From choosing the right knickers to how to properly wash your lady parts, here’s our lowdown on taking care of your vagina.
No, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about when talking about vaginas and the least we could do is show it some love and care. From choosing the right lingerie to skin-friendly period products, here’s how to properly take care of your vagina.
Note: We are NOT gynaecologists. If you’re dealing with irritation or infection, please make an appointment with a health services provider.
How to take care of your vagina
1. Just use water for cleaning – say no to douches (yes, men wise too)
The vagina is amazing in that it cleans itself. Having said that, it’s still important to wash it with water to get rid of dead skin and avoid overgrowth of bacteria. The vagina maintains a natural level of acidity and using a feminine wash with a strong fragrance, a douche, or a harsh soap will cause an imbalance in pH levels. Douching gets rid of the healthy lactobacilli bacteria, which results in higher irritation.
2. Try natural lubricants instead
Natural lubricants like coconut oil and olive oil are much more skin-friendly than store bought ones. Not to mention that coconut oil does wonders for your skin and vagina. If you feel dryness, itchiness, or have a yeast infection, coconut oil balances it all!
3. Granny panties are healthy!
As sexy as those lacey, silky knickers look, they will not let your vagina breathe! The best option is cotton, as they let air in and out, and they’re not binding. Trapping your vulva in a tight underwear can lead to yeast infections. Granny panties don’t deserve the hate, no shame in wearing those airy thangs!
4. Going commando once a while is good too
We trust you to know when it’s appropriate to go commando. Go commando while sleeping and let your vagina breathe! Also, an increased amount of warmth and moisture can lead to rashes (you know that feeling of burning skin in between your thighs?), though they’re harmless and go away on their own, going commando prevents it.
5. Yoni eggs? Nah-uh!
Also known as jade eggs, sellers claim these eggs are an ancient, highly-guarded secret of Chinese royalty that were used by queens. Well, there is absolutely no evidence of that, nor a scientific explanation backing their supposed benefits. Inserting this egged-shaped stone can bring in bacteria and cause scratches. Keeping your vagina contracted for a long period of time is more likely to cause pain than pleasure.
6. Don’t use fragranced period products
Okay menstrual blood isn’t the most pleasant but that’s our body in its natural state! There is no need to mask it with strong perfumed tampons or pads as they are loaded with harsh chemicals. Also, the material of your period product doesn’t matter, they are made to be irritant-free, again unless they’re fragranced.
7. Stop the vaginal steaming
Though celebrities may have given a green light to vaginal steaming, it carries more cons than pros. Vaginal steaming can cause burns, rashes, and irritation and no lady wants that.
8. Brazilian waxing makes your vagina more prone to bacteria
We have hair down there for a reason, it keeps your vagina protected and reduces friction during intercourse. Trimming your pubic hair is totally safe but using harsh wax is a no-no. Brazilian waxing increases your chance of getting STIs, infections, and burns. We all have hair down there so why not normalise it?
9. Do them kegel exercises
Not only do kegels strengthen your vaginal muscles, it also increases natural lubrication. Pregnant ladies are often told to do kegels (or pelvic floor exercises) for a smoother labour. Also, you know that unpleasant leak when you sneeze during your period? Kegels can help decrease that!
10. Embrace your vagina as it is
There are surgeries that shape your vulva, there’s bleaching to make it look lighter, and whatnot that tries to mould how a woman’s body should look. Don’t blindly give in to claims, listen to your body and do you!