Vaginal health is an important part of overall physical health. If you’re looking for ways to take better care of your vulva and vagina, then you’ve come to the right place. In collaboration with Momotaro Apotheca we're deep diving on ways to improve and maintain your vulvovaginal health. Follow along for 12 tips including simple lifestyle changes on how to prevent infections, discomfort and better care for ourselves even if you are not someone prone to infection or irritation.
With these tips, you can ensure that your vaginal health is in its best condition.
So let’s get started!
12 Tips to improve your vaginal health
1) Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is an important way to promote vaginal health and help prevent vaginal infections. The best way to do so is to drink plenty of water. Water helps to flush out any toxins or bacteria in your system that could lead to an infection, and it also helps keep your body's pH levels balanced. Additionally, drinking water can help reduce inflammation in the vagina, which is an important part of keeping it healthy.
2) Eat more fiber
Fiber helps promote digestion, balance the vaginal microbiome, and improve overall health. This can help to reduce the risk of developing vaginal infections, which are caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. Eating plenty of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help to keep the bacterial balance in check.
3) Avoid douching
Douching should be avoided at all costs in order to maintain the health of your vagina. Not only does douching throw off the vaginal pH and disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome, but it can also increase your risk of developing bacterial or yeast infections. To keep your vaginal health in check, avoid douching and opt for natural methods like gently washing your vulva with mild soap or warm water. Doing so will help protect you from unwanted vaginal infections and promote overall well-being.
4) Limit sugar intake
Another tip for maintaining good vaginal health is to limit your sugar intake. Too much sugar can lead to an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, which can cause uncomfortable and painful vaginal infections. This is because 'bad' bacteria and yeast feed on sugar. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding sugary snacks can help keep your vaginal microbiome in balance, reducing your risk of developing a vaginal infection. So always remember: moderation is key!
5) Avoid scented products
Using scented products can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even vaginal infections. These products often contain fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals that can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in the vagina and cause an infection. Unscented products are always best when it comes to vaginal health, so try to avoid anything with a scent. Not only will you be protecting your vaginal health, but you'll be sparing yourself the discomfort and irritation.
6) Practice safe sex
Practicing safe sex can help to reduce the risk of getting a vaginal infection, as well as help to protect both you and your partner from any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When engaging in sexual activity, it is important to use protection such as condoms and to use lubricants that are free of harsh, synthetic ingredients. Friction can also lead to micro-tears in the vagina, so it is important to take breaks when engaging in penetrative sex and to make sure that your partner’s nails are trimmed short. If you do experience friction during sex, use more lubricant and take a break to let your skin rest. Lastly, semen can also cause vaginal infections. So make sure to urinate after intercourse and use mild soap and warm water to cleanse the vulva afterward. This will help to keep the pH level balanced, preventing the growth of bacteria which could lead to vaginal infections.
7) Don't smoke
An important tip to improve vaginal health AND overall health is to avoid smoking. Smoking has been linked to a number of vaginal infections, as it lowers the immune system and reduces the number of protective bacteria in the vagina. If you are currently a smoker, it is essential to quit as soon as possible in order to reduce your risk of developing a vaginal infection and other serious long-term illnesses.
8) Get regular pelvic exams
During a pelvic exam, your doctor can check for any signs of vaginal infections, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, and treat them before they become more serious. Pelvic exams also give your doctor the opportunity to detect any other health issues that may be causing discomfort, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By getting regular pelvic exams, you can keep your vaginal health in check and ensure that any potential problems are caught early and treated properly.
9) Keep things clean
Regularly rinsing your vulva with gentle soap and water can help prevent the growth of bacteria that can lead to vaginal infections. Additionally, wearing breathable cotton underwear and changing out of dirty, wet clothes as soon as possible will keep your area free from excess moisture and sweat that can be breeding grounds for bacterial growth. Taking these steps can help you avoid vaginal infections and general discomfort.
10) Speaking of clean - Clean up after sex
Penetrative sex with a penis both with or without a condom can disrupt pH and cause irritation. Always pee after sex, find condoms without toxic lubricants and warming agents, or if you are fluid bonded but irritated by semen we recommend using our Dripstick, to remove excess semen from the vaginal canal
11) Manage stress
Stress can have a major impact on vaginal health, as it can weaken the immune system and make you more prone to vaginal infections as well as general sickness and fatigue. So it's important to take the time to manage stress in your life to improve your overall health. Now, let's take a deep breath together!
12) Practice preventative care with organic products
We love Momotaro's salve when we feel an itch or have any sort or irritation on our vulvas from sex, clothing or excess. When treating or addressing an infection we also like Momotaro Apotheca's organic suppositories to address yeast infections and vaginal irritation and dryness
It is essential to take good care of your vaginal health in order to reduce the risk of vaginal infections and maintain overall health. And this list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to supporting and promoting vaginal health. It’s important to remember that every body is unique and ‘healthy’ looks different for everyone.
So be gentle and patient and kind with yourself while your find what works best for you.
