Women's Health: How to Have a Healthier Vagina

Eleven Ways to a Healthier Vagina

As women, we oftentimes are so busy taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves. We need to remember that we matter too! And, if we don't take care of our health, then we might become ill, or even worse, die, preventing us from caring for our loved ones.

Learn eleven easy ways we can care for our vaginal and reproductive health so that we can live healthier and longer lives. After all, how can we properly take care of others if we don't take care of ourselves first?

Eleven ways to have a healthier vagina

1. Stay well-hydrated – Your vagina needs to be well-hydrated to remain moist, supple, and healthy. Water helps your vagina to flush out toxins, germs, and odor-causing bacteria.

2. Wear breathable underwear– Choose to wear cotton or other breathable underwear to prevent moisture buildup. When the vagina is trapped in synthetic, tight-fitting underwear, it cannot properly breathe. This encourages the buildup of heat and sweat, creating an environment that is perfect for bacteria and fungus. Also, do not wear tight-fitting jeans and clothing that can also trap heat and moisture in the vaginal area.

3. Exercise vaginal muscles – Kegel exercises can improve and tone your pelvic floor muscles and tighten your vaginal walls. They also give you better control over your bladder and bowels, and prevent your uterus from dropping into your vagina as you age. Kegels can also help you have better orgasms! If you are not familiar with Kegels, you can learn more about them here.

4. Do cardio – Participating in just 30 minutes of moderate exercise three or more times a week is not only good for your cardiovascular system but will also keep your vagina functioning properly by pumping it with rich oxygenated blood.

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation and help to reduce infections.

5. Eat a healthy diet – Eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, apples, avocados, and dark leafy greens, will keep your vagina healthy. Research shows that probiotics can help prevent the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection that causes discharge and odor. To add probiotics to your diet, eat fermented foods like sauerkraut, kombucha, and Greek yogurt. According to Healthline, sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene and vitamin A, which can help keep your mucous membranes healthy. This means that they, too, can help prevent bacterial vaginosis. Omega-3 fatty acids can help with blood circulation and your sex drive!

6. Practice safe sex – If you are not in a healthy monogamous relationship, use non-latex condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

7. Keep it clean – Use a mild unscented soap or cleanser daily to keep your vagina healthy. Do not wash inside your vagina or use a douche. Your body is naturally designed to cleanse itself with its healthy discharge. Harsh soaps and douches can wash away the vital bacteria your vagina needs to maintain its balance and fight infection. In fact, douching increases your risk of inflammation, yeast infection, and contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).

8. Limit alcohol and don’t smoke – Alcohol can cause vaginal dryness and vaginosis. Alcohol abuse can impair sexual function, and nicotine can affect sexual arousal; Substance abuse of any kind can also affect your mental health and, therefore, affect sexual function. It should also be noted that smoking can disrupt the vaginal microbiome, which can lead to BV, infections, potentially affecting fertility and other reproductive health issues.

9. Avoid synthetic tampons and odor-reducing pads – Tampons can cause a lot of harm when they are used for a prolonged period of time. They can promote bacterial growth, causing issues such as bacterial vaginosis or life-threatening toxic shock syndrome. If you do decide to use tampons, please remember to change them regularly and try to use a brand that sources all-natural ingredients. Similar to vaginal washes, odor-reducing pads are designed with artificial fragrances that can disturb and irritate your vagina. Instead, use an unscented, hypoallergenic pad that is designed for your vaginal health and overall well-being.

10. Wipe from front to back – Women should wipe from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus (like E.coli) from traveling to the urethra (everything is close together down there). In doing this, it will significantly lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other genital infections. This simple hygiene practice keeps fecal matter away from the sensitive vulva and urinary opening, promoting better genital health.

Below is how to wipe properly:

• Start from the front: Wipe from the urethra/vaginal area towards the anus.

• Move backwards: Always wipe away from the body's center.

• Use fresh paper: Use a new piece of toilet paper for each wipe.

• Dab gently: Pat the area clean rather than scrubbing harshly to avoid irritation.

  
  

Photo credit: Pinterest.

11. Have your annual exams – Making sure you get your annual exams will help you catch any minor problems before they become big ones. Your primary care physician will perform regular Pap smears to check for any signs of cancer and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Always see your doctor if you suspect something is not right.

Sources

1. Anderson, J. (2020, May 26). You might not be changing your tampon often enough. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-change-your-tampon

2. Brady, A. (2023, June 30). 5 key DO’s and don’ts for maintaining Vaginal Health. O Positiv. https://opositiv.com/blogs/blog/5-key-do-s-and-don-ts-for-maintaining-vaginal-health?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_content=URO_VP_SEARCH_NONBRAND_DSA_Blog&utm_campaign=190823166710&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23137351333&gbraid=0AAAAADHhIP23BLQM46y3qzFOhdKoQzrtm&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4rfC8NGJkgMVHGBHAR3NqQLvEAAYBCAAEgJcbvD_BwE

3. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS): Causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2025a, December 19). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15437-toxic-shock-syndrome

Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio: A multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.

She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist, creative nonfiction writer, and self-published author.

Aside from being a writer, Isabella is a book lover, a language enthusiast, and, most importantly, a woman of God in Christ Jesus.

"Together we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."