The vagina and vaginal hygiene External factors External factors. T he external factors that can cause a disbalance in the vaginal environment are subdivided in mechanical, hygienic, chemical factors, sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse should be considered as a combination of all of these factors and will therefore be discussed separately. Mechanical factors can cause damages of the tissues e.g. a rough internal examination or the conduction of a vaginal smear by your physician, a medical intervention, small damages caused by sex etc. Repair processes of the body for the elimination of inflammation, infection and those for tissue repair will be activated.
Hygienic factors are wrong hygienic measures as well the neglect of vaginal hygiene.
A very bad hygienic measure is washing with normal soap. Soap is alkaline and disturbs the acidic environment. Neglect of vaginal hygiene is bad as well. It is important to change tampons and sanitary napkins very regularly. Especially for sexually active women internal vaginal hygiene is important.