Vaginal infections are one of the most common reasons that patients come to see me for an office visit.  Here are some tips on keeping your vagina healthy and warding off those vaginal infections.

Avoid harsh soaps and douching: 

Your vagina does not want or need to be cleaned out with soap.  Don’t use harsh or scented soap in the vagina when showering. There are feminine washes available, but they are not necessary. Water will actually do just fine, especially since you do not want to over-wash and cause irritation. And always remember that feminine washes are for external use only. They should NEVER be used inside the vagina.

Practice safe sex:

Using condoms during sex helps to protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, and chlamydia. Some of these diseases, like HIV and genital herpes, have no cure.

Avoid scented products:

Scented dryer sheets, scented sprays, deodorants, scented washes, deodorizing wipes – any of these “panty perfumes” can cause irritation. If you have an odor problem, masking it won’t get to the cause of the problem, and it might make it worse.  It is okay that your vagina doesn’t smell like roses, it’s not supposed to!

Schedule a yearly gynecology exam:

An important part of your vaginal health is visiting your gynecologist once a year to make sure everything is okay. This ensure you are clear of infections and STDs.

Wear cotton underwear:

Cotton underwear is breathable and…your vagina needs to breathe! Avoid tight, spandex underwear and thongs which also trap bacteria and rub, causing infection and irritation. Change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes as quickly as possible.

Change pads and tampons regularly:

Change your pads and tampons every few hours to keep your vagina healthy.  The pH of blood is higher than healthy vaginal pH, so it can cause infections if you leave tampons in the vagina for too long.  When you’re not having your period, do not use pads or panty liners to absorb normal vaginal discharge; they will keep moisture and warmth near your vagina, which can result in infection.

Maintain a healthy vaginal pH:

A healthy vaginal pH is slightly acidic, between 3.5 and 4.5, and when it becomes imbalanced, you risk vaginal infections and vaginal odor. Probiotic supplements and a healthy diet can encourage growth of lactobacilli (the good-guy bacteria that keep the pH of the vagina acidic.)