Just like any part of your body, the vagina needs to be cared for properly. But trying to find out the dos and don’ts of vaginal care can be tricky. Some of the information you’ve heard from magazines, movies, celebrities, and friends might be contradictory. Plus, there are some common misunderstandings about the vagina that often get passed around by word of mouth or even in the media.
Fortunately, we’re here to set the record straight. First, it’s important to distinguish some basics about what exactly the word “vagina” refers to. While many people use the term to refer to the female genital region in general, it’s a very specific part of the body also known as the birth canal. The vagina connects the cervix to the vulva. Menstrual blood exits the vagina during a period. During sex, a penis, fingers, or sex toys may be inserted.
The vulva, on the other hand, are the external parts of the female genitalia. It includes the urethra, clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora. It also includes the opening to the vagina.
Now that we’ve clarified the distinction between these parts of female genitalia, we can dive into some easy tips for vaginal health.
- Don’t Do a Full Shave or Wax
Many people want to tame their pubic hair by shaving, waxing, or trimming. That’s totally fine to do—just don’t take it too far. Pubic hair actually helps to keep your genital area healthy by protecting against exposure to excess bacteria and preventing friction and chafing. Hair removal can also irritate the area and lead to microscopic cuts, which makes it easier for bacterial pathogens to enter the body. So, while it’s fine to trim or remove some hair, it’s best to avoid doing so on and around the vulva where your pubic hair serves several important purposes.
- Use Protection During Sex
Safe sex isn’t just about avoiding pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When you take steps to stay safe, you also help to protect the health of your vagina and vulva. That’s because semen has a very high pH, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. Using condoms or another physical barrier when having sex helps to keep your vagina healthy. This will also help to decrease your risk of bacterial vaginosis and other infections and irritations in the vagina.
Other tips for practicing safe sex to keep your vagina healthy include:
- Pee after having sex to help flush bacteria from the urethra and reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you’re having sex with new or non-monogamous partners.
- Don’t go from anal play to vaginal play without washing up, since it could introduce bacteria into the vagina.
- Carefully clean sex toys after each use.
- Avoid Certain Ingredients
Speaking of sex, you’ll often find that condoms and lubricants contain spermicide, which kills or immobilizes sperm. Although that may help from a contraceptive perspective, it’s not always good for the vagina. Spermicide can potentially kill good bacteria in the vagina, which leaves you more susceptible to infection.
There are other lube ingredients you may want to avoid due to their effects on your vagina’s natural pH level and/or their potential to cause irritation. These ingredients include:
- Glycerin
- Petroleum
- Parabens
- Scents
- Flavors
- Dyes
- Wear Cotton Underwear
Natural fabrics like cotton are breathable and help wick moisture away from the body—two things which help to keep your vagina healthy. By limiting wetness around the vulva, bacterial growth is less likely to occur. With that in mind, be sure to change into a new pair if the one you’re wearing becomes damp.
- Sleep in the Nude
As demonstrated with cotton fabrics, breathability is important for vagina health. One way to air out excess moisture is to sleep naked. Even if you wear cotton underwear daily, going to bed in the nude allows heat and moisture to escape overnight, which further reduces your chances of developing a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. If you don’t like sleeping completely naked, try wearing loose-fitting pajama bottoms with no underwear.
- Say “No” to Douching
Your vagina is capable of cleaning itself through a balance of healthy bacteria. Douching, which is supposed to help “wash” this area of the body, is not only unnecessary but potentially dangerous as well. Douching could eliminate some of your body’s healthy bacteria. This changes the pH in the vagina and creates a higher risk of infection. While it’s fine to wash your vulva with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, you don’t need to wash your vagina. It does that for you all by itself!
- Take Vaginal Probiotics
You can actually help support vaginal health on a daily basis by taking a vaginal probiotic. Pro-Fem is specially formulated for women’s health needs with two patented, clinically tested probiotic strains called Lactobacillus rhamosus (GR-1) and Lactobacillus (RC-14). Simply take it once a day to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina and reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and vaginal odor.
The vagina is an amazing and powerful part of the body. Do your part to take care of yours by following these simple tips.
