Having proper vaginal hygiene can go a long way to warding off infections, especially bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Listed below are tips for vaginal care.

  1. Your perineal area (your external vaginal tissue) should be washed with warm water only.
    – Your vagina cleans itself. You don’t need to put soap inside your vagina!
  2. Use unscented soap on the rest of your body.
  3. Towels, washcloths, underwear, cervical caps, etc. should never be shared.
  4. Always wipe front to back.
  5. Vaginal sprays, deodorants, soaps that are scented should not be used.
  6. Any chemicals that irritate your skin should be avoided.
  7. Don’t wear clothing that is too tight and doesn’t allow air flow to your perineum.
  8. Wear cotton underwear, or underwear with a cotton crotch.
  9. Change panty liners, tampons, and pads frequently.
  10. Don’t use tampons for spotting or scant bleeding.
  11. Don’t use perfumed sanitary products.
  12. Sleep without underwear at night.

Following these tips can help prevent certain vaginal infections!

If you are noticing symptoms that you think could be a vaginal infection, call or click today to make an appointment!

 

Keely Darnell, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

 

Resources:

Likis, F. E., & Schuiling, K. D. (2013). Gynecologic Infections. Women’s gynecologic health (2nd ed., pp. 469-470). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

 

This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. If you have any concerns, please speak with a healthcare provider.