Healthy Vaginal Care
It’s tempting to try the latest scents and soaps for the vaginal area. And I get it - if there has been a lot of sweating, like in this Georgia summer heat just stepping outside, or an odor that’s new - then it keeps us from feeling our best, fresh selves!
Here are some of the top ways to resist the “pH balance” labels out there to keep your outer vulvar and inner vagina healthy!
✅ Choosing the Right Underwear: When in doubt, choose cotton which are more “breathable” than other types of material that can trap heat and moisture exactly where you don’t want it - leading to irritation and sometimes infections.
✅Change Pads, Tampons and/or Period Underwear On Time: Not only can this lead to irritation and unpleasant odors, but can rarely cause a serious illness called toxic shock syndrome (or TSS). Change pads every 4hours, tampons every 6-8hours, and period underwear should be rinsed and changed every 12 hours. And note, you may need to change sooner depending on your flow.
✅ Avoid Douching: Some parents or even grandparents may have used and passed down this method, but now we know better! These methods only disrupt the natural vaginal flora already present, so it’s best to avoid any inside cleaning options like douching.
✅Wiping from Front to Back: This is one of the best ways to prevent bacteria from the anal area from affecting the vaginal area which can lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis or even urinary tract infections (or UTIs).
✅Know When to Get Help: Not all vaginal discharge symptoms or changes are abnormal, but when unsure, seek care from a doctor you trust to take care of your concerns and needs.
💥💥Bonus: Go Commando at Bedtime! That’s right, sometimes going commando without any underwear, or loose fitting shorts made of cotton can be helpful!
The moral of this story - ladies we have our own “self-cleaning oven” with our vagina. Mild or unscented soaps with warm water to gently cleanse the outer vulvar area is all that’s typically needed. Your body will appreciate it!
If you or someone you know suffers from life disruptions caused by their period or has issues with vaginal discharge, don’t face these concerns alone. Schedule with HER Health to get the help you need to live the life you choose!