Six Habits For A Happier, Healthier Vagina

A healthy vagina is a happy vagina. Whether you’re using it for sex or just interested in keeping things down there running as smoothly as possible, here are some easy tips to keeping that all-important part of your body healthy.

1. Drink lots of water.

I sat down, wrote that, and went and refilled my water bottle. Water is essential to a healthy body, and it’s essential to a happy vagina. Water keeps your body’s tissues healthy by flushing out dead cells and bacteria, moisturizing healthy cells, and improving blood flow. Peeing more is just a simple side effect compared to the awesome, healthy vagina you’ll begin to experience after adding more water to your routine.

2. Watch what you eat.

And I don’t mean this in a, “The only healthy is skinny!” kind of way. I mean it in a, “You are what you eat,” kind of way. Because that’s the absolute truth. Processed foods, carbonated beverages, and the like do not make for a happy hoo-hah.

If your pH balance is all messed up, it can lead to a smelly vagina or even a discomfort or pain. A messed up pH can interfere with how well your body deals with the microorganisms living in your natural flora. Something too acidic can kill off necessary bacteria; something too basic can make it difficult for that bacteria to do its job.

But if you can’t quit those tasty snacks completely, you can still add these foods to your diet for a boost in vaginal health:

• Yogurt: You may have heard of the age-old cure for a yeast infection– shove some yogurt up there. Well, probiotic yogurt is actually incredibly healthy for the vagina. It encourages the growth of healthy bacteria and yes, it can even be inserted for direct yeast infection relief.
• Nuts, seeds, and vegetables: pine nuts, sunflower seeds, chia (yes, that chia) seeds, okra, leafy green vegetables, and so much more! All are great ways to keep your body full of essential vitamins, like Vitamin C, which can combat vaginal dryness.
• Cranberry juice: Cranberries have long been touted as the best remedy for a UTI. And there’s a reason for that. They’re great for killing off bad bacteria and encouraging the growth of good bacteria, particularly in the kidneys and urethra.
• Fermented foods (like kimchi!): Healthy vaginas have a naturally acidic pH level of 3.5-4.5. If your pH balance is off, fermented foods can give you a healthy addition of acid to set it right again, without all the unnecessary sugars and carbs from things like soda (which can encourage the growth of yeast, cause stress to your kidneys or end in urinary tract during infections).
• Spicy foods: This, of course, is our favorite here at Spicy Gear. Spicy foods, like cayenne, ginger, and even garlic increase both libido and can help with vaginal wetness. Just make sure not to indulge too close to a lengthy anal session!

3. Get lots of sleep.

Are you feeling sick? Weak? Just flat-out icky? Now let me ask you this: are you getting enough sleep?

Probably not. When we’re not getting a recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night, our immune systems get all out of whack and we start to fall apart. If your vagina’s not in tip-top shape, if you’re not feeling as sexually motivated as you would like to be, and if you’re just feeling down right gross, adjust your sleep schedule, get rid of the caffeine, and take a nice, long nap.

4. Masturbate. Lots.

We’ve written about the health benefits of masturbation before, but we can’t stress it enough. Not only is it great for helping you manage stress, helping you fall asleep, and become knowledgeable about your sexual needs and desires, but it can also just flat out help you get to know the status of things down there.

You know what things feel like when you’re healthy. Masturbation gets you comfortable with touching your own body, so when you’re not healthy and you’re wondering what’s wrong, you can give it a feel before consulting your medical professional.

5. Use body-safe toys and lubricants.

We can’t stress this enough, which is why we strive to bring you the best info possible on body safe products. This includes knowing what products are best for you personally, even if others don’t have reactions to them. These articles can help you on your way to safer play:

• What Is My Adult Toy Made Of?
• Five Reasons To Avoid Phthalates
• Can I Use Sex Toys When I’m Pregnant?
• Our Best Latex-Free Toys
• Best Lubes For Sensitive Skin
• Consumer Alert: Swiss Navy Lube Is Mislabeled

6. Have safe sex.

We aren’t saying that sex is mandatory for a vagina. We’re saying that if it’s something that you enjoy doing, make sure you’re doing it safely so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Remember, you can’t tell just by looking at someone if they’re infected with an STD. Get tested frequently, and make sure your partners are the same– no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. Anyone can be infected with an STD.

For the best ways to stay safe, check our list of the Spiciest Condoms on the Market.