How to take care of your vulva and vagina

There is an entire multi million pound industry around ‘feminine hygiene’, which tells women that they are dirty and smelly and need particular products in order to be clean. But they are wrong, you, your vulva and vagina are not disgusting, stinky or shameful and discharge has a purpose. Your vagina doesn’t smell like a bunch of roses, or a scented product because, well…it isn’t a bunch of roses! Everyone has a scent, but this isn’t unpleasant or offensive and you might notice it changes throughout your menstrual cycle. If you do notice that your discharge changes, or if the smell becomes offensive please see your doctor to be checked out.

Before we start it is important to learn a little anatomy as many people use euphemisms and other terms to describe their genitals. There are a range of names from the vague ‘down there’ babyish to slang and more offensive terms. In particular people often use the word ‘vagina’ to cover the whole of the genitals, both internal and external. It is important to use the correct terms so that everyone understands what and where we are talking about. The vagina is the internal muscular tube that connects the uterus (womb) to the external genitalia, while the vulva is the word used to encompass the external genitalia – the labia majora (the fatty, outer, hair bearing lips), the labia minora (the thinner non hair bearing lips), the clitoris and the mons.

So now we know what and where we are talking about, how do we look after it and keep it healthy?

How and what to wash

We all know that we have to wash and keep clean. Add in moving through puberty, exercise, getting your period, sweating and more, hygiene is vital.

Unfortunately lots of people have been taught misinformation about where to wash and what to wash with.

Your vagina (the muscular internal tube) has its own self-cleaning mechanism, like a self cleaning oven. It doesn’t need to be douched, washed, scrubbed, or cleaned, with anything, even water. Washing internally can disrupt the balance of the good bacteria in the vagina, so leave it alone to do its thing!

The vulva, the external genitals, can and should be washed.

Regular soaps and shower gels aren’t designed to be used on your genitals, because they have a pH level designed for the surface of your skin. Your skin has a pH of 5.5, whereas a healthy vaginal pH level ranges from 3.8 to 4.5. Using regular soap can alter the pH the genitals, instead you can simply use water. If that doesn’t feel enough then you can wash with an emollient like aqueous cream, doublebase or others. You can wash your anus and bottom with soap. Even special ‘feminine hygiene’ washes which are marketed as safe to use on the vulva and vagina can lead to irritation and soreness. You also don’t need a loofah, sponge, or scrubbing brush for your genitals, your clean hand is enough.

In case of doubt, don’t be afraid to ask your GP or gynaecologist for advice.

Use a soft towel to dry the area

To dry off after a shower or bath, use a towel that is soft and dry and gently pat the area instead of scrubbing it dry.

Wipe front to back

You may have heard this personal hygiene tip before, but it’s worth a reminder. When you go to the loo, be sure to wipe front to back – and not back to front! This ensures that no harmful bacteria from your anus get into your vagina. If they do, these bacteria can create an uncomfortable infection – that may require treatment to clear it up.

Wear cotton underwear

Wearing cotton underwear is advised but isn’t a hard and fast, you must never wear anything else rule. Knickers made from other fabrics can still have a cotton gusset, the area under the crotch. Cotton is a breathable, natural fabric, absorbs sweat and moisture to prevent a warm, moist environment where a fungal infection can develop, and is less likely to cause irritation or an allergic reaction than synthetic fabrics.

If you want - Wear a pantyliner

It isn’t essential but some girls prefer to wear a pantyliner to help absorb vaginal discharge. Discharge is healthy – it’s your body’s way of cleansing your vagina from toxins and staying clean and moisturised. Don’t worry if you notice that it changes in amount and consistency throughout your menstrual cycle, that is completely normal, and as it has a slightly acidic pH you might even notice the discharge bleaches the gusset of black knickers slightly, which is also normal! If you find discharge on your knickers uncomfortable or want to protect your favourite knickers then you can try a panty liner. Panty liners work just like  pads, but they’re much thinner and can be used daily to absorb discharge or protect in case your period appears a few days early if that is what you prefer. ALWAYS Dailies are super thin and flexible for a barely-there feeling you won’t even notice you are wearing one!

This is generalised advice and isn't personalised nor to replace the advice of your doctor and other health care professionals.