Let’s talk about vaginal wellness.
In a perfect world, we’d be out here living our wildest lives, and our tricksters would be none the wiser. But the truth is, your vagina is an indicator of overall health, just like your gut.
You know when you skimp on fresh fruits and vegetables and start relying on fast food? And everything is fine at first, but soon your stomach starts to hurt and your digestion gets weird? This is your instinct telling you that something is wrong. And the same thing happens in your vagina.
Because your vagina is home to a complex ecosystem of bacteria, it’s helpful to know what foods, supplements, and practices keep it calm. You need good bacteria down there, after all! The good stuff makes sure you don’t get certain infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV)… More on that below.
Here’s how to keep your vagina happy from the inside out and what to do when it’s unhappy.
Caring for your vaginal ecosystem
Let’s start with what you consume every day, from liquids to foods.
1) Eat the rainbow
A diet high in sugars, refined flour, fried foods, and alcohol sets your body up for pH imbalances, which contribute to bacterial overgrowth… and can lead to serious discomfort like itching and burning.
Instead, optimize your vaginal health by choosing fresh foods: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Keep sugar low if you can, and include plenty of probiotic-rich foods to keep bacteria levels balanced. Consider fermented products like sauerkraut, kombucha, and yogurt, and if you’re not a fan of sour flavors, invest in a good probiotic supplement. And hey, don’t worry about swearing off sugar / fried stuff / alcohol completely! Just stock your fridge with whole foods – they help build good gut bacteria.
2) More water, please
Getting enough fluids is key to urinary tract health, especially preventing UTIs. Drinking plenty of water keeps bacteria levels in check and helps maintain vaginal moisture. Also:
- It gives you more energy for sex
- Increases blood flow to your vagina for increased stimulation
- Prevents dry mouth when kissing
Bottom line: drink water now, enjoy plenty of sexiness later.
Now, let’s talk about what you put on on (and in) your vagina…
3) Don’t (and I can’t stress this enough) do your trick
Think of bays as self-cleaning ovens. They produce natural secretions that maintain the ideal pH balance in your vagina, making it difficult for “bad” bacteria to infect it. But when you kill ALL of his bacteria (including the good ones) with a shower, you disrupt that natural balance.
Considering that up to 40% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 use a shower***, let’s get the word straight: don’t shower! At best it messes up your pH levels, at worst it can cause you to get recurrent BV infections.
4) Consider a vaginal moisturizer
These days, tons of lubes double as vaginal moisturizers. Look for pH-balanced formulas that nourish your delicate vaginal tissues, keeping them supple and comfortable. You’ll want this material to prevent microtears during sex or chafing from tight clothing. Tears in your vagina make it more susceptible to infection, so moisturizers don’t just feel good — they prevent less-than-awesome health outcomes.
Check the label for parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance, alcohol and petroleum: if any of these ingredients are present, they can irritate your vagina. Look for vagina-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E – this wonderful formula** Playground has both.
5) Get a lube that loves you back
Before and during sex, you can also purposefully choose lubricants that keep your vagina healthy. Womaness makes a popular one called Coco Bliss*, coconut oil based lubricant with antifungal and antibacterial properties. This makes it a great choice for pH and microbial balance, keeping your vagina happy in more ways than one.
The top 3 signs of an unbalanced vagina
Even if you take care of your vagina like a pro, infections and imbalances happen. Here are the three most common and how to deal with them. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, consider this your recommendation from Dr. Emily to check. Because, as with all vaginal issues, it’s best to work with a care provider for a customized course of action.
Fungal infection
- Symptoms may include:: redness, itching, swelling or burning of the vulva. Fun! (No.) Painful sex, painful pee.
- Reasons: Overgrowth of a fungus called candida. Common culprits include antibiotics (which kill bacteria), hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, and diabetes: if left untreated, the sugar build-up in your vaginal lining can make room for growth of yeast.
- Treatments: Topical antifungal medications and/or antifungal pills. These are usually prescription based, so for the fastest treatment, go for a telehealth appointment to get that prescription as soon as possible.
Bacterial vaginitis
- Symptoms may include:: itching or burning during urination. Thin discharge that is slightly gray, white, or green. And I’ll be honest, this often comes with a not-so-great smell.
- Reasons: BV is NOT caused by poor hygiene, but by an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria. Remember what I said about bathing: it kills the good stuff too!
- Treatments: Antibiotic pills, topical antibiotics, or antibiotic creams inserted into the vagina. Same here with treatment: call your gynecologist or look for a telehealth option and pick up your meds at the pharmacy.
Urinary tract infection
- Symptoms may include:: Burning during urination (or all the time), cloudy urination or painful spasms of the urethra or bladder. Some bay owners get chronic UTIs or have great trouble kicking them, even with antibiotics, which are the standard treatment. An untreated UTI can turn into a bladder or kidney infection—yeah, you don’t want that.
- Reasons: Bacteria from the vagina or anus enter the urinary system and multiply. Back-to-front wiping is a common cause. It can also help with urination after sex, removing bacteria from the urethra.
- Treatments: Antibiotics and over-the-counter medications that reduce pain and restore bacteria levels to normal.
Even the most ambitious among us have trouble with the bay from time to time. So if you’ve experienced (or are currently experiencing) one of the above issues, don’t sweat it! Fight the infection and try to incorporate these wellness tips into your daily routine. Also, be aware that some of these treatments—especially those that include antibiotics—can cause additional imbalances. All the more reason to work closely with a care provider to find out if you need to supplement with probiotics or do anything else to get your vagina (+ whole body) back on track.
Once you do, you can look forward to a thriving relationship with your vagina…and teach him some tricks during.
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*Use EMILY for 20% off your total Female Series including Coco Bliss
**Use code SMARTSEX for $20 off orders over $100 and get free shipping on orders over $69 at shopsexwithemily.com
