How to Keep Your Vagina Healthy

ByJanis Updated

Factors That Can Change Vaginal Health

The vagina is part of the reproductive system and connects the vulva to the cervix. Many things can affect its health:

  • Sexual Behavior: Having sex without protection raises the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Rough sex or pelvic injuries can also harm vaginal tissues.
  • Medical Conditions and Treatments: Problems like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or scarring from surgery can cause vaginal pain. Taking antibiotics may increase the risk of yeast infections.
  • Birth Control and Hygiene: Using condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides can sometimes irritate the vagina. Using sprays, douches, or wipes may also cause discomfort.
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth: Extra vaginal discharge often happens during pregnancy. Giving birth can cause tears or cuts in the vaginal area, and a vaginal delivery can change muscle tone.
  • Psychological Factors: Stress, trauma, or anxiety may lower sexual arousal, making sex uncomfortable or painful.
  • Hormones: Hormone changes during menopause or breastfeeding lower estrogen levels, which can thin the vaginal lining and cause dryness or pain.
Factor Possible Impact
Unprotected sex STIs, vaginal infections
Medical treatments Pain, yeast infection, dryness
Certain contraceptives Irritation, possible allergic reactions
Douching & fragrances Irritation, bacterial imbalance
Pregnancy/childbirth Extra discharge, muscle changes, tears
Hormone shifts Dryness, thinner tissue, discomfort
Mental health Less arousal, pain during sex

Typical Vaginal Problems and Conditions

Some common vaginal health concerns include:

1. Painful Sex (Dyspareunia): Pain can happen before, during, or after sex. Muscle spasms, pelvic floor issues, dryness, or injury can cause this pain.

2. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and genital warts may lead to unusual discharge, sores, or itching.

3. Vaginal Infections (Vaginitis): An imbalance of good bacteria and yeast can cause swelling, redness, unusual discharge, or odor. Types of Vaginitis:

  • Yeast Infection: White, thick discharge and itchiness.
  • Bacterial Vaginosis: Grayish discharge with strong odor.
  • Trichomoniasis: Frothy, yellow-green discharge and burning.

4. Bacterial Vaginosis: When healthy bacteria called lactobacilli decrease and other bacteria grow too much, the pH balance changes.

5. Pelvic Floor Disorders: Weak tissues can let the bladder, uterus, or rectum press into the vagina, causing a bulge or urine leakage with coughs and sneezes.

6. Other Concerns: Vaginal cysts can make sex or tampon use painful. Rarely, vaginal cancer can cause unexpected bleeding, especially after menopause or sex.

Problem Usual Signs
Yeast infection Thick, white discharge; itching
Bacterial vaginosis Thin, gray discharge; โ€œfishyโ€ odor
STIs (e.g., chlamydia) Discharge, pain, possible sores
Vaginal dryness Burning, soreness, pain with sex
Pelvic organ prolapse Bulge in vagina, urinary leakage
Vaginal cysts Pain with tampons or sex, swelling

Signs and Symptoms That May Show a Vaginal Problem

Some changes may be normal, but certain symptoms may point to a health issue. Talk to a health care provider if you notice:

  • A change in color, smell, or amount of vaginal discharge
  • Unusual vaginal odor
  • Vaginal itching, burning, or irritation
  • Red or swollen skin on the vulva or labia
  • Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
  • Pain during sex or when inserting tampons
  • A lump or bulge in the vaginal area
  • Persistent pelvic pain or pressure

When to Get Help

If youโ€™ve had a yeast infection before and get the same symptoms again, you can try over-the-counter anti-yeast treatments. If symptoms stay or get worse, or if you notice new or painful changes, see your health care provider to check for other infections, STIs, or more serious conditions.

Symptoms Table

Symptom Possible Cause
Abnormal discharge Infection (yeast, bacteria, STIs)
Itching or burning Yeast infection, allergic reaction
Bleeding after menopause or sex Hormonal issue, injury, possible cancer
Painful sex Dryness, prolapse, muscle spasm
Lump/bulge in vagina Cyst or pelvic organ prolapse

Habits and Tips to Maintain Vaginal Well-being

You can lower the chances of problems and support a healthy vagina by following these steps:

  • Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms or dental dams to lower STI risk. Use only clean sex toys and wash them after use.
  • Get Recommended Vaccines: Vaccines like HPV (to help prevent cervical cancer) and hepatitis B protect against certain infections.
  • Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles: Do Kegel exercises daily to keep the muscles strong, help with bladder control, and reduce the risk of prolapse.
  • Follow Gentle Cleaning Routines: Wash the vulva with plain, warm water. Avoid scented soaps, wipes, or douching as these can change the natural balance.
  • Choose Breathable Underwear: Wear cotton underwear and change it daily. This keeps the vulva dry and may prevent infections.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Include yogurt or other fermented foods with probiotics to help support a good balance of bacteria.
  • Limit Alcohol and Do Not Smoke: Both can affect arousal and overall vaginal health.
  • Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise, especially those that strengthen the pelvic area, helps with blood flow and muscle tone.
  • See a Health Care Provider for Regular Checkups: Regular pelvic exams, STI tests, and talking about any symptoms or concerns are important.

Healthy Routine Checklist

  • Use condoms with new partners
  • Avoid douching and scented products
  • Wear cotton underwear
  • Keep the genital area dry and clean
  • Include probiotic foods (like yogurt) in diet
  • Perform Kegel or pelvic floor exercises
  • Limit use of antibiotics, if possible
  • Donโ€™t smoke or misuse alcohol
  • Get HPV and hepatitis B vaccines
  • Visit your health care provider regularly

Key Points for Everyday Care

  • Only wash the outside (vulva), not inside the vagina.
  • Change out of sweaty clothes quickly after exercise.
  • Urinate soon after sex to lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • If using lube, pick water-based or silicone lubricants and avoid scented or flavored options that could irritate the tissue.
  • Tell your health care provider about new pain or changes.
  • If you use sex toys or menstrual cups, wash them with mild soap and water after every use.

Related Questions

Responses are AI-generated

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.