Looking after your vaginal health is essential for your overall well-being, but it’s not always a topic we discuss openly. Your vagina is a sensitive and complex part of your body, and maintaining its health involves more than just hygiene. From your sex life to lifestyle choices, there are many ways you can support a healthy vaginal environment. Let’s explore 10 friendly, practical tips to help you stay on top of your vaginal health.

Understanding vaginal health

Vaginal health is an essential aspect of a woman’s overall well-being. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that requires minimal care (it's pretty low-maintenance), but it’s crucial to understand what affects vaginal health and how to maintain it.

A healthy vagina is characterized by a balance of “healthy” and “unhealthy” microbes, a slightly acidic pH, and the absence of symptoms such as itching, burning, or abnormal discharge. Keeping your vagina healthy involves understanding these natural processes and supporting them with good habits and regular check-ups.

What affects vaginal health?

Anything that can cause a shift in your vaginal microbiome can affect vaginal health, including:

Recurrent symptoms? Get Evvy's at-home vaginal microbiome test, designed by leading OB-GYNs.
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Tips to keep your vagina healthy

1. Practice safe sex

As fun as it is, sex can be a trigger for common infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Unprotected sex especially, can affect your vaginal pH. The vagina is usually slightly acidic (with a pH of around 3.8-4.5) to help keep harmful bacteria at bay. Unprotected sex can introduce semen (which is alkaline) and pathogens into the vagina, disrupting the pH balance and leading to infections.

Using condoms and dental dams not only helps maintain your pH balance but also prevents sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which can seriously impact your reproductive health when left untreated. Condoms have also been shown to help reduce the incidence of BV. While barrier methods are shown to be beneficial for the microbiome, be aware that for some people spermicide can cause irritation.

It’s also a good idea to clean sex toys before and after each use, especially if you’re using them during partnered sex.

2. Choose the right lube

Lubricants can be a game-changer during sex, helping to prevent discomfort, dryness, and even microtears in the vaginal walls. However, not all lubes are created equal. Some lubes contain glycerin, parabens, sugars, or petroleum-based ingredients that can increase your risk of infections. Equally, there's no scientific evidence that using "natural" alternatives like coconut oil is better for your vaginal health. Furthermore, oil-based lubricants aren't compatible with most condoms because they can break down the latex.

Choose pH-balanced, silicone or water-based lubricants free of harmful chemicals to protect your vaginal health while enjoying comfort during sex. And if you’re a fan of flavored lube, try to reserve it for oral sex only. 

3. Ditch the douche

It might seem like using a douche would help keep your vagina healthy and clean, but it’s one of the worst things you can do for your vagina. At best, they’re ineffective at their intended purpose, and at worst, they can increase the likelihood of developing infections.

The vagina is self-cleaning, thanks to the healthy bacteria (like Lactobacillus) that help maintain the right pH balance to keep your vagina healthy. Douching can disrupt this balance and lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis. So, skip the douche and let your vagina take care of itself. 

4. Good hygiene practices

When it comes to cleaning your vulva (your external genitalia), all you need is water. When cleaning your vulva, make sure to gently rinse the outer and inner lips with warm water to remove any buildup and maintain hygiene. Feminine hygiene products like wipes, sprays, and soaps are unnecessary and can even irritate the vulvar skin. Stick to a gentle rinse with warm water during your shower, and you’ll be doing your vulva a favor. If you really want to use a product, pick a hypoallergenic and unscented soap.

5. Pick your birth control wisely

While birth control is a personal choice, it’s important to know that some forms of contraception can affect your vaginal health. Hormonal birth control, particularly combined hormonal contraceptives such as the pill may decrease your risk of BV, because they can alter hormone levels and the vaginal environment. 

Non-hormonal methods, like the copper IUD, have been shown to increase the risk for yeast infections in some women. 

Speak to your healthcare provider about which birth control method is best for you, particularly if you’re prone to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

6. Check your vaginal discharge for changes

Your vaginal discharge is an important indicator of your health — and yes, having discharge every day is healthy! When checking your vaginal discharge, it can be helpful to spread apart your pubic hair to get a clearer view of the vulva and notice any changes.

Normal discharge varies from clear to milky white and may change in texture throughout your menstrual cycle. Abnormal discharge — particularly if it’s green, gray, frothy, or has a strong or fishy odor — can be a sign of infection. Keep an eye on your discharge and don’t hesitate to see a doctor if something seems off.

7. Don’t smoke

Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs — it can also affect your vaginal health, too. Studies have shown that women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. Smoking also weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your vagina.

8. Test your vaginal microbiome

Just like your gut, your vagina has a microbiome made up of good bacteria that protect it from infections. Using an at-home test like Evvy can help you monitor the health of your vaginal microbiome, identifying imbalances that could make you more prone to infections. By getting a clear picture of your microbiome, you can take proactive steps to restore balance and get to the bottom of any recurring symptoms you might have. 

9. Get regular screenings

Regular cervical screenings (Pap smears) and OBGYN check-ups are essential for maintaining your vaginal and reproductive health. While we know these screenings are no one’s idea of fun (and many women find them uncomfortable or nerve-wracking), they can detect early signs of cervical cancer and other abnormalities, giving you the chance to catch issues early and get the right treatment. Aim to get a Pap smear every three years, or as recommended by your doctor, depending on your age and health history.

10. Don’t ignore pain 

Pain in your pelvic region or vagina is never normal and shouldn’t be ignored. Vaginal pain, itching, burning, or discomfort during sex could be a sign of infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or other conditions. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice to identify the cause and get appropriate treatment.

Signs of poor vaginal health

Common signs that something might be off with your vaginal health include:

  • Unusual discharge (thick, frothy, grey, or green)
  • A strong, unpleasant vaginal odor
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Itching or irritation around the vulva or in the vagina
  • Painful sex
  • A burning sensation when you pee
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit your healthcare provider for advice and possible testing. They can be signs of a sexually transmitted infection, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or other vaginal problems. These symptoms can also be indicative of sexually transmitted diseases, making it crucial to seek medical advice if you notice any of these signs.

FAQ

What are the signs of a healthy vagina?

A healthy vagina typically maintains a natural balance of bacteria, which helps keep infections at bay. It’s totally normal to have vaginal discharge that can change in consistency throughout your menstrual cycle, ranging from clear to milky white. The discharge should have little to no odor, and any scent will generally be mild. Your vagina should feel comfortable, with no itching, burning, or irritation. There might be occasional changes due to ovulation, menstruation, or after having sex, but overall, there shouldn’t be persistent discomfort or unusual symptoms. In essence, a healthy vagina feels normal and free from pain or abnormal discharge. Taking an Evvy Vaginal Health Test can give you personalized insights into the bacterial makeup of your vaginal microbiome, and help you stay on top of your vaginal and reproductive health.