WOMEN: 5 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR LADY PARTS HEALTHY AND HAPPY

Every part of the body needs care in order for the entire body to work properly. And one of the most intimate parts on a woman’s body, should be no different. See some simple, but effective tips for vaginal health.

1. Wash with warm water only.
Maybe this may sound strange but PSA: your vagina hates soap! A healthy woman’s vagina stays quite clean on its own without the help of harsh chemicals and cleansers. Like many parts of the body, your vagina has a pH level that needs to be maintained. Soap and other cleansers such as douches or feminine sprays not only create an imbalance in your pH often causing the growth of unhealthy bacteria, they rid your lady parts of the good bacteria that helps you fight off infections! That scented body wash may be awesome, but it doesn’t belong anywhere near your genitals. Soap can be really drying to the sensitive skin around your vulva, and you really only need to rinse with warm water to keep things clean down there. So ladies, lets not underestimate the power of H2O.

2. Antibiotics are not always your friend.
Another threat to your nether region’s good bacteria are antibiotics. Those pills can kill off some of that wonderful lactobacilli that keep your vagina healthy, says Minkin. Obviously, if you have to take an antibiotic to fight infection, you shouldn’t pass up the prescription, just load up on probiotic Greek yogurt to reduce the damage.

3. Wear cotton underwear.
Cotton underwear dries quickly and allows air to flow freely through the fabric. This prevents the development of damp conditions that promote the growth of yeast and unhealthy bacteria that might lead to an infection. Underwear made from synthetic fabrics, silk, lace or other materials doesn’t breathe as well. f you like wearing underwear made from fabrics other than cotton, make sure the section of the underwear that will be touching your vagina has a cotton liner.4. Pee after sex.

At the very least, pee after sex, even if you intend on washing, too. When you have sex, unwanted bacteria can travel up the urethra, which is connected to your bladder. Peeing after sex can help flush the bacteria out of the vaginal area, promoting general health and helping you avoid UTIs.

5. Eat lots of fruit.
Cranberries, pineapples, strawberries and other fruits help to freshen the smell of the liquids secreted by the vagina. Eating fruits won’t make your vagina smell like a tropical island, but it can help you develop a more pleasant scent if that’s something you’re concerned about. Fruit also has a high water content, and staying hydrated helps flush the body of toxins that can lead to bad smells.