Common Hygiene Practices For Vaginal Health

Good vaginal health: Common hygiene practices

Key highlights or summary

  • A few simple hygiene practices can go a long way in protecting your vaginal health.
  • Avoid harsh cleansers and products that disrupt the natural pH of your vagina.
  • Wearing breathable clothing and practicing good menstrual hygiene are key.
  • Every woman’s body is different, so adapt these tips to your own needs. 

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  1. Chen, Y., Bruning, E., Rubino, J., & Eder, S. E. (2017). Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage. Women's health (London, England), 13(3), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745505717731011
  2. Zhang J., Thomas A.G., Leybovich E. Vaginal douching and adverse health effects: A meta-analysis. Am. J. Public Health. 1997;87:1207–1211. doi:10.2105/AJPH.87.7.1207. 
  3. Crann S.E., Cunningham S., Albert A., Money D.M., O’Doherty K.C. Vaginal health and hygiene practices and product use in Canada: A national cross-sectional survey. BMC Women’s Health. 2018;18:52. doi: 10.1186/s12905-018-0543-y.  
  4. Vagina: What's typical, what's not

Frequently asked questions

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Your vagina cleans itself naturally, so there is no need to clean inside. For the external area, use warm water and a mild, unscented cleanser if needed. Avoid harsh soaps and fragrances.

It is best to avoid feminine sprays, as they can irritate your skin and disrupt your natural pH balance. If you are concerned about odor, practicing good hygiene and wearing breathable fabrics should help.

Cotton underwear is the best choice because it is breathable and helps keep your intimate area dry. Synthetic fabrics can trap moisture, increasing the risk of irritation and infections.

No, douching is unnecessary and can actually harm your vaginal health. It disrupts the natural balance of bacteria and can lead to infections.

During your period, you should change your pads, tampons, or menstrual cups every 4 to 6 hours to maintain proper hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.