Taking care of your vulva and vagina

Taking care of your vulva and vagina

Discharge is the whitish liquid that comes out of the vagina when you’re not having your period. Vaginal discharge is normal and very important. Discharge keeps your vagina clean on the inside. The discharge may start to smell a bit if it dries up between your labia or in your underwear. Follow these tips to keep your vagina and vulva clean and healthy.

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Put on clean underwear every day
Your panties might smell a bit if you wear them for a long time. That is because discharge from your vagina is on them. Discharge is normal and healthy. But throw your panties in the wash after you’ve worn them once.
Use cotton underwear without a panty liner
Synthetic underwear and panty liners make you sweat more and may cause irritation in your vagina. This causes more discharge
Wash your labia with lukewarm water, but not with soap. Don’t use vaginal soap either
Don’t use soap to wash your labia, as this will upset the acid balance in your vagina. You may end up with itching, irritation, yeast infections (thrush), bacterial vaginosis and pain when having sex. So, wash with water only.
Don’t wash your vagina on the inside. It keeps itself clean
Don’t use vaginal soap either. Washing your vagina with it disrupts the pH balance. This can lead to itching, irritation, yeast infections (thrush), bacterial vaginosis and pain when having sex.
Does your discharge suddenly smell completely different? Go to a doctor
Has something in your discharge changed? Is your discharge perhaps much thicker, thinner, a different color or has a bad smell? Do you have pain or itching? Make an appointment to see your doctor. You may have a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or an STI. STI testing is also possible at the Sexual Health Centre of the Public Health Department.
Wipe from the front to the back when you go to the toilet
First along your vulva, then back towards your buttocks. This way, bacteria from your anus cannot get into your urethra. It is how you avoid getting a bladder infection or a yeast infection.
Pee after having sex
When you have sex, sometimes bacteria (your partner’s or your own) get into the urethra. By emptying your bladder completely after having sex, you flush out any bacteria from the urethra. This also prevents a bladder infection.
Periods? Change sanitary pads and tampons regularly
Change pads and tampons every few hours. Don’t use them for longer than 8 hours. They may start to cause irritation.
Look at your vulva and vagina in a mirror
A penis is prominent; your vulva and vagina are not. Because of this, some women have never seen their own vagina. But the more you know about how your vagina works, feels and looks, the easier it is to take care of it. And the better you are prepared for sex. Use a mirror and take a look for yourself.