Keeping Miss V clean: Ladies, are you wearing the right underwear?

The right underwear, Dr Esther Wanjohi says, is the kind that allows the vagina to 'breath'. "Natural fabrics like cotton and silk are the best," she says. "Panties made from synthetic materials tend to trap heat and moisture; a scenario that increases flourishing of germs and hence precipitating infections."

Dr Wanjohi, who practices at Nairobi Hospital, adds: "Panties should ideally be fitting. Anything too tight may cause impingement of nerves by cutting off circulation – which is also unhealthy."

For those with a penchant for G-strings, or thongs, you may need to consider how often you adorn such. According to Wanjohi, the string that goes through the rift between buttocks is an effective conduit for germs to move from the anus to the vagina, causing infections like urinary tract infections. "G-strings once in a while are relatively safe but not under daily use," she says.

When nursing an already existing infection What do you do when you notice a possible infection? Report for gynaecological check-up, right! This, according to Dr John Ongech of KNH, a gynaecologist, would be the only right course of action. "It is important that the infection is rightfully diagnosed before any treatment can commence," he says.

Even the kind and mode of cleaning will depend on the extent of the infection and if there are any open wounds visible. It would however be safe to say that washing with clean water would suffice. An active infection should however be handled by a doctor who can give proper directions afterwards.

Would be safe to have sex while an infection is active? "No." Ongech says. "We need to avoid the spread of such an infection and monitor the patient's health first before any intercourse can happen."