Let’s be real—vaginas are amazing. They’re self-cleaning, ever-adapting, and downright resilient. Yet, despite their impressive capabilities, myths and misinformation about vaginal health continue to swirl, leaving many people second-guessing what’s normal and what’s cause for concern. From unnecessary (and sometimes harmful) hygiene habits to the impact of diet and sexual activity, we’re here to set the record straight.

To help us get to the bottom of all things vaginal health, we spoke with Dr. Michael Reed, a Board-Certified Functional and Cosmetic OB-GYN, who shared expert advice on keeping your vagina in tip-top shape. Spoiler alert: it’s simpler than you think.

The Truth About Vaginal Health: What to Do (and What to Avoid)

First things first—your vagina is not a DIY science experiment. It doesn’t need floral-scented washes, aggressive scrubbing, or secret home remedies to stay fresh. According to Dr. Reed, “Your vagina is a self-cleaning, well-oiled machine. It doesn’t need intense scrubbing, special washes, or magic potions to stay healthy.” In fact, over-cleansing can do more harm than good by disrupting the natural balance of bacteria that keep infections at bay.

So, what’s the best way to maintain vaginal health? Keep it simple. Good hygiene means washing the external area (the vulva) with gentle, unscented soap and warm water—nothing more. Safe sex practices and regular check-ups are equally important. As for common mistakes? “Douching (just don’t), using fragranced soaps down there, and ignoring persistent discomfort or unusual discharge,” Dr. Reed advises.

Your body has a way of communicating with you—don’t ghost it.

How Diet, Hydration, and Lifestyle Affect Your Vaginal Health

What you eat and drink doesn’t just affect your waistline—it impacts your vagina, too. “Think of your vagina like a thriving ecosystem—it’s sensitive, dynamic, and deeply influenced by what you put in your body,” Dr. Reed explains. Hydration is key, as vaginal tissues need moisture to maintain natural lubrication. Without enough water, dryness and discomfort can set in.

A balanced diet also plays a major role. Foods rich in probiotics (like yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha) help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, while leafy greens and healthy fats support hormone balance. On the flip side, too much sugar and processed food can feed harmful bacteria and yeast, increasing the risk of infections.

Lifestyle choices also matter. “Stress, lack of sleep, and smoking can mess with your hormones, which in turn affects your vaginal health,” Dr. Reed notes. Bottom line? Treat your body well, and your vagina will thank you.

Busting Common Myths About Vaginal Hygiene

Misinformation about vaginal health is rampant, and many people unknowingly adopt habits that do more harm than good. Dr. Reed breaks down three of the biggest myths:

You need to wash inside your vagina to keep it clean. Nope! Your vagina cleans itself. Washing internally or using douches can disrupt the good bacteria that prevent infections. “Stick to gentle, unscented soap on the vulva (the external area), and rinse with warm water,” Dr. Reed advises.
A strong scent means something is wrong. Vaginas naturally have a mild scent, and it varies throughout your cycle. A musky odour? Normal. A strong fishy or yeasty smell? That could signal an infection and warrants a doctor’s visit.
Tight underwear or thongs cause infections. Not necessarily. While breathable fabrics like cotton help keep moisture levels balanced, yeast and bacterial infections aren’t caused by thongs alone—they stem from imbalances in vaginal flora.

Spotting the Signs: When Something Isn’t Right

Your vagina is great at giving you signals when something is off—you just have to pay attention. According to Dr. Reed, symptoms like itchiness, burning, unusual discharge, or strong odours are all signs that something might be wrong.

Here’s what to watch for:

Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge and itching? Likely a yeast infection.
Thin, greyish discharge with a fishy smell? Could be bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Greenish or yellowish discharge, pain, or bleeding after sex? Might be an STD/STI—get tested.
Extreme dryness, pain during sex, or sudden changes in discharge? Could be hormonal imbalances, especially around menopause or postpartum.

If symptoms don’t improve in a few days, don’t self-diagnose—see a doctor. “Your vaginal health is just as important as any other part of your body,” Dr. Reed emphasizes.

The Link Between Sexual Activity and Vaginal Health

Sex has benefits beyond pleasure—it promotes blood flow, strengthens pelvic floor muscles, and supports natural lubrication. But what happens if you’re not sexually active? No, your vagina won’t shrivel up and disappear. However, as Dr. Reed points out, “some people (especially postmenopausal individuals) may experience vaginal dryness or tightness over time, which can make sex less comfortable when they do engage again.”

To keep things comfortable, vaginal moisturizers and lube can help, while regular orgasms (solo or partnered) can improve pelvic floor strength and vaginal tissue health. “So, if anyone needed a doctor’s note for more orgasms—consider this it,” Dr. Reed jokes.

Another key factor? Safe sex. Communicating with partners, using protection, and getting regular STI screenings are crucial for maintaining overall vaginal health.

When to Seek Medical Help for Vaginal Discomfort

Pain, itching, or discomfort aren’t things you should just ‘put up with.’ If symptoms persist for more than a few days, disrupt your daily life, or keep coming back, it’s time to see a doctor. “Pain is not 'normal.' Discomfort is not something you just have to ‘deal with,’” Dr. Reed states. “You deserve to feel good in your body.”

Common reasons to seek medical advice include:

Recurring infections that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
Pain during sex that doesn’t improve with lube or vaginal moisturizers
Unusual bleeding, especially after sex or between periods
Severe dryness or irritation that affects your comfort

Your vaginal health is just as important as the rest of your body’s well-being. If something feels off, trust your instincts and talk to a healthcare professional.

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Maintaining good vaginal health doesn’t have to be complicated. It all comes down to balance—sticking to gentle hygiene habits, nourishing your body with the right foods, staying hydrated, and paying attention to any changes. Dr. Reed reminds us that “your vagina is a self-cleaning, well-oiled machine,” and less is often more when it comes to vaginal care.

By debunking common myths, recognizing the signs of potential issues, and embracing open conversations about sexual health, we can break the stigma and ensure that everyone feels confident and informed about their bodies.

So, go ahead—treat your vagina with the care and respect it deserves. It’s been doing a pretty great job looking out for you, after all!

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