Every woman should be aware of her vaginal health, but what exactly is a healthy vagina?

Although it depends on several factors, such as a woman's age, a healthy vagina typically has an acidic pH and is naturally kept wet.

The vaginal microbiome is delicate and the bacterial balance of that microbiome can significantly impact your health.

Discharge is a natural physical reaction that consists primarily of shed cervical and vaginal cells. A healthy vagina secretes small amounts of discharge.

While some women may not even notice it, others may notice up to a teaspoon or tablespoon of discharge each day.

Our vaginal health can affect the quality of our fertility and our sex life. Any change in a woman’s vaginal odor or the color of her discharge that is accompanied by discomfort—whether it’s pelvic or vulvar discomfort, itching, or burning—should be addressed.

Always remember that certain lubricants, talc and vaginal cleansing soaps alter the vaginal bacterial balance and may increase the risk of urinary tract infections, bacterial or sexually transmitted infections.

Still, the burning question remains: what are the basic principles of caring for the downstairs ward, and are there any major no-nos to avoid?

If your vagina could talk, we suspect it would be quite vocal about what to do and what not to do when it comes to vaginal care.

But since most of us aren't natural-born vagina whisperers, we've compiled a list of vaginal health rules to help keep your vagina happy, healthy, and problem-free.

Rule 1: No vaginal douche

We’re sorry to break it to you, but while you may love the smell of a “summer fresh” shower – your vagina doesn’t – because douching is actually harmful to the vagina. So, how do you keep it clean down there?

Well, it turns out that these beautiful organs not only bring life into this world, but they also keep themselves clean. They do this by naturally regulating healthy bacteria and pH levels. So you don't have to do anything about it.

If you still want to clean your vagina and vulva, use unscented products and only wash the outer labia majora.

Rule 2: Check your lube

No reasonable person would ever argue that lube is simply fantastic. It has the potential to improve sex for everyone involved. However, there are some ingredients that can be harmful to your health.

For example, glycerin is related to sugar and while it is effective in keeping lubricants moist, it can also encourage bacterial growth in the vagina. Petroleum products are also considered a no-no because they can affect the natural pH of the vagina.

Rule 3: Use safe sex toys

Ever wonder how some sex toys work and if they are completely safe? Well, it turns out that not all sex toys are safe.

Toys made from the following materials are generally safe: wood, silicone, stainless steel, glass, ceramic, stone, ABS plastic.

If you stick to toys made with any of the above materials, you're safe. These should be pure materials, not mixtures.

It is also advisable to always purchase your toys from a reputable supplier (like us!) to ensure a quality, body-safe product and an excellent investment in your sexual well-being.

Rule 4: Wipe from front to back

Although this one is pretty obvious, it needs to be said! When you pee, always wipe from front to back.

This action has been shown to minimize the risk of developing UTIs, as you are less likely to contaminate your vagina with feces (which you want to keep as far away from your vagina as possible!).

Rule 5: Take precautions to have safe sex

This includes wearing a condom with every new sexual partner and getting tested regularly for STDs. STDs can affect people of any age, and while they are most common in people 25 and younger, the largest increase in infections in recent years has been in adults over 50…

Surprisingly (and quite scary) with most STDs, you won't know you have one unless you get tested.

Rule 6: Don't neglect your pelvic floor

The pelvic floor is a string of muscles that runs between your hip bones and supports your uterus, ovaries, bladder, and vagina. For healthy pelvic and sexual function, these muscles must be in good condition.

When they weaken, it causes incontinence, uterine prolapse and vaginal wall prolapse. All women should incorporate pelvic floor exercises into their daily routines to strengthen these muscles.

If you're not sure where to start, start here .

Rule 7: Pee after sex

Make it a habit to go to the bathroom after sex, even if you didn't try a full penetrative sex position and instead just did some foreplay or used your favorite sex toys .

Peeing after sex helps to clean everything out down there, especially if you are prone to bladder infections, it helps to flush out all the harmful bacteria from the vagina.

Rule 8: Wear breathable clothing

Vaginas are much happier when they’re dressed in breathable clothing like cotton. And while cotton underwear isn’t always the sexiest option, this fabric has moisture-wicking properties, which can help reduce the amount of moisture that encourages bacteria to grow.

Rule 9: Change your period products regularly

If you rely on pads, tampons or menstrual cups, make sure to change them regularly. This prevents harmful microorganisms from growing and disrupting the pH of your vagina.

Rule 10: Don't forget your vaginal health checks

Getting regular health checks may seem like a chore (and unnecessary for those in long-term partnerships), but it’s super important when it comes to vaginal care. Health checks like sexual health checks and cervical screenings . Better to be safe than sorry !