How To Keep your V.ag-ina Healthy And Happy- Must See For All Women

You might think you know everything about keeping your la,dy parts in tip-top shape, but you could
be wrong. From dou,ching to ditc.hing your annual exam, there are tons of common misconceptions about what you should do to maintain a healthy va,g,ina. Allow us to enlighten you:

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Use Co.nd.oms

You know that rubbers are great at protecting against STDs and pregnancy, but one study found that using con.do.ms helps keep your vagina’s pH level at the status quo so good bacteria, like lactobacilli, can survive in there. And this is super important since those little bacteria help prevent yeast infections, UTIs, and bacterial vaginosis. Just in case you needed another reason to wrap things up.


Wear Cotton Und.erw.ear or Go Commando

When it comes to your un.der.we.ar selection, your v.ag.ina has a preference: cotton. That's why most underwear comes with a thin strip of cotton fabric in the crotch. Since it breathes and absorbs moisture, it's the ideal way to clothe your lady parts, says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics, gy.neco.logy, and repro.ductive sciences at Yale University. And when you're laying around the house, feel free to go commando so you can let things air out, says Minkin. Just don’t go to the gym sans undies, because you'll want that extra layer between you and germy gym equipment.

Work it Out

Doing kegels is crucial for strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, which are key in producing stronger, mind-blowing org.as.ms—not to mention bladder control. Note to self: Include kegels in every workout. (There are even geniuses creating a nifty app to make it easier to remember.)

Embrace Greek Yogurt

Snacking on yogurt with live cultures helps boost the good bacteria in your h.oo-ha, which, as you know, is all around fantastic for preventing annoying vag.in.al problems like ye.ast infections, says Minkin. Just be careful that you’re not noshing on the super-sugary kind, because that could make you more susceptible to those infections.

Always Go To Your Annual Exam

Although new guidelines advise against annual pe,lvic exams if you're symptom-free and not pregnant, a visit to your doctor isn't just about poking around your la.dy parts, says Minkin. "I think an annual exam is important for talking about health problems," she says. Using this time to chat about using con.do.ms, fertility, and any random se.x questions you might have is just as important as checking for STDs. So before you switch up your doctor visits, have a conversation about it with him or her first.

Lube Up

Sometimes when you're about to hit the sheets, it seems like your va.gi,na just didn't get the memo. But it's totally normal—vag.inal dryness can impact you if you take certain med.ications like antihistamines, antidepressants, or hormonal birth control. It can also crop up after pregnancy or shortly before men.opa.use. When this happens, make sure you’re communicating with your partner so they don't forge ahead before you're properly lubricated, which is obviously painful and can cause abrasions. Or just use lube to speed up the process and make s/e.x even ho.tter, says Minkin.
Say No To Do,uching

Think you need some assistance keeping things all clear do/wn there? You don't. The va.gina actually cleans itself, says Dena Harris, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University. Plus, studies have shown that using intra. vag.in.al hygiene products can put you at increased risk of infections, pel.vic inflammatory disease, and STDs. Just don't do it.

Handle With Care While Cycling

An unexpected place you might be putting your vag.in.al health at risk is the cycling studio. If you're a frequent rider, you could be at risk for ge.nital numbness, pain, and tingling (not in a good way) while cycling. In fact, a study of female cyclists in the Journal of Se.xu.al Medicine found that a majority experienced these symptoms. If you love to hit up cycling studios, try wearing padded shorts and following these form modifications to keep your vagi.na pain-free during your workout.

Approach Antibiotics with Caution

Another threat to your nether region's good bacteria are antibiotics. Those pills can kill off some of that wonderful lactobacilli that keep your va.gi.na healthy, says Minkin. Obviously, if you have to take an antibiotic to fight infection, you shouldn't pass up the prescription, just load up on probiotic Greek yogurt to reduce the damage, she says.

Be Mindful of the Order of S,e.x Acts

Make sure not to go from an.al to vaginal s.e.x without changing the con.dom or properly cleaning off first, says Minkin. Going from backdoor to front exposes your va.gi.na to a host of bacteria and can up your risk of infections, she says.

Be Careful With Soap

That scented body wash may be awesome, but it doesn't belong anywhere near your ge,ni.tals, says Minkin. Soap can be really drying to the sensitive skin around your vu,lva, and you really only need to rinse with warm water to keep things clean do,wn there. But if you just don't feel right about going soap-free, stick with a plain, gentle, unscented soap, she says.

SOURCE: WOMENS HEALTH