Vaginal Health – 5 Ways to Properly Care for Your Vagina

Vaginal health contributes to a lot more than just the proper functioning of your vagina. Your overall health is linked to your vaginal health, and vaginal problems can lead to issues that can affect fertility, sex, relationships, stress, and confidence. That is why it is so important to maintain and protect the health of your vagina.

There should be no shame in talking about ways to improve vaginal health, just like there is no shame in sharing remedies for a common cold. Reducing the stigma around women’s health conversations allows for more space to better the health of ourselves and our communities. The team at Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics is proud to share five ways to properly care for your vagina.

Practice Proper Hygiene

The number one way, and perhaps the easiest way, to care for your vagina is by maintaining proper personal hygiene. This starts all over the body by washing your hands, body, and clothing regularly. The vagina is naturally self-cleaning, so you will not need to internally wash the vagina. You may wash the external genital area with a mild unscented soap to prevent irritation.

When addressing issues related to vaginal hygiene, douching is a commonly sought out solution but should generally be avoidedDouching is meant to clean the vagina but actually causes  more harm than good. . Douching can upset the natural PH balance of the vagina and vaginal bacteria making the environment more favorable for bacterial growth. that can cause infection.

Choose Breathable Clothing

When you are choosing the fabric of your clothing it is important to consider how the composition of your garments, which will be in direct contact with your genital area, may affect the overall health of your genitals. The fabrics we wear, especially concerning our underwear, can contribute to issues like ingrown hairs, irritation, and infection.

A breathable pair of underwear made of natural fabrics, like cotton, is the best option for your vagina. The vulva is a sensitive area, so it is important to make sure the fabrics coming into contact with it are delicate and soft. Cotton can also absorb moisture from discharge, unlike nylon or spandex which trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for yeast infections. Tight garments that crush or put too much pressure on the vulva can also lead to irritation, so make sure you are changing out of your leggings right after your workout.

Safe Sexual Practices

Practicing safe sex does not only keep you protected from disease and unwanted pregnancy but can contribute to the overall health of your vagina as well. Make sure to check the ingredients in lubricants and condoms and avoid any chemicals that may harm your vagina’s natural PH balance. Some ingredients to avoid include glycerin, petroleum, fragrance, dyes, and flavors.

When switching from anal sex to vaginal sex, make sure to change the condom each time, as each area contains bacteria that can be irritating to the other. During sex, bacteria can enter the urethra, so afterward, it is recommended that you urinate to flush out any unwanted bacteria. This can also help you avoid a urinary tract infection. You should also shower or clean the vulva with warm water and dry the area fully.

Most importantly practicing safe sex allows you to avoid contracting harmful sexually transmitted infections. If you have multiple sexual partners, it is crucial that you or your partner wear a condom and that you  regularly get checked for STIs.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Nutrition has  a significant impact on our overall health as well as the health of our vaginas. By including the following foods in your diet, you are supporting a healthier vaginal environment as well as keeping your vaginal PH balanced.

Probiotics

Probiotics support more than just the biome of your gut; they can also help to keep your vaginal PH in check as well as stave off infections. Probiotic rich foods like kimchi, yogurt, tempeh, miso, pickles, and kombucha can all contribute to vaginal health in addition to being very tasty. The calcium in yogurt is also known to ease symptoms of PMS.

Vitamin A

Foods that are high in vitamin A contribute to healthier vaginal and uterine walls. They can also help to increase hormone production that keeps us clear-minded and energized. Leafy greens, tomatoes, and red bell peppers are all great options when it comes to foods high in vitamin A. The high vitamin A content in sweet potatoes has been demonstrated to yield favorable impacts on fertility.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that make amazing contributions to your heart health. They also are key players when it comes to vaginal and sexual wellbeing. These essential fatty acids found in foods like sardines, walnuts, flax seeds, and Brussels sprouts have been shown to help with blood flow to the vagina causing an increased sex drive and increased lubrication.

Regular Exercise and Kegels

Maintaining an active lifestyle is key to supporting a healthy vagina. Certain exercise routines, particularly those involving aerobics, increase your circulation and blood flow, contributing to a healthier circulatory system. Sexual arousal relies on this strong flow of blood as it aids in vaginal lubrication and clitoral sensation.

While activities aimed at strengthening your whole body are important, there are also specific exercises designed to strengthen your pelvic floor that prove to be equally pertinent. Kegel exercises involve the tightening and releasing of the muscles in your pelvic floor to provide better support for the uterus, bladder, and bowel. These exercises can help with urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence, plus help to intensify orgasms and decrease the risk of tearing during childbirth.

Listen to Your Body

Even with all these tips and tricks in mind, the most valuable tool we have in maintaining our wellbeing is the mind. Listening to the way your body responds to these practices will help inform your brain about what your body needs and when it might be compelling you to reach out for help. At Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics, we are committed to reducing the stigma around female sexual health and helping you restore yours in the process. 

Schedule a Consultation

Are you experiencing issues related to vaginal health? Our medical experts are here to help you and empower you through your feminine wellness journey. To schedule a consultation with one of our incredible medical professionals, call us at 516-833-1303 or fill out our online contact form.

Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics

Board-Certified Physicians

Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics, located in Lake Success, NY, provides solutions for men and women’s intimate health issues. Tideline consists of dedicated physicians and staff that specialize in personalized care and support. Doctors Girardi, Handler, Powers, and Gerardi address low libido, painful sex, hormonal imbalances, rejuvenation, and aesthetic treatments. Our team is available to you for intimate healthcare needs.

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