There’s nothing like a shower to make you feel refreshed and ready to face the day. But you may not know that your vagina is actually designed to clean itself.
There’s nothing like a shower to make you feel refreshed and ready to face the day. But you may not know that your vagina is actually designed to clean itself.
Read on to discover how to maintain good vaginal hygiene, including what you should avoid and when to see a doctor.
First, let’s look at what we mean by ‘vagina’. Because your vagina is actually internal. It’s a tube of muscle inside you that runs from the neck of the womb (cervix) to your vaginal opening.
Your external genitals are called the vulva. These parts include your vaginal opening and lips (labia), your clitoris, the tube you wee from (urethra) and your pubic mound.
So, while you can (and should) wash your vulva, you shouldn’t wash inside your vagina. Your vagina keeps itself clean with ‘secretions’, also known as vaginal discharge. It contains a delicate balance of bacteria to keep it free from infection and it’s important not to disrupt this.
It’s a good idea to gently wash your vulva (not vagina) every day. When you’re on your period, you may want to do it more often.
You’ll want to avoid causing irritation in this sensitive area, so try following these tips:
There are some other things to bear in mind to help keep your vagina and vulva healthy:
If you’re worried about the way your vagina smells or the smell is strong or unpleasant, you may have an infection. Other warning signs include itching, irritation and unusual vaginal discharge.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms, as you may need treatment.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.