Dr Supriya Mahajan

Introduction- Let’s be honest. We treat it like a secret. We whisper. We use code names. We feel awkward just saying the word. But this silence is dangerous. Ignoring your Vaginal Health doesn’t make it go away.  It just leaves you confused and worried. So, let’s clear the air right now. Here is the truth. Your vagina is an engineering marvel. Think of it like a high-tech, self-cleaning oven. It balances its own chemistry. It sweeps out bacteria. It doesn’t need fancy perfumes or expensive washes. In fact, those things often ruin the magic. I’m Dr Supriya Mahajan, practising as a Gynecologist in Thane. I want to break this taboo. I want to replace the myths with medical facts.  No judgment. No blushing. Just honest, helpful advice for every woman in Thane. Let’s get started. 2. What is “Good” Vaginal Health? (The Science) The Secret Sauce: Understanding pH Balance and the Microbiome So, what defines good Vaginal Health? It is not about looks. It is remarkably invisible. It is all about balance. Specifically, a chemical balance. We call this “pH.” Your vagina is naturally acidic.  Think of lemon juice. This acidity is vital. Why? Because it kills bad germs. Also, you have an army. An army of “good” bacteria.  They are called Lactobacilli. They are your body’s guards. They fight off invaders. So, a healthy vagina…is a balanced ecosystem. However, this balance is fragile.  Stress can tip it. Antibiotics can change it. Even your period affects it. If this acid level drops…the bad germs win. That is when infections start. 3. Why Hygiene Matters: It’s Not About Smelling Like Flowers Now, let’s talk about hygiene. Why does it matter? Please, listen closely. It is not about perfume. You are not a bouquet. You shouldn’t smell like roses.  Commercial ads lie to you. Real hygiene is purely medical. It is about prevention. It stops the nasty stuff. Like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Or itchy Yeast infections. Or painful Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).  Proper care keeps the “guards” happy. It keeps the environment stable. But wrong habits hurt them. Like scrubbing too hard. Or using scented soaps.  This destroys your natural protection. It strips away the good bacteria. So, the goal is simple. The goal is health. Not a fake, floral scent. 4. The “Red Flags”: Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore Change in Color or Odor of Discharge Your discharge tells a story. It acts like a messenger. Usually, it is clear. Or maybe cloudy white. This is healthy. But watch for changes.  Is it turning green? Or maybe a dull grey? That is a warning sign. Also, check the smell. A mild scent is normal. However, a strong odour? Specifically, a “fishy” smell? That is a major red flag.  It usually screams “infection.” Likely Bacterial Vaginosis. This disrupts your Vaginal Health. So, pay close attention. Do not ignore these clues. Your body is talking. Itching, Burning, or Swelling Next, let’s talk feelings. Does it itch? I mean, really itch? Does it burn? Especially when you pee? Is the area swollen? Or looking bright red?  These are not normal. It feels like a fire. Or a constant mosquito bite. This is your body shouting. It might be yeast. Or perhaps an allergy.  Maybe from a new soap. Either way, it needs help. Good Vaginal Health feels calm. It shouldn’t distract you. So, seek relief fast. Bleeding Between Periods or After Sex Now, let’s discuss blood. Periods are messy enough. But, bleeding between them? That is different. Or bleeding after sex? That is a major sign.  We call it “spotting.” Sometimes, it is hormonal. But often, it is physical. It could be a polyp. Or a cervical issue. Or an infection.  It is definitely a red flag. Therefore, do not wait. Please, come see your Gynaecologist. We need to check this. It protects your future health. Key Takeaway: Pain is Not Normal Here is the bottom line. Pain is a signal. It is an alarm bell. Sex should not hurt. Walking should not hurt. Sitting should not hurt.  If it hurts, stop. Listen to your body. Do not just “tough it out.” That is dangerous. Protecting your Vaginal Health means acting. It means seeking answers.  You deserve comfort. You deserve to feel good. Pain is never “okay.” 5. Myth vs. Fact: Busting the Biggest Misconceptions in Vaginal Health Myth 1: Frequency of washing makes you cleaner. Fact: Over-washing kills good bacteria. Let’s tackle the first myth. Many women believe this. “More washing is better.” “Cleanliness equals health.”  That is absolutely false. Actually, it harms Vaginal Health.  Why? Remember the good bacteria? Over-washing kills them. It strips the protective oils. It leaves you dry. And prone to infection.  So, stop scrubbing. Once a day is enough. Truly. Just use water. Less is actually more. Your body knows best. Myth 2: Every smell is an infection. Fact: Vaginas have a natural scent; it changes with your cycle. Myth number two. “I smell something.” “It must be an infection.” No. That is wrong.  Your vagina has a scent. A natural, musky scent. It is not odourless. It changes, too. Like during your period. Or after the gym.  That is totally normal. However, a fishy smell? That is different. But a mild scent? That is just you. It is healthy. Don’t stress about it. Myth 3: You need special products/washes for Vaginal Health. Fact: Warm water is best; avoid “feminine hygiene” sprays. You see them in stores. “Feminine Hygiene Washes.” “Vaginal Sprays.” They promise freshness. But, here is the truth. They are unnecessary. In fact, they are harmful.  They are full of chemicals. These chemicals irritate the skin. They mess up the pH. So, what should you use?  Just warm water. That is it. Simple warm water. It is the best cleanser. Save your money. Myth 4: The hymen indicates virginity. Fact: It’s just tissue; it can break from sports or tampons. This is a big one. Especially here in India. The “Virginity Myth.” People think

