Taking care of yourself means taking care of every part of yourself. Spoiler Alert: That includes your vagina.
Your vagina is an incredible creation. It’s not gross, weird, ugly or strange. It’s fabulous, beautiful and oh so powerful.
Here are 5 vaginal hygiene tips to keep ol’ girl (your vagina) clean, healthy and happy.
Look At Your Vagina Regularly
When was the last time you looked at your vagina? For many of us, it’s been a while. While it’s not as easy for us to view our lady parts as it is for men to view their anatomy, we can still take a look at our girl.
Take a handheld mirror and drop into a deep squat with your knees facing outwards. Think sumo squat. Angle the mirror so you can see your vagina in all of it’s glory and take a deep breath.
Notice how you feel when you do this.
Do you feel uncomfortable? Do you smile? Do you feel disgust? Do you feel shame?
The goal of this exercise is to get you comfortable with the way your body looks.
Your vagina is a beautiful, powerful and sacred part of you. Learn to love how it looks! Being comfortable with this region will allow you to recognize if something is “off” with it, and will help you fully enjoy sexual intimacy with your husband.
Avoid Excessive Cleaning Of Your Vagina
This is a big one. Your vagina is perfect and self-cleansing. God gave it everything it needs to stay clean and to remove anything that doesn’t need to be there.
I know it’s tempting to purchase special soaps, douches and smelly things for your vagina. But, the truth is, you really don’t need them and using these products can actually increase your chances of getting bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.
Often times, excessing cleaning of the vagina goes back to the idea that your vagina is dirty or “unclean” in some way. It’s not. It’s perfect, just the way it is. The next time you have the urge to excessively scrub your vagina, try saying this out loud.
My pussy is perfect. God designed it, and I love it just the way it is.
Don’t Hesitate To See A Doctor When You Feel An Itch
You may have had one of those moments. The moment when you feel the dreaded itch down yonder. It’s easy to rush to your local WalMart and pick up any cream that has the word “vaginal” on the tube. While that may work in many cases, giving yourself the absolute best care you can manage and getting as much information as possible is an act of self-love and self-care.
If you feel itching in your nether regions, go to your local Urgent Care or make an appointment with your primary care physician. They can test you for a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and more. When in doubt, see someone. Even if it turns out to be nothing, you can rest assured knowing you prioritized your health and learned something new.
Let Ol’ Girl Breathe
Sis, I know you love those lace panties. But, sometimes you need to slide them off. Your vagina needs to breathe too and while you’re off looking snatched in your tight pants, she’s begging for air. So, if you choose to rock your tight pants by day, let your vagina breathe at night. It’s a good practice to sleep without underwear at night.
It’s also a great idea to break up your tight pants days with skirts, dresses and loose pants days.
In addition to supporting your vaginal health, you get the added benefit of feeling good. There’s nothing like the feeling of a little breeze flowing over your precious parts.
Moisturize Down There
Okay, I admit it, I am a bit of a moisturizing maniac. I can’t go a day without moisturizing some part of my body. But, I’ve learned, that it’s important to moisturize down there as well. I’m not talking about down there near your vulva. I’m talking about moisturizing where your pubic hair grows on the front part of your vaginal area.
The skin down there gets dry, just like anywhere else on your body.
It’s not a good idea to use the same thick or scented lotions you use on your body on your vaginal area.
Instead, try applying a light layer of natural oil to the area after drying off from your shower. Personally, I use coconut oil and I’m good to go.
There you have it! Five practical things you can do to prioritize vaginal hygiene and keep your vagina feeling happy and healthy. Happy vaginal self-caring!
For more about self-care from a Christian perspective, check out more of our health and wellness articles!
