The vagina is designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions (discharge). Find out how to help your vagina keep clean and healthy – and why you don’t need douches or vaginal wipes.

The vagina is a tube of muscle inside a woman’s body that runs from the cervix (the opening of the womb) to the vaginal opening. The external s*x organs, which are called the Arrow, surround the vaginal opening. Looking after your everyday health can help keep your vagina in good shape, says Dr Suzy Elneil, consultant in urogynaecology at University College Hospital, London, and spokesperson for Wellbeing of Women. “Generally, good vaginal health is maintained by making sure you’re in good general health,” she explains. “This includes healthy diet and exercise. Normal exercise helps maintain good vaginal function, as walking and running helps the pelvic floor to tone up and helps ensure good general health.”

Find out more about having a healthy diet, exercise and keeping fit, and pelvic floor exercises.

Vaginal secretions or discharge
Other than your period as part of your natural menstrual cycle, it’s normal to produce clear or white secretions (discharge) from your vagina. This mucus is produced naturally from the neck of the womb, known as the cervix.
“Vaginal discharge is not ‘always a bad sign’,” says Dr Elneil. “There is a myth that copious clear or white discharge is associated with sexually transmitted infections. Changes in the amount of discharge can be 100% hormonal – in other words, linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause.”

The character and amount of vaginal discharge varies throughout your menstrual cycle. Around the time that your ovary releases an egg (ovulation), your discharge usually becomes thicker and stretchy, like raw egg white.
Healthy discharge doesn’t have a strong smell or colour. You may feel an uncomfortable wetness, but you shouldn’t have any itching or soreness around your vagina. If there are any changes to your discharge that aren’t normal for you, such as a change in colour or if it starts to smell or itch, see your GP as you might have an infection.

You can find out more about vaginal discharge, pregnancy and the menopause.

Bacteria in the vagina
There are lots of bacteria inside the vagina, and they’re there to protect it. Professor Ronnie Lamont, spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says: “The vagina contains more bacteria than anywhere else in the body after the bowel, but the bacteria are there for a reason.”

The good bacteria inside the vagina:
provide “numerical dominance”: they outnumber other potential harmful bacteria that might enter the vagina
help to keep the vagina’s pH balance (how acidic the vagina is) at an even level, which helps to keep the balance of bacteria healthy
can produce bacteriocins (naturally occurring antibiotics) to reduce or kill other bacteria entering the vagina
produce a substance that stops invading bacteria sticking to the vagina walls, which prevents bacteria from invading the tissues
If the balance of bacteria is disturbed, this can lead to infection and inflammation. Bacteria called lactobacilli help to keep the vagina’s pH balance at its normal low level (less than pH 4.5), which also prevents the growth of other organisms. If the pH of the vagina increases (in other words, if it gets less acidic), the quality or amount of lactobacilli can fall and other bacteria can multiply. This can result in infections such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, which can cause symptoms including itching, irritation and abnormal discharge.

Washing your vagina
It’s a good idea to avoid perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vagina, and cause irritation.

Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina (the Arrow) gently every day. The vagina will clean itself inside your body with natural vaginal secretions (discharge). “During your period, washing more than once a day may be helpful,” says Dr Elneil, who points out that keeping the perineal area (between the vagina and anus) clean is important too. “Good perineal hygiene is necessary, by washing that area at least once a day using your normal bathing routines.”
All women are different,” says Professor Lamont. “Some may wash with perfumed soap and not notice any problems. But if a woman has vulval irritation or symptoms, then one of the first things you can do is to use non-allergenic, plain soaps to see if that helps.”

Vaginal douches
A douche flushes water up into the vagina, clearing out vaginal secretions. Some women use a douche to “clean” the vagina, but using a douche can disrupt the normal vaginal bacteria so it isn’t recommended that you use one.
“I can’t think of any circumstances where douches are helpful, because all they do is wash out everything that’s in the vagina, including all the healthy bacteria,” explains Professor Lamont.
There is no evidence that douching protects against STIs or vaginal infections, and it may even increase the risk.

Scented wipes and vaginal deodorants
These perfumed products can disrupt the vagina’s healthy, natural balance. “If nature had intended the vagina to smell like roses or lavender, it would have made the vagina smell like roses or lavender,” says Professor Lamont.

Washing with water and a plain soap should be all you need to keep your vagina healthy. It’s normal for the vagina to have a scent. “Vaginal odour can change at different times of the reproductive cycle and shouldn’t always be thought of as being a sign of infection or illness,” says Dr Elneil.

If you’re worried about the way your vagina smells, if the smell is unpleasant, or you’re using perfumed products to cover up your vagina’s smell, you should see your GP. You might have an infection that needs treatment.

