How to take care of the vulva?

Keeping your vulva clean and healthy

What is the vulva?

Vulva: The female external genitalia, which refers to the exposed part of the female reproductive organs. Including vulva, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal vestibule, vestibular glands, vestibular bulb, urethral opening, vaginal opening, and vaginal valve. The upper boundary is the yin carp, the lower boundary is the perineum, and the inner sides of the two strands are located on both sides.

What is the vagina?

The vagina is a part of the female genitalia. It is a muscle tube composed of a mucous membrane, muscular and adventitia.

Why is vulva and vagina care important?

Many women experience uncomfortable vaginal infections (vaginitis) at one time or another. The reason is the growth of bacteria, ignore vulva skincare and correct vaginal cleaning is of great significance to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina and causing gynecological diseases. If you have any concerns about the health of your vulva or vagina or notice unusual changes in vaginal discharge, please contact your healthcare provider if the problem persists.

Vulva skincare guidelines are following !

1. Keep pubic hair

Pubic hair serves many purposes. It protects your downstairs from extra bacteria, and it also eliminates issues related to friction and sweating. Less hair removal also means less itch as the hair grows back, fewer cuts and scrapes, and fewer ingrown hairs.

2. Use less scented daily necessities

In order to reduce irritation or sensitivity, whether it is vulva care products or daily necessities, it is best to use fragrance-free products, and avoid using perfumed tissues, shower gels. In addition, do not use disinfectants or alcohol to clean the vagina, so as not to irritate the skin, causing local skin damage or even inflammation.

3. Increase exercise

“Normal exercise helps maintain good vaginal function, as walking and running help the pelvic floor to tone up and ensure good general health.” Practice contracting the pelvic floor muscles, which can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and make the vagina tighter.

4. Use of condoms

Condoms can not only prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy but also maintain the status of vaginal pH, which is beneficial to the survival of some good bacteria (such as lactic acid bacteria). They can prevent vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial vaginitis.

5. Lather up down at most once a day

You may shower once a day, but you don’t necessarily need to foam your labia every day. But excessive cleaning of the vulva will cause the skin to lose the natural oils that protect you. So don’t worry about skipping soap in a day or two. Even if you shower twice a day or feel the need to rinse there after sex, still try to only lather up your vulva once.

6. Better with hands

Do not use towels, loofah, or net sponges to scrub the skin of the vulva. Hand washing is sufficient for a good cleaning. After washing, please pat dry instead of rubbing with a towel or using a hairdryer in a cool setting to dry the vulva.

7. Avoid the use of deodorized pads and tampons 

Tampons should be used when the blood flow is heavy enough to soak one tampon in four hours or less. Menstruation cups are also acceptable. Use only pads that have a cotton liner that comes in contact with your skin (no dry-weave pads). 

8. Wash new underclothes before wearing

Rinse underclothes carefully after washing or double-rinse. Avoid using too much laundry detergent. Use a mild soap for washing underclothes. Avoid fabric softeners (including dryer sheets) and detergents with enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease, and cellulose).

9. Pick the right lube for your individual needs

Lubricant keeps moisturizing well, and it helps prevent micro-tearing in and around the vagina, which may become infected. If you have sensitivities or allergies, choose a lube with fewer ingredients and stay away from the scented or flavored stuff.

10. Use body-safe sex toys

When buying sex toys, it is worthwhile to choose a good material. At the same time, it is recommended to use it with lube or some auxiliary products to protect the vagina by effectively reducing friction. Clean it after use. If it is a silicone type, use warm water below 80°C to clean it and let it dry naturally.

Our vulva is just as worthy of attention as other parts of our body. We know that good vulvar health is not a one-step process. But fortunately, you can do many simple and useful things every day to ensure it is well protected and happy.