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8 tips to keep your vagina happy and healthy

Your vagina is home to many friendly bacteria. A change or imbalance in these bacteria can lead to infections. Read our simple tips to keep your vagina healthy.

The vagina, like the rest of our body, needs to be kept clean. All it takes are a few simple changes to be followed regularly. Vaginal health depends upon your overall health and immunity. Besides these tips, a healthy diet, regular exercise, sound sleep, and reduced stress are essential for good health.

  1. Yeast infections

    Excessive growth of yeast can trigger infections. They are quite common. Yeast is naturally present in the vagina. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections are itchiness, soreness, burning sensation while passing urine or during intercourse, or white or colourless discharge.
    You can also catch yeast infection if your immune system is down or if you take antibiotics. 

    Yoghurt and probiotics help counter yeast infections as they have anti-fungal, antibiotic, and antibacterial properties. However, one must immediately consult a doctor if any of these symptoms occur.

  2. Birth control and yeast infections

    If you’re a yeast infection prone woman or have experienced repeated yeast infections, consult your doctor before going on birth control with high levels of estrogen. Consider switching to birth control that is predominantly progesterone.

  3. Healthy undies

    That sexy lingerie could also mean trouble. For regular wear, always go for cotton or silk lingerie. They absorb moisture and help to keep the vagina dry. It is better to avoid synthetic, nylon, or blended materials that hold moisture close to the skin. The fancy, sexy lingerie can be used for special days!

  4. Scented products: stay away

    Scented soaps, deodorants, and perfumed pads or tampons can disrupt the vagina’s natural balance. The vaginal smells in a certain way because it is meant to do so. The vagina can also clean itself.

    Just don’t forget to change your pads and tampons regularly, otherwise, they can provide a home for nasty bacteria to grow.

  5. Keep things dry

    It is advisable not to sit around in your wet swimsuit or sweaty gym clothes. Moisture can give bacteria a happy space to grow. Also, try to avoid extremely tight fitting pantyhose, tights, jeans, and leggings for long periods. Even they can cause bacteria to grow and lead to infections. Opt for loose airy clothes like skirts, dresses that offer regular airflow.

  6. Daily cleaning

    The vagina should be cleaned properly daily. Front to back to avoid anal bacteria entering the vagina. All you need is water and a mild, unscented soap. There is no need for douching! That can just mess up the bacterial balance.

  7. Post-sex hygiene

    Cleaning up after intercourse or masturbation is important. It is advisable to pee after sex or take a shower with baby soap. Residual body fluids or lubricants may lead to infections. 

  8. Toilet trouble

    It is preferable to avoid western style public toilets unless they are disinfected well. You aren’t susceptible to yeast infections but public toilets could be infected with other dangerous and unknown bacteria. Better safe than sorry!

     

    Do you have any more tips or queries to share with us? Join our discussion on Facebook: Love Matters Naija and Love Matters Kenya.

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Recent Comments (106)

  1. teamlovers,lyk your advice
    teamlovers,lyk your advice

    1. Thank you Annie, we
      Thank you Annie, we appreciate your feedback.

    2. I love ur advice,love matters
      I love ur advice,love matters

      1. We appreciate your feedback…

        We appreciate your feedback Blessing and you are welcome.

    3. nice article very educative…
      nice article very educative and onto point

      1. Thank you! Keep it here for…

        Thank you! Keep it here for more educative content!

    4. The explanation you give out…
      The explanation you give out are very vital for our females .

      1. Hi Kevin, 

        Thank you. I am…

        Hi Kevin, 

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    5. Sleeping around with…
      Sleeping around with different men at the same time.

      Does men also suffer from candida?

      1. Hi Naomi, 

        Yes, men also…

        Hi Naomi, 

        Yes, men also get candida. The best thing to do when having sex with multiple partners is to have protected sex and as an alternative, you can go for STI tests with these men before having unprotected sex. 

      1. Hi Steve, 

        Thank you. Keep…

        Hi Steve, 

        Thank you. Keep it here for more informative content!

    6. Thanks alot have learned …
      Thanks alot have learned so many things from love matters

      1. You’re welcome, Magyy! Keep…

        You’re welcome, Magyy! Keep it here for more informative content!

