Protecting Your Vagina: A Guide to Keeping Things Balanced and Healthy

Your vagina is an incredible part of your body that’s designed to take care of itself. It has its own pH balance and bacterial ecosystem that works together to keep it healthy. However, modern lifestyles and products can sometimes interfere with this natural harmony.

Here are some essential tips to protect your vaginal health and maintain balance:

1. Choose Cotton or Organic Cotton Underwear

Breathable fabrics like cotton or organic cotton are your vagina’s best friends. Synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting underwear can trap moisture and heat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Cotton allows air circulation, reducing the chances of irritation or infection.

If possible, opt for organic cotton, as it’s free from harsh chemicals used in conventional fabric processing.

2. Say No to Fragrances

Avoid scented products like fragranced toilet paper, sprays, or panty liners. Fragrances contain chemicals that can irritate the sensitive skin of your vulva and disrupt your vaginal pH balance. Unscented, plain options are best for keeping things natural and irritation-free.

3. Go Organic with Menstrual Products

Conventional tampons and pads can contain chemicals, dyes, and fragrances that may irritate your vagina. Switching to organic cotton pads and tampons ensures you’re using products free of these unnecessary additives. If you’re open to it, washable period underwear is an eco-friendly and comfortable alternative that’s gentle on your body and the environment. My personal favourite is AWWA, I am obsessed with their underwear and have a thong and full briefs for different days of my bleed depending on the heaviness.

4. Ditch the Douches and Vagina Washes

You’ve probably heard this before, but it bears repeating: your vagina is self-cleaning. Using douches or vagina washes is unnecessary and can disrupt your natural bacterial balance, leading to infections or irritation. Cleaning the vulva (the external area) with warm water is all you need for proper hygiene.

5. Gut Health and Vaginal Health Go Hand-in-Hand

A healthy gut means a healthier vagina. Your gut and vaginal microbiomes are interconnected, and maintaining good gut health can support the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina.

• Probiotics: Foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables contain probiotics that support healthy bacteria. You can also consider a high-quality probiotic supplement.

• Balanced Diet: Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fibre-rich vegetables and some whole grains, to support digestion and overall health.

• Hydration: Staying hydrated is key to supporting your body’s natural processes, including vaginal health.

  
  

6. Know Your Vaginal Flora

Your vagina hosts a unique mix of bacteria that work to protect against infections. Lactobacilli, the dominant bacteria, play a key role in maintaining a slightly acidic pH, which keeps harmful bacteria at bay. Supporting this delicate balance means avoiding anything that might upset it—like harsh soaps, even other fragrance lotions and sprays, antibiotics (when unnecessary)(follow the protocol after taking a course to get your good bacteria back on track), and tight synthetic clothing.

7. Wear Washable Period Underwear

If you haven’t already, consider trying washable period underwear. These are designed to absorb menstrual flow without the use of disposable pads or tampons, reducing your exposure to chemicals and saving money in the long run. They’re eco-friendly, comfortable, and a great option for people with sensitive skin. I wouldn't be without mine now, I am a huge lover of free bleeding, it is my birth right to rest and allow for the natural rhythm of my flow.

Remember

Your vagina is amazing and knows how to take care of itself when you treat it with care. By making simple changes—like opting for breathable underwear, avoiding fragrances of all kinds, and focusing on gut health and well balanced nutrition and hydration—you can help maintain its natural balance and avoid common issues like irritation or infections. Remember, less is more when it comes to vaginal care. Respect your body’s natural processes and let it do its thing!