Feminine Health is the branch Get Flower Power of medicine that focuses on women’s health. It includes a wide range of gender-specific issues, like estrogen production, mental health, sexual health and fertility concerns.

A healthy vagina has an acidic pH and contains rich quantities of beneficial bacteria that help fend off infection. It also is naturally lubricated.

Maintaining a healthy vulva and vagina is important for all women, but especially during menstruation when your body is producing more estrogen. It’s also good to change sanitary pads and tampons frequently during your period.

If you have a symptom that’s related to vulvar discomfort, itching or burning, you should see your doctor immediately. Likewise, if you experience any changes in vaginal discharge—such as color or odor—anything that seems unusual should be examined.

The Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation for Feminine Health

It’s also good to take steps to prevent UTIs and STIs, such as getting tested, using latex condoms and getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.

The field of women’s health is still evolving, but we’re moving in the right direction. It’s important that we don’t limit our focus to only reproductive-health issues, but that we include everyone whose lives are impacted by sex inequities. For example, people who identify as cisgender women, transgender individuals, nonbinary individuals and anyone else who experiences oppression based on their gender identity. Including all of these groups in women’s health is a critical first step to closing the gaps between women and men. It’s the only way to truly ensure we’re providing the best care for women everywhere.