  2. wat a tutelage!!! ..thank you
    wat a tutelage!!! ..thank you guys.

    1. You are most welcome Liz.
      You are most welcome Liz.

  3. thankyou for this,have been
    thankyou for this,have been having problems of yeast infections but atleast have known some causes and preventiion,thankyou.

    1. You are most welcome Liz.
      You are most welcome Liz.

        1. Hi Shany,

          Thank you! I am…

          Hi Shany,

          Thank you! I am glad you loved the article. Keep visiting Love Matters for more informative content. 

    2. Now you had Yeast infections…
      Now you had Yeast infections, how would you care for yr boy-lover in sex when yr vargina was itching you

      1. Visit the doctor to amend…
        Visit the doctor to amend the itch before sex.. Prevention is better than cure

        1. True. Thank you, Adesina for…

          True. Thank you, Adesina for your contribution! 

  4. Thanks alot you have taught…
    Thanks alot you have taught me much

    1. (No subject)
      You are welcome Nancy and we are glad this information is useful to you.

  5. Wow I hv learn something…
    Wow I hv learn something there n I will follow those intractions

    1. Mary, we are glad that you…
      Mary, we are glad that you found this article useful.

    1. Thank you for the feedback…
      Thank you for the feedback Jay.

  6. For 3months I have been…
    For 3months I have been using family planning pill’s as from last week my vagina has been itching badly with a smelly discharge what could be wrong?

    1. Hi Evelyn, Vaginal discharge…
      Hi Evelyn, Vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and healthy, usually there is no need to discuss it with a doctor. However, if you see any drastic changes in smell, color or quantity, especially in combination with itching, pain or redness, it could be a sign of infection. In that case, you must consult your doctor and get it checked.

    1. You are welcome Millyoung.
      You are welcome Millyoung.

  7. Wat if u r experencing a…
    Wat if u r experencing a white staf from yo vigina en pain after sex

    1. Hi Liz, during sex if you…
      Hi Liz, during sex if you get an orgasm a white fluid may come from your vagina. On the other hand if you are feeling pain during and after sex it could be either there is an infection or during penetration the vagina is not well lubricated causing the pain. Check out these articles;- https://lovematters.co.ke/making-love/sex-problems-how-to-overcome-them/painful-sex-time-to-listen-up
      https://lovematters.co.ke/making-love/ways-to-make-love/kunyaza-african-secret-to-female-orgasm

  8. I have got a problem kan you…
    I have got a problem kan you help plzz

    1. Hey Maurine, share with us…
      Hey Maurine, share with us and we shall support you.

  9. Thanks alot, I have also…
    Thanks alot, I have also learnt alot

  10. I have infection
    The…

    I have infection
    The discharge coming out of my part smell so bad.
    Please how can I get rid of it

    1. Hello happiness, apart from…

      Hello happiness, apart from smelly discharge, are you experiencing any other sign such as burning sensation while urinating or itchness, if yes you may consider getting medical attention for clear diagnosis and treatment. You may also check on your genital hygiene, how do you do it. Check out this article for more information: https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts

    1. Thank you. Keep reading our…

      Thank you. Keep reading our articles for more information.

    1. You are welcome Priscah.

      You are welcome Priscah.

  11. Have been treating it but is…
    Have been treating it but is not going what will I do

    1. Hey Faith, what have you…

      Hey Faith, what have you been treating? Have you consulted your health provider?

    1. You are welcome, Ameenat.

      You are welcome, Ameenat.

  12. Is septol soap okay. Because…
    Is septol soap okay. Because that what am using

    1. Hey Opeyemi, you can use…

      Hey Opeyemi, you can use warm water to wash your vulva, but it’s not a good idea to use soap, especially on your inner labia and inside your vagina. This is because soap can upset the natural balance of bacteria and actually make you more likely to get yeast (fungal) infections. It can also be a cause of itching and irritation or pain during intercourse. If you do choose to wash your labia with soap, use a gentle one without strong perfumes like baby soap. Check out the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy

  13. Good advice Wat about odour
    Good advice Wat about odour

    1. Hi Rosemary, every vagina…

      Hi Rosemary, every vagina has a certain smell. That’s natural and normal. There are sweat glands around your genitals that cause that smell. They are similar to the ones found in your armpits. But, if you start smelling fishy or unpleasantly different, go see a doctor. It could be a sign of infection. Check out the following article for additional tips;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts

