'Golden rule' women need to follow to keep vagina healthy is easy to follow

14 February 2024 , 17:44

1003     0

There's a 'golden rule' to follow when it comes to the health of your vagina (Stock Image) (Image: PhotoAlto)

Keeping your intimate area healthy is important, but with conflicting advice everywhere, it's hard to know how best to do it.

Stephanie Taylor, managing director of Kegel8, is trying to get women to take care of their intimate areas, and to realise the importance of "looking after number one" - our vaginas.

She likened it to the importance of looking after your skin, hair, and nails - body parts that often women obsess over. So it's time to give that energy to your intimate parts.

Stephanie shared tips to follow to ensure your vagina health is tip-top, and she also gave people a "golden rule" to follow when it comes to keeping healthy.

Her "golden rule" is ensuring that after you have sex, you pee. She says: "While there are many sex myths, you should believe this one…peeing after sex. That's because clearing your bladder instantly flushes out any bacteria in your vagina and urinary tract, cutting your risk of getting a UTI. You may not feel the sensation to go immediately after, but don't worry, as long as it's done within a reasonable amount of time you can relax."

A twitching eye can sometimes be serious - signs, symptoms and when to see a GP

Stephanie also recommended keeping your pubic hair, rather than shaving, as it serves a purpose. "It protects from bacteria and infections such as Folliculitis, absorbs sweat and acts as a buffer against friction", she shared.

Also, it's important that you know that "vaginas are actually self-cleaning thanks to good bacteria known as Lactobacilli and using perfumed shower gels, bubble baths, moisturisers and wipes can upset your carefully balanced pH levels, potentially leaving you with uncomfortable thrush or bacterial vaginosis." As a result of this, it's best to opt for perfume-free or sensitive products.

When it comes to choosing underwear, tight knickers may look sexy, but they can "contribute to a UTI", so it's important to choose breathable materials like cotton as it "helps to keep moisture at bay."

Staying hydrated is important day to day, and people should be aiming to drink two litres of water - but did you know that it's also key for your vaginal health? Stephanie explains: "Hitting the daily recommended H2O level can be a struggle, but if the promise of glowing skin and more energy doesn't incentivise you, maybe your vagina might.

"If you're dehydrated, the drier you'll be down there, which could lead to issues like an infection, itching or burning. Depending on how active you are, you should aim to drink between two and three litres of water a day. If the thought of tap water bores you, jazz it up with citrus fruits, cucumber and mint."

Staying hydrated is seriously important (Getty)

It's also key that when you've been exercising, whether you're a pavement pounder, or prefer the gym, that you get changed out of your sweaty clothes the moment you get home. Stephanie claimed that it's a "sin" to stay in used gym gear.

She said: "The thought of brunch after a sweaty workout might be a great motivator but staying in your gym clothes for too long is a sin.

"Sweaty clothes and underwear create the perfect breeding ground for bad bacteria, particularly if they’re tight and made from latex or polyester. So, have a quick shower and put on fresh clothes before you get on with the rest of your day."

Working your pelvic floor can also help your vaginal health - and it's best to not assume weak pelvic floors impact only older women. "If you ignore your pelvic floor, you could end up with bladder incontinence, prolapse or a loss of sensation during sex", Stephanie warned.

"Pelvic floor exercises should be part of your daily routine and if you need an extra helping hand, try a pelvic toner which uses electrical impulses to stimulate those all-important muscles."

'Half-moon' shape seen in eye could signal condition leading to a heart attack

Stephanie also gave some advice about periods, saying that it's important to change your pad or tampon "frequently (at least every 4 hours) and opt for a thicker night-time towel". She also warned to not leave tampons in too long, as if you do, you risk Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Danielle Kate Wroe