4 Habits That Are Harming Your Vagina

Young woman holds paper with sad smile and question mark above crotch

Face it. Vaginas are high maintenance. From the monthly bleeding to the regular discharge, they are very particular reproductive organs. It doesn’t take a lot to throw them out of whack, and it can be difficult to figure out the root cause of their unhappiness.

Believe it or not, there are a lot of common practices women participate in regularly that can solve the mystery of the dissatisfied vagina.

1) Sitting in a Wet Bathing Suit

If you are prone to yeast or urinary tract infections, don’t sit around in a wet bathing suit. This can leave water residue on the skin and lead to an imbalance of bacteria within the vagina, increasing your chances of contracting infections.  So, if you find yourself in a situation where a bathing suit is necessary, try to bring a set of clothes to change into afterward. Your vagina will thank you.

2) Smoking

Smoking reduces blood flow to the genitals and can lead to an uncomfortable, dry vagina. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), smoking puts women at a higher risk of getting cervical cancer. Women who smoke experience more severe premenstrual symptoms and have a 50% increase in cramps lasting two or more days. If you haven’t decided to give up smoking yet, these are some compelling reasons to quit, if not for you, for your vagina.

3) Consuming Too Much Sugar

If you find yourself getting yeast infections frequently, you might want to look at your diet and drinking habits closely. A diet high in sugar and alcohol may promote excessive yeast growth. This doesn’t mean you have to cut out sweets or the occasional glass of wine completely, but if you get a lot of yeast infections, it might be worth reducing sugar and alcohol to see if that helps.

4) Wearing Synthetic Panties

Synthetic panties are cute and fun to wear, but they cannot soak up enough sweat, and they don’t give moisture a chance to dry out. A better choice is cotton panties, especially in the hot summer. It is important to avoid suffocating the vulva and vagina with non-breathable fabrics.

Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ, but it still needs regular care, and making simple hygiene mistakes can lead to a lot of troubles down there. At South Avenue Women’s Services, your reproductive health and wellness is our top priority. Our medical professionals provide a wide range of women’s wellness services.

If you are experiencing unusual discharge, itchiness, or suspect you are suffering from an infection, call us today at (585)271-3850 to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable professional.