The most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis, which can cause an unpleasant smell. It’s easily treated with antibiotics, so see your GP if you’re worried. You can find out more about symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, symptoms of thrush and symptoms that could signal a sexually transmitted infection.

Safer s*x
Some bacteria and viruses can get into the vagina during s*x . These include the bugs that cause chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis and HIV. You can protect your vagina against these infections by using a condom every time you haves*x .
Find out some tips about using condoms.

Cervical screening
All women aged from 25 to 64 are invited for cervical screening. Being screened regularly means that any abnormal changes in the cervix can be identified early on and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing. Find out more about cervical screening.

Health section pls

Lala247:
Health section pls

when did you become a mod

lordthree:

when did you become a mod

Did u just quote me ... Chizus .. See how im here minding my own biz .. Pls dont upset me today just leave me

Iranu abasha!!!!!

Lala247:


Did u just quote me ... Chizus .. See how im here minding my own biz .. Pls dont upset me today just leave me

wasnt trying to upset you, was just wondering, Literally had to check your profile to see if you were a mod.

try not to be too uptight.

lordthree:

wasnt trying to upset you, was just wondering, Literally had to check your profile to see if you were a mod.

try not to be too uptight.

Im not upset cant u see me here looking at u ..

So u think this topic is romantic ba ?

Just stating d obv .. Lol nehoo c u later have fun

Wash it with omo and acid

Very informative read thank you.


#ILoveMyV.J

looking after your VJ is really simple I don't know how come many ladies are walking around with smelly Vjs.

Just wash it with pure water but use a towel cloth to wash in between the labia. That where need to be cleaned the most as the vaginal cleans it self out.
But wash between your things around the outer labia with soap and a towel cloth not forgetting the perineum and anu...s. thats where need total cleaning.


Another mistake most ladies make is that when they are having their periods they don't change their pads often enough. No matter what it is that you use, be it pads or tampons. Make sure you change it at-least five times doing the day. (don't tell me you too busy for that, there's public toilets everywhere> It will help keep you fresher and prevent infection.


And ladies that G string, when you're home, make sure you avoid it as much as possible, wear your cotton underwear.

Chiam55:
Very informative read thank you.


#ILoveMyV.J

pic of u loving your abunna or wedonbilivit

Yeah g string is a no no for me that is bacterial magnet. The most I've worn one is 5hrs max if I'm going out that night.

I use to wash deep inside lol not knowing I was washing away the friendly stuff when I was a teenager

And girls you always wipe front to back!

Avoid wearing tight jeans all the time and wear loss garments or skirts and dress to help ventilate.

Lala247:
Health section pls

#sharpmouthed
Btw, you don reach here again fa!

Omg I sat next to one chick on the bus and all I could smell was stalled pad like she been wearing that pad for days

I had to stylishly move seats in case people mistake that smell is coming from me. I don't get it. Women are usually most conscious about smells at that time of the month. Carrying body spray and using it like it's a religious requirement.

rokiatu:
looking after your VJ is really simple I don't know how come many ladies are walking around with smelly Vjs.

Just wash it with pure water but use a towel cloth to wash in between the labia. That where need to be cleaned the most as the vaginal cleans it self out.
But wash between your things around the outer labia with soap and a towel cloth not forgetting the perineum and anu...s. thats where need total cleaning.


Another mistake most ladies make is that when they are having their periods they don't change their pads often enough. No matter what it is that you use, be it pads or tampons. Make sure you change it at-least five times doing the day. (don't tell me you too busy for that, there's public toilets everywhere> It will help keep you fresher and prevent infection.


And ladies that G string, when you're home, make sure you avoid it as much as possible, wear your cotton underwear.

Bardolino:


pic of u loving your abunna or wedonbilivit

Pls dnt belivit

Chiam55:

Omg I sat next to one chick on the bus and all I could smell was stalled pad like she been wearing that pad for days

I had to stylishly move seats in case people mistake that smell is coming from me. I don't get it. Women are usually most conscious about smells at that time of the month. Carrying body spray and using it like it's a religious requirement.

LMAOOOO my belle ooohh.

Thats just so embarrassing for her. As women we should be very cautious of our down below. As u know so many things come out of there and goes in there..


Smelly vagina..l is like my biggest phobia. So I do everything to look after mine oooh.

how dis one take concern me

Chiam55:


Pls dnt belivit

I know right I felt like crying for her bbe.

