Ready to have your mind blown? Did you know that the vagina is self-cleaning? That means that all your natural lubrication and secretions actually keep the inside of your vagina clean (goodbye douching!), and has the ability to self-regulate its pH.
What it doesn’t mean, however, is that the outside is too self-cleaning. For that reason, it’s up to us women to make sure that our vulvas and vaginas are well-kept, and squeaky clean on the outside.
What is a Vulva?
The vulva is everything on the outside. It includes the:
- Mons pubis
- Labia majora
- Labia minora
- Clitoris hood
- Clitoris
- Fourchette
- Perineum
- Anus
- Vestibular bulbs
- Vulvar vestibule
- Urinary meatus
- Vaginal opening
- Bartholin’s and Skene’s vestibular glands
With that, here are four tips on how to keep your vulva and vagina nice and clean.
1. Night Time
When we sleep, we sweat… and that includes the vagina. When this happens, it makes it easier to get a yeast infection.
For that reason, it’s advised to sleep sans underwear, and preferably in loose-fitted, cotton pyjamas (even better, naked).
2. Lather it Up
When it comes to shower or bath time, you’re going to want to clean your vulva (the external parts of the vagina) just as you would the rest of your body, but a little less aggressively.
One thing you should not be doing is getting soap inside the vagina, as we’ve already mentioned, it is a self-cleaning part of the body. If soap does enter the vagina, it could cause irritation or even infection.
Another thing to take note of when washing the outside of the vagina is to avoid scented or perfumed soap or body wash. These contain a higher risk of causing infection or irritation.
You too may want to use a laundry detergent that isn’t scented.
3. Post Workout
As we’ve just learned, sweat has the ability to cause yeast infections. Which is why it’s super important that you take a shower after a workout.
Bacteria thrive on dark and damp places, and your vagina is a prime candidate after you’ve sweat it out at the gym.
4. Underwear
Just as cotton pyjamas is preferred at night, cotton underwear is the best option when it comes to the health of your vagina. That is because it is the most breathable material.
Of course we aren’t saying that you shouldn’t go for those sexy pieces of lingerie, but try to wear cotton as often as you can.
Additionally, it’s advised to wash all new underwear before wearing it.
How to Wash Your Vulva
You’re a grown woman, you probably don’t need to be reading this! But, just to be on the safe side, here’s the best way to wash your vulva.
- It’s been proven that simply using warm water is enough to clean the vulva.
- If you would like to use soap, make sure it is a mild, unscented one.
- Spread your lips apart and gently wash all the folds. Don’t put soap into the vagina.
- You too should spend time washing your anus and the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) every day. The best way to do this is front to back (start at the vulva and move towards the anus).
- It’s not recommended to use a douche, as it removes not only the bad bacteria but also the good. This can make you more susceptible to infection.
How Healthy is Your Vagina?
For those who may feel apprehensive about the health of their vagina, here are a few tips to make you more aware of what is and what isn’t normal.
- All women’s vaginas have an odour, it is normal.
- Discharge is completely normal when it is white, clear, or light yellow.
- If you have a fishy smell, itchiness, redness, burning, or soreness, seek medical assistance as this is not normal.
So while the vulva and vagina may seem like a super complex part of the body, it doesn’t actually require that much maintenance in order to be clean and fresh.
Just remember the golden rules: use unscented soaps, wear cotton underwear, no douching or soap inside the vagina, and sleeping without underwear. Easy peasy!
Article by:
Helena Lorimer at JOUJOU
Leave a comment