Whether you’re comfortable with your body or not, one day, you certainly asked yourself: “do I smell normal?” and “is it even normal to smell down there?!”
Darling, yes.
Every girl’s vaginas have their very own odor. Yep, even the healthy ones.
If you think the vagina might be the dirtiest of all body’s parts, here’s an important statement you need to hear. Alyssa Dweck, MD (assistant clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology) said: “More bacteria are in our mouth than in our vagina.”
Voilà.
This brings us to the first feminine hygiene tip:
1. Don’t overwash it, don’t douche, stop using harsh cleansing products
Your vagina actually has its own very efficient cleaning system. It self-cleans and produces some discharge that helps your body to get rid of different bacteria and germs. So if you douche or even if you just use any harsh cleaners and soap, you actually might be destroying your vagina’s flora.
This irritates the vagina by disrupting your natural pH balance and by killing healthy bacteria. And on top of that, washing it won’t even cure what’s going on, you will just get rid of the smell.
If your vagina smells like something rotten, or if you notice a change in the look or the smell of your vaginal discharge (grey, green colour), you probably have a common vaginal infection and should go check it with a doctor.
Keep it simple down there, stay away from heavily scented personal hygiene products. Simply use warm water, and if you wanna use a cleanser, go for a gentle soap free intimate wash.
I’ll say this again, there’s no need to wash the inside of your vagina.
2. Keep it dry!
Wet and tight undies are the WORST. That’s why it is crucial to choose the right material for your underwear.
Cotton undies are your best friend. Why? Because cotton is the only ideal fabric selection for your underwear, as it is BREATHABLE. Other fabrics like polyamide, nylon, spandex retain moisture… By doing so, it reduces air flow and increases the chance for bacterial growth and infections. And if all the cotton undies you find aren’t sexy enough for you, then you should at least choose undies designed with a little cotton pocket/pad and buy more “open” and breathable fabric slips (or tangas, brazilian, boy short,string… Whatever suits you most).
ALSO, when you go for a swim, or for a dip in the jacuzzi, it’s really important to dry your genitals and put on something DRY as soon as you’re done. And since we sweat from everywhere, same thing applies to working out. When you’re done with your training, do what you can to get changed and keep it dry.
3. Let it breathe
I know, I know, I don’t like sleeping naked either.
But this is really important to let the air flowing down there, at least for a few hours a day… I mean think about it, we wear tight underwear and clothes 24/7. When is it breathing?! Never.
So starting to sleep without any underwear will do it a lot of good. Don’t worry, you don’t have to sleep naked or hang around your house all naked, just wear very loose shorts or pants with nothing under it.
4. Eat right
“We are what we eat”.
This is a famous saying for a reason. What you eat and what foods you lack have a direct impact on all of your organs. An unhealthy diet is an unhealthy biological system and by extension, a problematic vaginal state.
Make you’re getting enough:
- probiotic ⇨ lacto-fermented foods like kimchi, tempeh, kefir
- omega-3 fatty acids ⇨ especially foods high in EPA and DHA like mackerel, sardines, salmon, or algae based supplements if you’re vegetarian or vegan
- antioxidants ⇨ colourful foods like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, artichoke, beets, goji berries
- vitamin E ⇨ hazelnut, sunflower seeds, almonds, abalone, atlantic salmon
- vitamin C ⇨ yellow peppers, blackcurrants, thyme, parsley, broccoli
- protein ⇨ legumes like beans/lentils/chickpeas, fish, eggs, meat, soy
5. Stay clean
First, practice safe sex and PLEASE, use condoms to stay away from STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).
Super important, go peeing right after you had sex, to clean out any bacteria that may have migrated into the urethra during play. You can use a wish of water on your vulva if you really feel the need to, but no soap, no scrubbing no nothing.
When you go and use the bathrooms, whether it is for a pee or a poop, it’s super duper important to wipe yourself from FRONT to BACK. This will prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina.
When you have your periods, change your pad/tampon/cup regularly to avoid irritation and bacteria growth once again.
6. Monitoring
The best way to know what’s going on with your vagina, is to become familiar with it. And this just starts by paying attention to three things:
How your genitals 1.Look 2.Feel 3.Smell.
With that being said: Sniffing your undies, looking at your flower with a mirror, and touching yourself is absolutely undispensable.
♥