still want to use a soap, you should use a soap that is specially adapted for the intimate parts and only wash the outside of the labia.
RFSU Intim Relief Balm - intimate moisturizing cream
RFSU Natural Lube – soft, gentle and naturally feeling lubricant
RFSU Biotic Lube – lubricant with prebiotics and aloe vera
RFSU Magic Lube – where pleasure and care meet
The mucous membrane changes with age
Estrogen levels in the body drop with age, and in menopause the lining of the vagina can get drier, thinner and more fragile. This makes it more susceptible to infection. The vagina may also feel less elastic and stretchy, and the dryness can cause itching, irritation, and a tight, uncomfortable sensation in the pelvic area.
Intimate health during menopause
If you suffer from dry mucous membranes during menopause, you may be particularly prone to irritation and itching in the external intimate area. To prevent discomfort during menopause, you can use a moisturizing intimate cream that softens the sensitive skin and mucous membranes in the external intimate area and restores the lipid balance.
RFSU Intim Relief Balm is specially formulated for women going through menopause and is a gentle intimate cream that intensely softens and soothes dry and irritated skin. It contains natural beeswax, which nourishes and protects the sensitive skin in the genital area. It creates a protective barrier without feeling sticky. Dry mucous membranes may require gentle application, which is why the cream melts upon contact with the skin.
Try combining it with RFSU Intim Wash Oil for daily care of dry mucous membranes.
RFSU Intim Relief Balm - intimate moisturizing cream
RFSU LactiCUR – gel treatment for bacterial vaginosis
RFSU Biotic Lube – lubricant with prebiotics and aloe vera
RFSU LactiCUR Vagitorium – treatment for bacterial vaginosis
Prevent fragile and dry mucous membranes
If the genital area and mucous membranes are subjected to various types of stress—such as excessive washing or having penetrative sex without the vagina being sufficiently dilated and lubricated—the mucous membranes can become fragile.
Fragile and dry mucous membranes become more susceptible to infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
“Having penetrative sex when the body is not excited enough can make it itchy and irritated, so it should be avoided. Lubricants can, for example, make it easier to get aroused in a way that is more pleasant, which in turn can increase stimulation,” says Lina Isaksson.
RFSU Intim Relief Balm - intimate moisturizing cream
Dry Mucous Membranes During Menopause
During menopause, it can feel harder to become lubricated in the genital area even when aroused. The dry or fragile mucous membranes that many women experience during menopause can therefore cause a burning sensation or discomfort during vaginal sex. Lubricant is a great way to add extra moisture and glide and reduce friction during intercourse.
RFSU Natural Moist Glide is specially formulated for women going through menopause and contains hyaluronic acid, which provides intense hydration, as well as lactic acid to maintain the natural pH balance in the genital area. It is extra nourishing and feels like a protective layer on the mucous membrane. This lubricant works just as well for masturbation—with or without a sex toy—as it does for foreplay, intercourse, and other sexual activities.
RFSU Oh Yes! Stimulating Gel – Orgasm cream
