10 Tips for a Happier, Healthier Vulva
Turns out, vulva care doesn’t just mean choosing the best sex toy (but it definitely helps). It also means taking care of your health so you can feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Your vulva can have major impacts on your overall health—and good vulva health starts with understanding your body and knowing what works for you. So, here’s a few tips and tricks to keep your vulva happy and healthy.
#1 - Wear Cotton Undies (or Go Commando)
When it comes to underwear, breathability is everything. Cotton lets air in and absorbs moisture, so you won’t have to worry about uncomfortable itching, bad odors, or infections. And if you want less laundry, it’s totally OK to go commando when you’re just lounging around the house.
#2 - Eat a Vagina-Friendly Diet
Your vagina relies on bacteria to fight infections. Probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt, cheese, and kombucha) can help you maintain a healthy balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria.
If you’re constantly getting UTIs, talk to your doctor and try some at-home UTI prevention tricks. With some simple changes, you can stop harmful bacteria in their tracks, so you can say goodbye to that vagina-on-fire feeling.
#3 - Practice Your Kegels
If you’re not already doing them, here’s your sign to tighten those pelvic floor muscles. Kegels are pretty simple: you just squeeze and relax your pelvic floor muscles—the ones around your vagina, anus, and urethra that you use to prevent leakage.
When you have strong vaginal muscles, you’ll have better sex. You can even do them when you’re hanging out at home or during your next Zoom call. Win-win!
#4 - Use Water-Based Lube
Lube prevents micro-tears in the vagina, but petroleum-based lube can actually irritate the area even more. And if you’re using silicone sex toys, you’ll want to skip silicone-based lube. If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly option, water-based lube can be a game-changer.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of lube, either! It’s worth starting with small travel-sized bottles until you find the perfect fit for your vagina.
#5 - Get Regular Sexual Health Checks
It might sound obvious, but you shouldn’t skip your sexual health checks. During check-ups, your OB-GYN can check for problems like warts and infections to keep your vagina healthy.
No matter how tempting it might be, don’t avoid your pap smear, either. They usually happen every three years, and they’re over in just a few minutes. If you’re feeling anxious, talk to your doctor! Your health is SO important, and your doctor can walk you through all the steps so you feel comfortable during your appointment.
#6 - Try Yoni Meditation
Your yoni (AKA your vulva/vagina/sex organ) is the gateway to pleasure, but so many people store pain and trauma in this area. So, if you’re having a mental block with masturbation, yoni meditation might be the tool you need to turn self-pleasure into a fulfilling experience. By tuning into your mind and body, you can be more present and open yourself to new feelings.
#7 - Practice Safe After-Sex Care
Even if you don’t feel like you have to pee, it’s the most important thing you should do after sex. Peeing after sex is essential if you’re prone to UTIs since it flushes out harmful bacteria from your urethra.
It’s not always easy (especially if you just had some mind-blowing sex), but make a habit of peeing after sex and solo play—even if you only did foreplay or used a few toys.
#8 - Ditch the Razor
To shave or not to shave? Pubic hair protects your vulva from bacteria and viruses. It also shields sensitive skin from friction during sex.
If you’re tired of razor burn, itching, and annoying ingrown hairs, it’s completely fine to skip shaving. As long as you regularly clean your pubic hair, you won’t have to worry about any health risks. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and pubes are never something you should ever feel embarrassed about.
#9 - Track Your Periods
Period tracking is a useful tool for understanding your cycle, knowing when you’re fertile, and recognizing any irregularities. You track how heavy your bleeding is, any physical symptoms, mood swings, and the consistency of your discharge.
If you’re worried about privacy issues, you don’t have to use a tracking app. You could use a calendar, write notes in a notebook, or keep records in the Notes section of your phone.
#10 - Indulge in Self-Pleasure
Self-pleasure is important. It’s an amazing opportunity to explore your desires and treat yourself to some seriously good sensations. And if that’s not convincing enough, regular masturbation comes with tons of health benefits—from lower stress to better sleep.
So, grab your favorite vibrator and get buzzing! If you’re not sure where to start, Iridescence comes equipped with 12 tantalizing vibration settings and three dominating intensities, so you’re sure to find the perfect setting for every mood.
Shop Iridescence for a happier, healthier vulva. Your body will thank you!