We need more women’s health education. Fact. Indeed, a recent survey revealed that most Brits can’t name all parts of the vulva and only 46% correctly identified that women have three “holes” down there.
With a lack of education and honest discussion leading to vulva anxiety, particularly in the younger, social media savvy generations, it’s important that dialogue about all things vaginal are kept open and straightforward. With that in mind, and considering vaginal hygiene in particular, here’s how to keep your intimate areas fresh.
CONSIDER YOUR UNDIES
There’s lots of debate around whether wearing cotton undies is best, or if the material of your underwear matters at all.
The quick answer is probably yes. A well-fitting pair of cotton underwear is the best choice when it comes to everyday wear because it’s the most absorbent material (think vaginal discharge or when you wee a little bit when you laugh). It’s also best for absorbing moisture from sweat which can be a catalyst for a yeast infection and can also help promote breathability.
All good stuff. That said, according to some gynaecologists, you should just wear underwear that fits well and makes you feel comfortable, which sounds like pretty sound advice to us.
The gynaecologist Jen Gunter explains in the New York Times that “underwear can’t impact your vagina, which is inside your body”. She goes on to say that “Underwear that fits well has no impact on the skin microenvironment (meaning humidity and pH)”.
So, perhaps the fit is more important than the material…makes sense, right?
Moreover, when it comes to shape, Healthline reiterates that “there’s no evidence that thongs cause yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, or UTIs, so if you prefer thongs, it’s fine to wear them daily”.
The lesson here is simple – wear whatever underwear makes you feel best as long as it fits well. Job done!
COMMANDO AT NIGHT?
Should you wear knickers to bed? Are pyjamas better? Or should I sleep nude? It’s a question all people with a vagina have deliberated over at some point in their life.
Well, in a chat with Stylist, gynaecologist Dr Sarah Welsh explains that “Wearing underwear in bed can be fine if it allows free airflow and does not cause pain or excessive heat and moisture”. This is because moist, warm areas may promote the advance of infections such as thrush.
So make sure that your bedtime underwear or pyjama bottoms are loose and allowing of free airflow, as tight underwear can lead to issues.
SOAP & STUFF
The NHS explains that the vagina is designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions (discharge). Indeed, there are lots of types of ‘good’ bacteria that live inside the vagina and they are there to protect it.
Importantly, that good bacteria helps to keep the vagina’s pH balance at an even level, which in turn helps keep the balance of healthy bacteria just right. If the pH balance is disturbed, it can lead to bacterial vaginosis and thrush.
It’s particularly important that you avoid harsh, perfumed soaps as these affect the pH levels of your intimate area, which in turn can lead to irritation and infection.
Warm water is all you need to adequately clean your vulva. However, if you do wish to use a soap, a mild, unscented one is best, such as a Dove beauty bar, the gentle moisturising bar cleanser by Aveeno, or any other wash deemed pH safe – just read the labels before you buy. And remember to wash your genitals from front to back – this will reduce bacteria and faecal matter entering your vagina.
Now, onto the polarising topic of feminine hygiene products. Again, the short answer is no, you shouldn’t be using them; warm water is just fine. The vagina, which is an internal organ, is self-cleaning, meaning it will clean itself using natural vaginal secretions; a pretty amazing thing, right, and one that should be celebrated rather than disguised.
Which leads us neatly to our next point…
DITCH DOUCHING
Speak to any gynaecologist and they will tell you to avoid douching at all costs. Inserting water into your vagina can hurt the vaginal walls and it also flushes out good bacteria, causing a pH imbalance. This can lead to yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis, as we mentioned earlier. If you douche and are wondering why BV keeps coming back, then this could be the reason.
Instead, wash the vulva, inner and outer labia with warm water and some unscented soap for the most hygienic, sustainable results. And since everyone is different, it’s important to know what normal means to you when it comes to odour or discharge (amount, colour and density), to avoid unnecessary stress about something that’s completely natural.
AFTER WORKING OUT
There are multiple sweat glands in our sensitive areas, and after a good workout, you will find yourself not feeling as fresh as you usually feel. The solution is simple; change out of your sweaty gym clothes as quickly as possible after a workout and take a shower as soon as you can. Don’t use feminine deodorants as they can disrupt the pH balance of your vagina and trigger vaginitis.
AFTER INTERCOURSE
Try to always have a bath and shower after sex. Also, if you are using lube, you should always rinse with warm water after intercourse to limit the risk of getting bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
IF YOU’RE MENSTRUATING
Blood has a slightly different pH level than the standard vaginal environment, which can mean that during menstruation, you can experience an unbalanced pH level. Thus, there could be a different odour during that precious time of the month. Rest assured; it is completely normal and will only be temporary.
When it comes to washing on your period, it’s best to use warm water, but again, if you feel like you need to use an unscented soap make sure it has a mild, natural formula.
Gynaecologists warn that blood can provide a favourable environment for bacteria to thrive, and recommend washing twice a day, in the morning and evening.
Can you use wipes on period? Yes, just remember to choose wipes that are free from alcohol, fragrance and have balanced pH levels
*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP first.*