&lt;h2 data-pm-slice=&quot;1 1 []&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Understanding Vulva and Vaginal Health&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The vagina maintains its health naturally with the help of beneficial bacteria, mainly &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com/lactobacillus&quot;&gt;lactobacilli&lt;/a&gt;, which help maintain an ideal pH level of around 3.8 to 4.5. This acidic environment prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and fungi. Practices such as douching, overuse of antibiotics, or using scented hygiene products can upset this balance, leading to conditions like &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/bacterial-vaginosis&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;bacterial vaginosis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; or &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaginal-yeast-infection&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;yeast infections&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common Vulvovaginal Concerns&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Discomfort in the vulva or vagina may signal various issues:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/bacterial-vaginosis&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Bacterial vaginosis&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;: A result of disrupted pH balance, often presenting with thin, greyish discharge and a fishy odour.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaginal-yeast-infection&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Yeast infections&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;: Characterized by itching, redness, and thick white discharge.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Irritation or allergic reactions&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Often triggered by soaps, pads, tight clothing, or laundry detergents.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Consult a healthcare provider if you experience &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaginal-discharge&quot;&gt;unusual vaginal discharge&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vagina-ltch&quot;&gt;persistent itching&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;pain&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;or &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaginal-odor&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;foul vaginal odors&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Early diagnosis ensures prompt and effective treatment. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Learn more about &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/perimenopause-symptoms-management-singapore&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Perimenopause Symptoms and Management&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;amp; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/perimenopause-mood-symptoms-management-singapore&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common Mood Symptoms and Managment During Perimenopause&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Everyday Care Tips&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Use &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;mild, unscented soap&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;only on the vulva, never inside the vagina.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Wear &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;breathable cotton underwear&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and avoid tight clothing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Change sanitary pads frequently during menstruation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Avoid douching or using feminine sprays and powders.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sexual Health and STI Prevention&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Sexual activity can impact vulvovaginal health. Practising safe sex using &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;condoms or dental dams&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; reduces the risk of &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;sexually transmitted infections (STIs)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. In Singapore, &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;STD screening&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/pap-smear&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pap smears&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; are readily available and should be done regularly, even if you&amp;rsquo;re not currently sexually active.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hormonal Changes and Menopause&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;During &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/menopause-singapore&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;menopause&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, reduced estrogen levels can cause &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;vaginal dryness&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;thinning tissue&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;and discomfort&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. These symptoms can be managed with &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;lubricants&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;vaginal moisturisers&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, lifestyle adjustments, and&amp;nbsp;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/menopause-singapore&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;hormonal therapy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; under a doctor&amp;rsquo;s guidance.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When to See a Doctor&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Seek medical advice if you notice:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Persistent itching or burning&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaginal-discharge&quot;&gt;Unusual vaginal discharge&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Bleeding outside your period or after sex&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Pain during intercourse&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Clinics in Singapore offer &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;confidential and professional care&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, making it easier than ever to prioritise your genital health.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;All in All&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot; data-preserver-spaces=&quot;true&quot;&gt;Talking openly about vulva and vaginal health helps remove stigma and empowers individuals to care for their bodies confidently. Being proactive about hygiene, staying informed about normal vs. abnormal symptoms, and &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/booking&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;scheduling regular checkups&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; are key steps toward long-term wellness.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p style=&quot;color: #0e101a; background: transparent; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2210&quot; data-end=&quot;2251&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2214&quot; data-end=&quot;2251&quot;&gt;Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;2253&quot; data-end=&quot;2471&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;2253&quot; data-end=&quot;2471&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2253&quot; data-end=&quot;2311&quot;&gt;1. What&amp;rsquo;s the difference between the vulva and vagina?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;2253&quot; data-end=&quot;2471&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia, including the labia and clitoris, while the vagina is the internal canal that connects to the uterus.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;2473&quot; data-end=&quot;2667&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;2473&quot; data-end=&quot;2667&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2473&quot; data-end=&quot;2508&quot;&gt;2. Is vaginal discharge normal?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;2473&quot; data-end=&quot;2667&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Yes, mild, clear or white discharge is normal. However, changes in color, consistency, or smell may indicate an infection and should be checked by a doctor.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;2669&quot; data-end=&quot;2846&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;2669&quot; data-end=&quot;2846&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2669&quot; data-end=&quot;2707&quot;&gt;3. Can I wash my vagina with soap?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;2669&quot; data-end=&quot;2846&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;No. The vagina is self-cleaning. Use only water or a mild, unscented wash for the external vulva area to avoid irritation and infection.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;2848&quot; data-end=&quot;3055&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;2848&quot; data-end=&quot;3055&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2848&quot; data-end=&quot;2903&quot;&gt;4. How often should I get a Pap smear in Singapore?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;h4 data-pm-slice=&quot;1 3 []&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pap Smear is suggested for&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul data-spread=&quot;false&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Women aged 21&amp;ndash;29&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;: A Pap smear every three years is generally recommended.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Women aged 30&amp;ndash;65&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;: A Pap smear and HPV test combined every five years, or a Pap smear every three years with HPV testing every five years are common options.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Special Considerations&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;: Women with a history of abnormal Pap smear results, HPV infection, weakened immune systems, or HIV may require more frequent screening.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;3057&quot; data-end=&quot;3245&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;3057&quot; data-end=&quot;3245&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3057&quot; data-end=&quot;3104&quot;&gt;5. What are the signs of a yeast infection?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;3057&quot; data-end=&quot;3245&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Common symptoms include &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.hk/vagina-ltch&quot;&gt;itching&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/vaginal-discharge&quot;&gt;thick white discharge&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; (like cottage cheese), and a burning sensation, especially during urination or sex.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;3247&quot; data-end=&quot;3445&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;3247&quot; data-end=&quot;3445&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3247&quot; data-end=&quot;3284&quot;&gt;6. What causes vulvar irritation?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;3247&quot; data-end=&quot;3445&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Irritation can result from tight clothing, scented products, soaps, or pads. Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding irritants helps reduce symptoms.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;3247&quot; data-end=&quot;3445&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;3447&quot; data-end=&quot;3644&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3447&quot; data-end=&quot;3494&quot;&gt;7. How can menopause affect vaginal health?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;3447&quot; data-end=&quot;3644&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Hormonal changes can lead to dryness, itching, or thinning of the vaginal walls. Lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, or hormonal treatments may help.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;3646&quot; data-end=&quot;3862&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 data-start=&quot;3646&quot; data-end=&quot;3862&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3646&quot; data-end=&quot;3712&quot;&gt;8. Is it normal to feel embarrassed about vulvovaginal issues?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;&quot; data-start=&quot;3646&quot; data-end=&quot;3862&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;It&amp;rsquo;s common, but it shouldn&amp;rsquo;t stop you from seeking help. Your health matters, and many clinics in Singapore offer supportive, non-judgmental care.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Vulva and Vaginal Health in Singapore: Common Issues, Hygiene Tips, and When to See Your Doctor

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW