The vagina may be robust, but maintaining its health is a delicate balance.
Health and Hygiene of the Vagina: A Visitor's Guide
What every vagina lover should know about this organ's health.
Gather around, visitors, it's time to get educated about the health and hygiene of the vagina. We know that can sound a little overwhelming, but don't fret—you'll have this handy guide to get you through. The vagina may be robust, but maintaining its health is a delicate balance. Protecting it requires diligence from both the woman and her partner.
What is a healthy vagina?
Let's start with the basics. The pH level refers to how acidic or basic a substance is. Vaginal pH should be between 3.8 and 4.5, a moderately acidic environment due to lactobacilli bacteria that live in the vagina. This acidity protects the vagina from unwanted bacteria and fungi, and is essential for vaginal health. Vaginal pH can vary based on a number of factors, and may be higher when a woman is menstruating and after menopause. Signs a woman's pH may be off include a foul or fishy smell, unusual discharge, itching, and burning with urination. Abnormal pH can be indicative of a number of problems, including bacterial vaginosis (BV) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Semen, douching and antibiotics can also alter pH. A healthy pH can be supported by using condoms during sex and consuming dietary priobiotics.
Vaginal discharge is normal, and the texture changes throughout the month. The amount fluctuates due to hormone changes, and throughout the stages of a woman's life—discharge may be decreased during pregnancy, and may be brownish and thinner or clumpy during perimenopause. Abnormal discharge—green, grey, yellow or brown in color, thinner or thicker or more abundant than normal, or discharge with a strong odor—may indicate a bacterial imbalance, infection or STI, or cervical cancer and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Using scented products to make a vagina smell like a flower can lead to infection.
Yes, vaginas have a scent
Moving along to a somewhat taboo topic: vaginal smells. Vaginas have their own delicate ecosystem that relies on bacterial flora, and bacteria produce odors. Normal vaginal odors include tangy, fermented, sour, metallic, bittersweet, even bleach-y, and scents vary significantly between women. Skin bacteria, gland secretions, physical health, medications, even diet and clothing choices can all cause changes. An abnormal scent may indicate a problem. BV and trichomoniasis are associated with a foul fishy odor; a rotten, meaty smell could be a forgotten tampon, which can be serious.
With that said, normal smells are, well, normal—and using scented products in an attempt to make a vagina smell like a flower can lead to infection.
Yeast infections are more common after using antibiotics and during pregnancy.
Period basics
We've arrived at the one thing men love talking about: women's periods. But, really, understanding your female partner's menstrual cycle is important. Menstruation is the process in which, when no fertilized egg has implanted in the uterus, the uterine wall sloughs off, resulting in four to six days of vaginal bleeding, commonly known as a period. Period cycles range considerably, but are usually 28 days in length. Period changes or irregularities can be caused by stress, weight fluctuations and birth control or may be indicative of an underlying medical problem.
During menstruation, a woman may experience other physical symptoms, including abdominal cramping, tender breasts, bloating, head and muscle aches, joint pain, acne, low energy, trouble sleeping and indigestion. Hormone levels are low during this time and the vagina may feel tighter, meaning that some women are not comfortable having sex while menstruating. If a woman is comfortable having sex while on her period, it's important to understand that, while not likely, it is possible for a woman to get pregnant at this time, and birth control is still important. Condoms are too—transmission of STIs is possible while menstruating. Sex during this time can be a little messy and you may opt for sex in the shower to reduce cleanup or choose to put down towels to prevent staining.
Common conditions of the vagina (and what it means for the visitor)
Women are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than men because the female urethra is shorter, allowing easier access for bacteria to cause an infection in the bladder. Sex should be avoided if a woman has an infection, as it can increase irritation in the urinary tract and cause bacteria to spread higher up into the urethra, increasing risk of complications. (UTIs are not sexually transmitted—you can't catch one from a partner.)
Another common vaginal condition, a yeast infection is a fungal infection that can result in vaginal and vulvar itchiness and discharge. Seventy-five percent of women get one at some point in their lives due to overgrowth of natural fungus, or penetration of fungus into deeper vaginal layers. Infections are more common after using antibiotics and during pregnancy. Certain activities have been shown to increase risk, including receiving oral sex. Research suggests most yeast infections are not transmitted from one partner to another, but women should wait until the infection has cleared to have sex, as it can exacerbate symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is vaginal inflammation due to an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina that leads to a bacterial imbalance. Sex should also be avoided with BV, as intercourse can exacerbate symptoms and cause pain for the woman.
It is possible for a woman to get pregnant during her period, so birth control is a must.
Keeping the vagina healthy—for both of you
Practicing regular condom use (and dental dams for oral sex) can protect both of you from STIs, and significantly reduce chances of an unplanned pregnancy. Latex condoms work best; if either of you has a latex allergy, plastic condoms are a safe option. Natural condoms, such as those from lambskin, protect against pregnancy but not against all STIs. Never use two condoms at once, including a male and female condom, as this can cause both to tear.
Lube decreases skin friction, further reducing risk of infection transmission and increasing overall comfort during sex. Water-based lubes work well. Silicone lubes are another good option but should be avoided in combination with silicone sex toys. Oil-based lubes can cause latex condoms to break.
If playing with sex toys, always choose body-safe ones, which don't contain dangerous chemicals. Clean them carefully after each use, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never use household or other objects as sex toys.
Hygiene is important for both partners. Shower regularly, wear dry, breathable underwear, change out of wet and sweaty clothes quickly, get tested regularly for STIs and be open and honest about your health.
With a better understanding of the vagina and what it takes to keep it healthy, you've now got the tools to keep having fun while you both stay safe.
Hygiene is important for both partners.