7 things you should NEVER do to your vagina

When it comes to our lady bits, we all want to make sure we’re keeping them healthy. Yet there are many myths around our vaginas that need clearing up – from washing and hygiene to using tampons. Dr Vanessa Mackay, a spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, sets the record straight.

'It’s a myth that the vagina needs extensive cleaning with perfumed soaps or feminine hygiene products. The vagina is designed to clean itself with natural secretions and contains good bacteria, which are there to protect it.

'If these bacteria are disturbed it can lead to infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, and inflammation.

'Avoid using perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics to clean the vagina as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels, and cause irritation.

'Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina (the vulva), not inside it, gently every day.'

This intimate wash from YES is organic, hypo-allergenic AND pH-balanced for gentle and effective cleansing. See more details here at Amazon.

See more

'Having sex in a pool means there is a chance that chemicals could enter the vagina and irritate it. This can also lead to the problems mentioned above.'

'Pubic hair offers a natural barrier to keep the vaginal area clean, decrease contact with viruses and bacteria, and protect the area’s tender skin.

'It also prevents foreign particles like dust and pathogenic bacteria from entering the body, and helps to control the moisture of the area, which reduces the chance of yeast infections like thrush.

'Although pubic hair doesn’t prevent STIs, it also helps avoid skin-on-skin contact with someone who may already have an STI.

'Removing pubic hair also irritates and inflames the hair follicles left behind, leaving microscopic open wounds. When that irritation is combined with the warm, moist environment of the genitals, it becomes an ideal environment for bacterial problems.'

If you still want to get rid of some unwanted hair patches, you could use this life-saving, high-precision trimmer from leading hair removal brand Veet. See more details here at Amazon.

See more

'Doing regular pelvic floor exercises strengthens the muscles around your bladder, vagina and back passage. This can help improve muscle tone, bladder and bowel control, and sensitivity during sex.

'If you're pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, start doing pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible as this will reduce the risk of experiencing incontinence after child birth.'

(Find out how, here.)

'Vaginal flatulence is caused when air is pushed inside the vagina. This can happen during sex when a deep thrust or body movement can cause the air to be released.

'Air is also expelled as the vagina returns to its pre-aroused state.

'Vaginal flatulence can also happen during a pelvic exam, when women insert a female condom, menstrual cup or tampon, or during exercise. It can also be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.

'But vaginal flatulence is completely normal so don't be ashamed!'

'Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection, caused by bacteria called staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

'While scientists recognise a link between TSS and tampon use, there is no proven evidence as to why this occurs. It’s believed that leaving a tampon in your vagina for a prolonged time can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

'Tampons should be changed every four to six hours, or when saturated with blood, and should not be left in the vagina for any longer as this can increase the risk of TSS.

'It’s also important to use a tampon with the right absorbency, according to how heavy your menstrual flow is.'

We highly recommend Tampax, as they feature an easy-to-use applicator. They come in regular or super absorbency and you can find them here at Amazon.

See more

'As thrush thrives in warm, moist parts of the body, it is a good idea to let your vagina dry naturally before putting underwear and clothes on.

'It is unnecessary to use a hair dryer to dry your vagina, and there is a risk these devices could burn the skin and disturb the vagina’s delicate balance of bacteria.'