Our Tips to Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Happy
Ever wonder what’s going on “down there?” Perhaps you’ve had a lot of irritation, and you’re not sure what’s causing it. Maybe sex has even started to become uncomfortable.
Either way, vaginal and vulval irritation and issues are very common—in fact they are some of the most common health issues we treat. But following a few simple steps can minimize the possibility of developing these conditions. The key is to know useful tips to keep your vagina and vulva happy.
We’ll go further in depth with these important tips on how to keep your vagina and vulva happy.
Our 8 Health Tips to Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Happy
1. Avoid Scented Hygiene Items
Too many women douche or use heavily perfumed soaps. Sometimes, even a hot bubble bath can dry out the area and upset its delicate pH balance. Avoid douching—the vagina is actually very efficient at cleaning itself.
To clean your vulva, we recommend simply using warm water and your fingers. Washcloths can irritate the area. Don’t wash the inside of the vagina. Doing so can upset the pH balance.
2. Wear the Right Kind of Underwear
Cotton underwear, or any material that is “breathable,” is an important tip on how to keep your vagina and vulva happy. We caution you to avoid nylon, acetate or any man-made fibers. If you must wear this type of underwear, make sure that it has a cotton crotch. You should also avoid wearing thongs.
It’s also a good idea to avoid using too much laundry detergent, and be sure that the detergent you do use is mild.
3. Don’t Scratch!
The skin around your genitals is very delicate. Vigorous scratching can cause tears and, in some cases, make the scratching even worse.
Most of the time, an itchy vulva and vagina are not cause for any major concern. However, many health conditions—including STDs—can cause an itchy vulva. Therefore, if you have a constant urge to scratch and your vulva continues to itch, we want you to schedule an appointment with our health care team.
4. Take a Sitz Bath If Needed
A sitz bath is a shallow, warm water bath where you soak your genitals and your perineal region. This region is the space between the opening of your vagina and your anus. A sitz bath is a good way to ease irritated tissue.
5. Have Regular Wellness Appointments
A wellness appointment is more than just a Pap smear. It’s time for us to touch base about your overall health. We can also address issues such as irregular periods, PMS and excessive menstrual pain, and evaluate your preconception health if you’re planning on starting a family.
6. Use Vaginal Moisturizers if Needed
As you age, the vaginal tissue thins and becomes more delicate, which in turn can cause sex to be uncomfortable or even painful. We encourage the use of water-soluble, vaginal moisturizers to relieve the discomfort. Just talk to us for more information.
7. Take Precautions During Sex
Make sure to use lubricants that won’t irritate your vagina or upset its pH balance. Be sure to check condom ingredients. Some spermicides may affect the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria in your vagina.
8. Provide TLC During Your Period
Never wear scented tampons, liners or pads, and be sure to change your tampon or pad as often as needed. Be sure to wash your vulva regularly when you’re menstruating.
How Can I Tell If My Vulva and Vagina Are Healthy?
While we’ve outlined 8 tips on how to keep your vagina and vulva happy, it’s also important to outline how you know your vagina and vulva are healthy. Be on the lookout for the following:
A familiar odor
Your vagina is not going to smell like perfume, but it should have a familiar scent. It should not be fishy or have a heavy odor. Familiarize yourself with what’s normal for you, and let us know if something deviates from that.
It looks normal
By normal, we don’t mean the shape of your genitals—every woman is unique and there is no “right” way that your vulva should look. However, it should be free of warts, bumps or sores. You should also be on the lookout for any unusual discoloration.
Clear discharge
A certain amount of clear discharge is normal. But if it becomes yellowish or is accompanied by a fishy odor, schedule an appointment with us.
Chapel Hill OBGYN: Helping Ensure Your Gynecological Health
At Chapel Hill OBGYN, we are dedicated to helping ensure you’re living the healthiest life possible. Your gynecological health is an important facet of your overall health, and we want to help you with any problems or conditions that might arise.
See for yourself why we have been consistently named one of the best practices in the Triangle area. Schedule an appointment today.