Taking good care of the female area “down there” is a great way to prevent infections or other irritations. Here are a few quick tips for good vulvar health.
What is the vulva, anyway?
The vulva and the vagina are not the same thing. The vulva is the area you see from the outside. Think of it as the “front door” to the rest of the reproductive area. It consists of the:
labia majora (outer lips)
labia minora (inner lips)
mons pubis, which is the fleshy mound covering the public bone
clitoris, or pleasure center
front entrance of the vagina, which is the muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside.
Even though the parts are the same, no two people have an identical looking vulva. If you have not done so, grab a mirror and get comfortable with your vulvar anatomy.
Keep it clean, but easy does it
If you remember one thing, it’s this: your vulva and vagina are naturally self-cleaning. You can cause more harm than good “down there” by using too much effort or harsh, fragrant cleaners. Some important tips:
Gently buff the area (no scrubbing) with your fingers using warm — not hot — water. A little mild, unscented soap is OK on the outside but avoid using soap on the inside. Your vagina cleans itself with natural bacteria. Soaps or cleansers will disrupt the body’s natural process, increasing the chance of infection or unpleasant odor. A slight odor, especially during your menstrual cycle, is normal.
Avoid douching
If you wipe after peeing, always go front to back. Going from back to front can bring unwanted bacteria into your vagina.
Shaving or waxing can be very harsh because your genital skin is fragile. You may want to chat with your doctor if you decide to shave or wax.
Tips for garments
Wear cotton underwear. Nylon underwear can trap heat and moisture, creating a friendlier environment for infections.
Change out of workout clothes or swimsuits as soon as possible. Wash them between uses.
When doing laundry, avoid detergents that contain dyes or harsh ingredients. Check the ingredient list and avoid products with enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease and cellulose. It’s also a good idea to avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Do not use perfumed or scented soaps, sprays, deodorants or tampons
When choosing other care products, we suggest:
Cotton hypoallergenic menstrual pads and pads for leakage (avoid these if not needed)
Reusable cloth pads (change often)
Menstrual cup
Choosing the right lubricant
Using lubricants before sexual activity is common. They are either water-based or silicone-based and reduce friction and vaginal dryness by forming a slippery surface on the skin or vaginal lining.
When choosing a lubricant:
It should be free of irritants and should maintain a normal vulvar pH (4.0 to 4.5)
Avoid olive oil; it’s natural but it can trap bacteria and lead to damage of latex condoms
Water-based lubricants are generally recommended for safety and comfort
Hydrating moisturizers
Hydrating moisturizers, also known as humectants, help increase moisture in your vaginal and vulvar tissues. These include:
Hyaluronic acid (HA), which is inserted into the vagina to protect from dryness and may prevent sexual discomfort, itching and irritation
Petroleum: After cleaning and drying, a little plain ointment or petroleum jelly can be used on the outside to create a barrier and lessen the chance of friction or irritation. If you regularly leak after peeing, a little zinc oxide can help seal the skin.