Lol! You just reminded me: When I was in primary school so we were like eleven and some girls had already hit puberty at this point like my friend she had c cup boobs and she had jst started her period. So we were just running around the playground like you do at that age. Just chasing each other. There was boys playing with us and this mix race boy we all fancied was chasing my friend and we ran aft them. Didn't her pad just fall out of her knickers lmao! ! She had on one big fvckin pad that was the size of a diaper and it lands on the floor. Jason steps on it and starts screaming jumping up and down and wiping his shoe like he stepped on shi. Babe we died.I was I literally lie on the floor holding my stomach. We laughed so hard I nearly threw up. Bless her man when I think back now. I would've changed school, name, nationality and country if that ever happen to me. We gave her hell for the remaining months before we went to separate high schools.

rokiatu:
LMAOOOO my belle ooohh.

Thats just so embarrassing for her. As women we should be very cautious of our down below. As u know so many things come out of there and goes in there..


Smelly vagina..l is like my biggest phobia. So I do everything to look after mine oooh.

Chiam55:
I know right I felt like crying for her bbe.

Lol! You just reminded me: When I was in primary school so we were like eleven and some girls had already hit puberty at this point like my friend she had c cup boobs and she had jst started her period. So we were just running around the playground like you do at that age. Just chasing each other. There was boys playing with us and this mix race boy we all fancied was chasing my friend and we ran aft them. Didn't her pad just fall out of her knickers lmao! ! She had on one big fvckin pad that was the size of a diaper and it lands on the floor. Jason steps on it and starts screaming jumping up and down and wiping his shoe like he stepped on shi. Babe we died.I was I literally lie on the floor holding my stomach. We laughed so hard I nearly threw up. Bless her man when I think back now. I would've changed school, name, nationality and country if that ever happen to me. We gave her hell for the remaining months before we went to separate high schools.

ROTFL.. LWKMD ...LMAO

Chiam55:
I know right I felt like crying for her bbe.

Lol! You just reminded me: When I was in primary school so we were like eleven and some girls had already hit puberty at this point like my friend she had c cup boobs and she had jst started her period. So we were just running around the playground like you do at that age. Just chasing each other. T[b]here was boys playing with us and this mix race boy we all fancied was chasing my friend and we ran aft them. Didn't her pad just fall out of her knickers lmao! ! She had on one big fvckin pad that was the size of a diaper and it lands on the floor. Jason steps on it and starts screaming jumping up and down and wiping his shoe like he stepped on shi. Babe we died.I was I literally lie on the floor holding my stomach. We laughed so hard I nearly threw up. Bless her man when I think back now.[/b] I would've changed school, name, nationality and country if that ever happen to me. We gave her hell for the remaining months before we went to separate high schools.

Ohhhhh poor thing...chioooe my days...Oh boy.

kinglekan:



ROTFL.. LWKMD ...LMAO

Lol! See what women have to deal with. I was evil when I was young. If I witnessed that now I'd cover for the girl maybe jump on the pad and stylishly stand ontop of it to cover up her embarrassment.

marieolae:
I've actually realised that using fem-wash/harsh soaps cause deadly odours down there..
Even normal soaps do not react with our V jays really well..
Normal warm water will do the job quite well,, Honestly
There's no excuse at all...!!

I fell for that femfresh hype til my gyno told me it's a no no. Babe regular baths and clean cotton underwear does wonders. They just trying to make money with all these perfumed wipes and think that's for dirty ppl who nah bath. Lol

Chiam55:


[b]I fell for that femfresh hype til my gyno told me it's a no no. Babe regular baths and clean cotton underwear does wonders. They just trying to make money with all these perfumed wipes [/b]and think that's for dirty ppl who nah bath. Lol

Well the sad thing is that many girls don't know yet.

Chiam55:


Lol! See what women have to deal with. I was evil when I was young. If I witnessed that now I'd cover for the girl maybe jump on the pad and stylishly stand ontop of it to cover up her embarrassment.

U were so EVILLLLLL then ooo!!



But its just so hilarious. How does dt shii fall off. Tot it has wings that clips the undies.

Swear down...
I just wish some girls knew this..It's such a turn off,, even in relationships..
How some girls can be walking around with a fishy v-jay and not feel awkward,, I don't understand
This topic get's to me because I've been friends with quite a few unhygienic ladies..

Chiam55:


I fell for that femfresh hype til my gyno told me it's a no no. Babe regular baths and clean cotton underwear does wonders. They just trying to make money with all these perfumed wipes and think that's for dirty ppl who nah bath. Lol

.

kinglekan:


U were so EVILLLLLL then ooo!!



But its just so hilarious. How does dt shii fall off. Tot it has wings that clips the undies.

Loool it was the 90's wings weren't around. What she should've done was wear trousers or tights under skirt lol! Young white girls loved their short skirts with there underwear flashing now and again at that age. My African mum would always make me wear cycling shorts under my skirts. I'm glad.

stephenqueen:
Iranu abasha!!!!!

shoro niyen