Introduction Let’s talk about something real—Gynaecological cancers. You might hear those words and instantly feel a bit uneasy. These are cancers that can start in places like your ovaries, uterus, or cervix. They often sneak in quietly. Most times, you don’t even notice until things get serious. That’s why awareness matters so much. Think about this: You wouldn’t ignore a strange noise in your car, right? You’d check it out before it became a big problem. The same goes for your body. When you know what signs to look for, you catch things earlier. I want you to know—early detection can mean the difference between a quick fix and a long, hard fight. So, let’s break the silence, clear the confusion, and learn how to listen to our bodies—because you deserve to feel safe and strong. Statistics Let’s look at the numbers of Gynecological Cancers. They really tell a story. In India, cervical cancer is everywhere. It’s the second most common cancer for women here. Over 1.27 lakh new cases were reported last year. The numbers from 2020 and 2022 barely changed. That’s worrying. This means, not much progress yet. The global mortality rate for cervical cancer is 7.1 per 100,000 women. But in India, it jumps to 11.2. That’s way higher. Too many women are dying. The cancer burden keeps rising. By 2025, experts predict almost 30 million cases in India. That’s huge. Survival rates are tough. Only half of cervical cancer patients survive for five years. Breast cancer is doing a bit better. Still, every number is a mother, a sister, a daughter. Behind every statistic, there’s a family. There’s fear, hope, and heartbreak. Most importantly, many Gynecological Cancers come from lifestyle risks. Change is possible. Awareness can save lives. That’s why this matters. That’s why we talk about it. What are Gynaecological Cancers? Let’s keep it simple. Gynaecological cancers start in a woman’s reproductive organs. These include the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva. They are different from other cancers. Why? They grow in places only women have. They need different tests. They show unique signs. You can’t compare them to lung or stomach cancer. Each one acts differently. Each one needs its own care. Who is at risk? Honestly, any woman can get these cancers. Age, family history, and infections matter a lot. Even lifestyle plays a part. If you have a close relative with cancer, your risk goes up. If you’ve had certain infections, your risk is higher. You should know your own risk. You should talk to your doctor. Awareness helps you stay safe. Prevention starts with knowing the facts. Types of Gynaecological Cancers Let’s break them down. First, there’s ovarian cancer. It hides well. It often stays quiet until late. You may feel bloated or have tummy pain. Sometimes, you lose weight fast. Many women miss the early signs. Next comes uterine cancer. It grows in the womb. You may spot unusual bleeding. It often shows up after menopause. If you see blood after your periods stop, check with your doctor. Cervical cancer is another big one. It starts in the cervix. Often, it links to HPV infection. Regular Pap smears help find it early. You may notice bleeding after sex or between periods. Vaginal cancer is rare. It starts inside the birth canal. You may notice discharge or pain. Sometimes, there’s a lump you can feel. Vulvar cancer affects the outer parts. It can cause itching or burning. Sometimes, you see a sore that won’t heal. Gestational trophoblastic tumours are very rare. They come from pregnancy tissue. You may get bleeding during or after pregnancy. They need special treatment. Let me mention breast cancer. It’s not a gynaecological cancer. Still, it matters for women’s health. If you spot a lump in your breast, talk to your doctor. Always stay alert. Awareness saves lives. Symptoms of Gynaecological Cancers Let’s talk about symptoms of Gynecological Cancers. You may not notice them at first. They often start small. But you should know what to watch for. Unusual bleeding is a big sign. Pain in your pelvis can mean trouble. So can bloating that won’t go away. If you feel full quickly, take note of this. Unusual discharge matters too. If you see sores or lumps, don’t ignore them. Even itching or burning can be a warning. Your body tells you when something’s wrong. You just have to listen. Now, let’s get specific. Ovarian cancer often brings bloating and belly pain. Uterine cancer usually means bleeding after menopause. Cervical cancer might cause bleeding after sex or between periods. Vaginal cancer can show up as pain or a lump inside. Vulvar cancer may give you itching or sores that won’t heal. Gestational tumours might cause heavy bleeding in pregnancy. Every cancer acts differently. Every sign matters. If you notice any of these, talk to your doctor. Early action saves lives. Always trust your gut. Risk for Gynaecological Cancers Let’s talk about risk. In Gynecological Cancers Family history matters a lot. If your mother or sister had cancer, your risk is higher. Lynch syndrome raises the risk even more. You should share your family history with your doctor. Next, HPV infection is a big factor. It’s the main cause of cervical cancer. You can get HPV from sexual contact. Vaccines help protect you, but not everyone gets them. Tamoxifen is a medicine for breast cancer. Sometimes it increases the risk of uterine cancer. If you use it, you need regular check-ups. Chronic anovulation is another risk. If you have PCOS or you’re going through menopause, your periods can be irregular. Hormones get out of balance. Cancer risk goes up. Nulliparity means never having been pregnant. Infertility can add to your risk. Your body misses protective changes from pregnancy. Smoking, obesity, and age all count too. Early periods or late menopause stretch hormone exposure. That raises risk. Your choices matter. Your body’s history matters. Knowing your risks gives you power. Always discuss these with your doctor. Prevention starts