It is important to know the dos and don’ts when it comes to
vaginal care in order to prevent infection, odour and
irritation.
A smelly vagina can be very embarrassing and humiliating in many different situations, both casual and intimate.
1. Wash the vagina at least twice daily. If you work out,
sweat excessively, or are involved in some other sweat-
inducing activity, then wash after each activity. Make sure
you change your undergaments at least daily and wash them
in hot water to kill any stubborn bacteria. This will help to
get rid of sweat and bacteria may have been trapped,
leaving you feeling and smelling better.
2. Do not douche; don’t use antiseptic soaps or body scrubs
to wash your vagina. These products make the vagina
unfavourable for good bacteria and impact on vagina health
causing candida super-infection (the one popularly called
“toilet infection”).
3. Always eat plain, unflavoured yogurt regularly or take
probiotics. These have live active bacteria that contribute to
the healthy ecological balance of the vagina.
4. Always keep your vagina dry, except you are having
sexual intercourse. Keeping moisture and sweat down there
is a recipe for bad odour and poor vagina health.
5. Always change your tampons or pads regularly if you use
them during your periods. The longer they stay, the faster
the bacteria on them will breed, causing potential
infections. You shall also avoid pads or tampons with
deodorants, sprays or other chemicals.
6. Avoid having multiple sexual partners. Studies show a
correlation of multiple s3x partners with recurring
infections of bacterial vaginosis.
7. Always wear cotton underwear or other fabrics that fit
you well and allow space to “air out” your vagina. Also
avoid wearing tight-fitting pants as they rub against the
vagina causing irritation that can contribute to infections.
8. Always eat healthy diet that contains fruits and
vegetables and avoid highly processed foods and sugar.
Highly processed foods and sugars change the pH of your
vagina and affect its health. Sweet vagina smell and taste
can be produced by vegetables, fruits and spices like
cinnamon, peppermint, and cardamom. On the other hand,
foods such as coffee, onions, meat, dairy, garlic and strong
spices have the potential of changing your vaginal odor to
something very unpleasant. At least keep it tasty for guyz
who suck the flower!
9. Avoid taking a long bath in a bathtub with still water.
This is because the dirt, sweat, and bacteria that are not
washed away would affect you. Bacteria from other parts of
the body could easily find their way to the vagina when this
is done.
10. Always wipe from front to back after using a bathroom.
This prevents the introduction of bacteria from the rectum
into the vagina.