What your OBGYN wants you to know about vaginal hygiene: Tips for taking the best care down there

Vaginal hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. However, it's often considered a taboo subject and there's a lot of misinformation floating around out there. Misleading product marketing and advice on social media can lead to practices that do more harm than good.

So here are our simple tips for a happy and healthy vagina.

Hygiene best practices

Did you know your vagina is a self-cleaning organ? It maintains its own balance of good bacteria (lactobacilli) and natural pH. Disrupting this balance can cause infections and other health issues. These tips can help you avoid disrupting this balance:

Daily cleaning: Gently wash the vulva (the external part of the genital area) with warm water. Avoid using soap inside the vagina as it can disrupt the natural pH balance.

Wear breathable fabrics: Choose cotton underwear over other options and avoid tight clothing to allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup, which can lead to bacterial growth.

Menstrual hygiene: Change tampons, pads and menstrual cups regularly. Avoid scented products as they can cause irritation.

Safe sexual practices: Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra.

Healthy diet: A diet rich in probiotics (like yogurt) can support the growth of good bacteria. Staying hydrated also helps maintain healthy bodily functions.

Following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes like over-washing and using scented products can help you maintain a healthy and balanced vagina.

What are signs of vaginal health issues?

Staying in tune with your body and understanding what’s normal and what’s not helps maintain a healthy “down there.”

1. A change in the color, odor or amount of vaginal discharge

Normal discharge: Vaginal discharge can vary in color and consistency throughout the menstrual cycle, but it’s typically clear or white.

Signs of a problem: Thick and clumpy discharge (resembling cottage cheese) could indicate a yeast infection. Grayish-white discharge with a fishy odor might be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. Yellow or green discharge with a foul odor could indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

2. Vaginal redness or itching

Normal sensation: Mild itching can occasionally occur due to sweat or mild irritation from clothing.

Signs of a problem: Persistent or severe itching can be a sign of a yeast infection, STI or allergic reaction to soaps or other products. And if you are experiencing redness, swelling, or a rash you might have an allergic reaction, skin condition or infection.

3. Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause

Normal bleeding: Menstrual bleeding is normal, and spotting can occur between periods due to hormonal fluctuations.

Signs of a problem: Bleeding after sex could indicate trauma, infection or cervical issues. While heavy or prolonged bleeding may suggest hormonal imbalances, fibroids or other underlying conditions. And bleeding between periods might be a sign of hormonal imbalances, polyps or other health issues.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above or other unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice and schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Early detection and treatment can prevent minor issues from developing into serious health problems. And remember, taking care of your vagina doesn’t have to be complicated or involve a lot of fancy products.