Vaginal care or as some like to call it, “down-there” care is very important. But it can also be quite tricky because this area is so delicate and sensitive.
Believe it or not, a lot of women aren’t quite sure how to properly cleanse their vagina.
Between the discharge, menstrual cycles, intercourse, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other things, we have a lot going on down there and have to be sure we are taking care of it properly.
It’s also beneficial to really get to know our bodies so that we can realize when something is off or if it’s just a common symptom of the vagina.
MISCONCEPTIONS OF VAGINAL CARE
A lot of women aren’t properly taught how to take care of their vagina or even the proper names of our lady parts. This lack of knowledge can end up causing more harm than good.
There are many misconceptions about our vaginas with a big one being how they should smell. The consumer industry has made a fortune in making us feel like our vaginal area should smell like roses, or some other fruity or flowery scent when that is completely untrue.
Our vaginas should smell like…well a vagina. What does that mean? Everyone has a different smell, but for the most part, it should have a light (familiar) scent. Some may even describe it as a bit musky. A light smell is typical, but if you smell a heavy fishy odor then you should go see your doctor. A strong odor can be an indicator of another underlying issue.
The main things to know when caring for your nether regions are how you should be cleaning, where you should be cleaning, and what to be on the lookout for; both the good and bad. The more we get to know our vaginas and our bodies as a whole, the easier it will be to detect anything unfamiliar.
WHERE TO CLEAN?
Another misconception is where to clean. Funny thing is, you’re not actually cleaning the vagina, but the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of the genitals, the skin around the vagina. The vagina is located on the inside of our bodies, and we only actually see the outside of it.
HOW TO CLEAN DOWN THERE?
Technically, our vaginas are self-cleaning, but since we are not actually cleaning the vagina, but the vulva, (as stated above) cleaning should be done once a day with a mild unscented soap and warm water.
It is recommended to use your hand or a gentle washcloth. Remember that you are only washing the outside so no need to work the cloth or your hand inside of your vagina. This is how different symptoms and irritation occur. Things like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and an unbalanced PH can be caused by things like douching and different scents entering the vagina.
Related Article: 26 Women Hygiene Products
HOW TO KEEP THE VAGINA CLEAN AND HEALTHY?
1. Cleaning – Cleaning with mild unscented soap and water. There are other ways to keep your down-there area clean!
2. Wiping – After using the restroom be sure you are wiping yourself properly from front to back. Wiping back to front can cause bacteria on the inside.
3. Loose-fitted Clothing – The clothing we wear can irritate our genital area. You want your underwear to be breathable with good air flow and a cotton material. The cotton helps to limit the amount of wetness as dampness can cause infection. Also be sure to change your underwear daily.
4. Practice safe, clean, and responsible sex – After intercourse, it is best practice to urinate and flush out any bacteria. This also helps to prevent yeast infections. Condoms are also great for keeping away STDs, STIs, and other infections. Get tested regularly as sometimes we cannot feel or see when something is wrong.
5. Be mindful of Adult toys & lube – If using lube or adult toys make sure you read the label and check for any harmful or toxic ingredients or chemicals that can disrupt your PH balance and irritate your vagina. Examples include parabens, dyes, scents, flavors, etc.
6. No douching or using scented soaps – Many people think by using these items that they are doing a more thorough cleaning job, but the opposite is actually true. Douching and scented products can cause more issues and irritation. Douching can actually strip the good bacteria from the vagina that is needed to protect us from infections!
7. Diet – Your food choices can affect your PH balance and the overall health of your vagina. A diet of alkaline food is often recommended to balance the vagina’s PH.
“EAT WELL, LIVE WELL!”
8. Self-Examination – A self-examination is when you examine your vagina and vulva by yourself. Taking a look down there is an important part of upkeeping your vaginal health so that you are aware when something looks or feels abnormal. The best way to examine yourself is by first washing your hands, grabbing a flashlight if needed, and setting or holding a mirror up in front of your vaginal area.
9. Regular check-ups W/ Gyno – Even if you are doing all of the necessary things to have a good vaginal care regimen, it is always best practice to schedule regular appointments with your gynecologist. A medical professional has the education and information to advise on situations we are uncertain about.
SIGNS OF HEALTHY VAGINAl care?
1. Discharge – Believe it or not, discharge is healthy and a form of self-cleaning for our vagina area. Discharge works to clean, fight off and prevent infections.
- Color: Discharge can be different colors, but a healthy color of discharge is clear, milky, or off-white. Anytime you see discharge that is another color such as grey, dark yellow, or brown it could be that an infection is present, and you should go see your gynecologist.
- Amount: Some women experience discharge daily while others only produce small amounts once in a while or leading up to their menstrual. Hormones and pregnancy are some of the factors that can also lead to an increased amount of discharge one may have.
- Texture: The texture can range anywhere from watery to thick
- Smell: A light odor is considered normal; however, a strong fishy odor may indicate another issue.
2. Light scent – A light scent is typical for any vagina. Although the scent will vary from person to person the scent should be familiar to you! If you notice an unfamiliar strong, fishy or foul odor, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist.
3. No itching or pain – You should not have any excessive itching, burning, or pain in your vaginal area. Itching or pain is an indication that something is wrong. This includes during sexual intercourse or in general.
SIGNS OF AN UNHEALTHY VAGINA?
Although some issues are not detectable by a look or certain feel, there are other clear indicators of an unhealthy vagina. If you experience any of the below you should see your gynecologist. 
- Strong odor
- Bumps, warts, sores
- Swollen
- Itchiness
- Excessive dryness
- Burning
- Pain during intercourse
- Irregular discharge
CONCLUSION ON VAGINAL CARE
Vaginal care should be on the top of our priority list! But keep in mind that just like everything else, you have to do what works best for you.
Once you find the right products and routine that suits your needs, you’re on your way to a healthy and fresh vagina!
What are some of your favorite products for your vaginal care routine?
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