Caring for “down there” doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive; with just a few straightforward steps you can ensure a healthy vulva!
yeast infections and bad odor can be caused by products that clog your vulva’s airway, so avoid perfumed soaps, personal wipes, sprays and powders that obstruct this passageway. Instead, choose natural over-the-counter wellness products designed to support its function.
Cleanse Regularly
Maintaining the external surface of the vulva requires regular cleansing with plain water or mild soap. Avoid scented body washes as these could potentially dry out the area and alter its natural pH balance.
Avoid douches, special soaps and feminine washes without first consulting with your Moreland OB-GYN as these may upset the vagina’s natural pH balance and lead to infections.
Wipe your skin from front to back when wiping – otherwise you risk spreading germs to your urethra and potentially leading to urinary tract infection (UTI). In addition, it’s essential that you wash before and after sexual contact to reduce bacteria, particles from unprotected lubricants or unsanitary practices entering your system; washing also helps flush out your system after sexual encounter.
Change Your Tampons Regularly
Tampons are feminine hygiene products designed to absorb menstrual blood to provide comfort during periods. Available in various sizes and absorbencies to meet your different menstrual flow levels, some come equipped with an applicator which makes inserting easier.
Tampons carry one potential drawback: toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS occurs when certain bacteria proliferate too rapidly in the vagina and produce toxins that enter the bloodstream, leading to symptoms. Regular changes and using lower-absorbency models may lower your chances of TSS occurring.
Do not wear your tampon overnight and for more than eight hours; and avoid ones with added deodorant or fragrance as this could wash away important Lactobacillus bacteria that keep the vaginal environment hospitable to bacteria or yeast infections.
Wear Breathable Underwear During Menstruation
Wearing synthetic underwear restricts air flow around your vulva and may increase risk for infection, while cotton allows air to circulate more freely, encouraging healthy self-cleaning environments.
Wet underwear can disrupt the delicate pH balance in your vulva and lead to yeast infections and irritation in your vagina. Be sure to quickly change out of wet swimwear as soon as it becomes damp or sweaty during workout sessions, and remove sweaty workout gear or damp bras as soon as they are worn or sweaty from exercise sessions.
When on your period, regularly switching tampons or pads is key to staying comfortable and confident. Some women also find wearing menstrual cups or period underwear helps them feel secure. Make sure you select underwear that feels soft against your skin, and wash it according to its care instructions for best results.
Keep Your Vulva Groomed
Since vulvae aren’t self-cleaning, you should use a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for intimate use to clean them regularly. Be wary of overcleaning which could irritate delicate skin – when taking showers only clean your vulva area once or twice each day!
Wear cotton underwear instead of synthetic or silk to help your vulva breathe, which reduces the likelihood of smelly bacteria build-up and keeps your undergarment more loose-fitting, such as women’s boyshorts or thongs.
Keep a record of how your vulva looks and feels on an ongoing basis to detect changes that could indicate problems, like bumps that sting when peeing or having sex. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider.
Don’t Overclean
Cleaning the vulva should not be treated like an emergency situation – using harsh cleansers or douching may disturb the balance of good bacteria in your vaginal canal, leading to infection or irritation.
Your vulva is a self-cleansing organ that requires only occasional active cleaning with gentle soap and water, or as necessary with special antiseptic wipes. Scented soaps should be avoided to preserve delicate skin health as these may alter its natural pH level and interfere with proper functioning of the vulva.
Once finished pooping or peeing, be sure to wipe both your anus and vulva separately after touching either. Switching from anal to vaginal exposure exposes your vaginum to thousands of new bacteria from your anal tract, increasing your risk for bacterial vaginosis or other related issues.
