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.
- 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! - Use unscented soap on the rest of your body.
- Towels, washcloths, underwear, cervical caps, etc. should never be shared.
- Always wipe front to back.
- Vaginal sprays, deodorants, soaps that are scented should not be used.
- Any chemicals that irritate your skin should be avoided.
- Don’t wear clothing that is too tight and doesn’t allow air flow to your perineum.
- Wear cotton underwear, or underwear with a cotton crotch.
- Change panty liners, tampons, and pads frequently.
- Don’t use tampons for spotting or scant bleeding.
- Don’t use perfumed sanitary products.
- 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.
