A marriage counsellor and relationship expert Dr John Boakye, has advised Ghanaian women to have regular self-examination and medical check-ups to familiarise themselves with their genitals and prevent avoidable diseases.
Addressing members of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association, Dr Boakye said unprotected sex, birth control, feminine hygiene products, pregnancy, childbirth, anxiety, depression and hormonal changes are things that expose women to health issues.
He noted that these health issues and complications can be detected early through regular health checks and constant self-examination.
“The vagina is naturally clean and, therefore doesn’t need any special care apart from cleaning the externals with water and unscented soap. Women must desist from cleaning with or applying douches, creams, powder, shampoos, deodorants, sprays and other concoctions.”
He noted that the vagina’s secretion must be acidic to defend it from infection. Using soap which is alkaline therefore neutralises the acidic nature of the secretion and destroys the vagina’s protective barrier and makes it vulnerable to infections, irritations and damages the delicate skin.
Dr Boakye advised women to wear comfortable panties or underwear made from soft breathable and natural fabric such as cotton to allow airflow and prevent the vagina from developing yeast and other infections.
He cautioned women against wearing G-string for long hours because it can also lead to infection.
He urged women to develop the habit of washing their panties and undies separately and dry them in the sun in order to kill possible microorganisms that could cause infection.