  14. Good day love matters been…
    Good day love matters been treating yeast infection for a while now the other symptoms are gone but I’ve been dealing with a discharge till now. Pls help

    1. Hi Shontelle, vaginal…

      Hi Shontelle, vaginal discharge, odour, or smell, is normal. However, changes in quantity, texture, color and odour can be a sign for something that’s not right and this may require a close look by a healthcare provider. Have a look at the following articles for more information;- 
      https://lovemattersafrica.com/safe-sex/stds-stis/yeast-infections-top-facts

      https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/vaginal-discharge-and-odour-top-facts

  15. Love it it is really helpful
    Love it it is really helpful

    1. We love you right back Nana!…

      We love you right back Nana! Thank you for the feedback 🙂

  16. Pls Ma, can clove and…
    Pls Ma, can clove and garlic help in treating yeast infection?

    1. Hello Aisha, thank you for…

      Hello Aisha, thank you for reaching out to us. There are a lot of local and traditional remedies that are rumoured to be effective against a Yeast Infection. However, it is not advised to try these remedies as they could further complicate issues. Kindly see a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.

    1. Hi Joey, we are always…

      Hi Joey, we are always pleased to help.

    1. Hi Layla, 

      I am glad you…

      Hi Layla, 

      I am glad you loved the article. Keep visiting Love Matters for more informative content. 

    1. Hi there, 

      I am glad you…

      Hi there, 

      I am glad you loved the article. Keep visiting Love Matters for more informative content. 

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      I am glad you like our…

      Hi, 

      I am glad you like our content. Keep it Love Matters for more educative content. 

  17. Love matters Kenya u the…
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    1. Hello Anonymous, thank you…

      Hello Anonymous, thank you for your feedback, we appreciate it. Feel free to look through our website to find other articles that you may helpful.

  18. Love matters Kenya u r the…
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    1. Hello Ronnie, thank you for…

      Hello Ronnie, thank you for your feedback, we appreciate it. Feel free to look through our website to find other articles that you may helpful.

  19. Thanks I have learned…
    Thanks I have learned something new I nefa knew

    1. You’re welcome…

      You’re welcome Banqwistavoyence. Interesting name!

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  21. Thank you so much for your
    Thank you so much for your

    1. You’re welcome, Mercy!

      You’re welcome, Mercy!

    1. You’re welcome, Mercy!

      You’re welcome, Mercy!

  22. You’ve help me , that point…
    You’ve help me , that point of wester styl , kindly elongate

    1. Thank you, Sicily! Keep it…

      Thank you, Sicily! Keep it here for more great advice.

  23. I have been having yeast…
    I have been having yeast problem but i can consult a good doctor

    1. Yes, please consult a doctor…

      Yes, please consult a doctor for medication. 

  24. Awesome, thanks team love…
    Awesome, thanks team love matters, learned some new tips, kudos!

  25. Good lessons as always ?????
    Good lessons as always ?????

    1. Thank you, Lydiah!

      Thank you, Lydiah!

    1. You’re welcome, Zam!

      You’re welcome, Zam!

  26. Wow ? thank you so much now…
    Wow ? thank you so much now I won’t accuse my husband again

    1. Hi Joy, 

      You’re welcome! We…

      Hi Joy, 

      You’re welcome! We are glad that your husband is now a blameless man!

    1. Hi there, 

      You’re welcome!…

      Hi there, 

      You’re welcome! Keep it here for more informative content!

  27. You have really helped me,,,…
    You have really helped me,,,,av learned something new

    1. Good to know, Anne! Keep it…

      Good to know, Anne! Keep it here for more informative content!

  28. What if am always dry while having sex what should I do or eat to wet so that I can enjoy sex?

    1. Hi Mirry,

      Dryness could be caused by various factors such as certain contraceptives, anxiety, and menopause. Read this article to learn more: Why is my Vagina dry? If symptoms persist after trying solutions suggested in the article, you need to see your gynecologist for a complete diagnosis and treatment.

  29. I have learn new things like yeast which i did not know before, surely in general the topics are much productive learn new things from the topics

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