1. Wear comfortable cotton underwear
Say goodbye to nasty fabrics - you really need to help your vagina out by wearing comfortable cotton underwear that allows it to be well-ventilated. Then, when you get into bed, remove your underwear and let your vagina breathe properly! This is an especially important tip if you’re often wearing tight clothes!
2. Avoid any kind of feminine hygiene products or fragrances
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that supports a balanced pH level and therefore it doesn’t need douching or washing at all with any type of feminine hygiene product. Furthermore, any type of fragrance or perfume shouldn’t be used either! In fact, using these types of products can actually cause infections and alter the pH of your vagina dramatically. So, stay away from them and just wash with water.
3. Always pee after sex
You have to pee every single time you have sex, without delay! Whilst you may want to lay there cuddling your partner(s), as soon as you’re done with having sex, go and pee! Peeing after you have sex is essential as it helps push out any bacteria that may be within the urethra, reducing the likelihood of urinary tract infections. Then, go back to your partner(s) and get that pillow talk in.
4. Use body-safe sex toys and lubricants
Make sure you’re using body-safe sex toys and lube to reduce the likelihood of getting any infections! Stay away from sex toys made from materials like jelly, PVC, and rubber, and instead choose toys made from medical-grade silicone, glass, or stainless steel. When it comes to lube, avoid any that include glycerin, parabens, dyes, and non-natural oils and go for natural, body-friendly types.
5. Get regular STI checks and smear tests
As well as always practising safe sex, make sure that you are getting regular STI check-ups and heading to the gynaecologist for regular cervical smear tests too (these should be done every year, but can be done every three years at a minimum). Additionally, if you are ever worried about your vaginal health or something doesn’t seem right, seek professional medical advice straight away.