@thegreylayers

We’re constantly trying new things, from skin care products to superfoods, to further improve our well-being. So why shouldn’t it be the same for our vaginas, too?

Not only should we be taking care of our vaginas to stay healthy, we should also be maintaining it for hygienic purposes (especially if you’re sexually active). So if you’re looking to try out new methods for better vaginal health, here are some tried and true methods to maintain your lovely lady parts.

And as always, consult your doctor or physician before trying anything new.

Steaming
Gwyneth Paltrow raised some eyebrows when she wrote about this technique, but there are actually quite a few benefits. Steaming can reduce cramping, treat yeast infections, regulate menstrual cycles, and decrease bloating — just to name a few. You can steam at home or steam at a spa while medicinal and aromatic herbs work to cleanse the entire system.

Bare Bottom Sleeping
Since bacteria can hang out and grow in moist, dark places, some OB-GYNs recommend not wearing your undies to bed. It can also help relieve some itching and irritation. But if you still like to wear undergarments to bed, then breathable cotton is the best choice.

Kegel Exercises
Your pelvic floor muscles can be weakened due to many factors including pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, or aging. However, Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum — and you can do them anywhere!

H2O Only
Even though drugstore shelves are full of vaginal soaps, you only need water down there because the vagina is a self-cleaning oven! Your vagina has its own pH level, so if you kill off all the bacteria with soap, it’ll create dryness and the potential for bacterial overgrowth. Simply use hot water to avoid disrupting the pH levels.

Bring the Bush Back
We know, we know. It’s not what you want to hear, but the women in the ’70s were onto something. Letting your pubic hair be is actually the safest and healthiest way to maintain your vaginal health. Why? It decreases the risk of infections caused from ingrown hairs, cuts, and abrasions, and protects against harmful bacteria from entering the area. While it all comes down to personal preference, just know that the bush is beautiful too!

xx, The FabFitFun Team