Our grandmothers knew how to take care of their vulvas … but this art has been lost! Today, we live in a hypersexualized society, where we should be sexy 24/7, with a vulva that smells like roses… But our vulvas are bothered by this mistreatment! They become irritated, penetration during intercourse can become painful, vaginal infections are more frequent or vaginal discharge is more abundant… In this leaflet you will find advice on how to take proper care of your vulva, so that it is happy and healthy again!
Avoid irritating and sented products
Simply wash your vulva with water; the vulva is a mucous membrane that, like the mouth, does not need to be washed with soap. Around the vulva, use an unscented soap, such as Spectrogel, Cetaphil or unscented Dove for sensitive skin. Use your hands to wash and rinse – not a washcloth (which is often washed with irritating or scented products).
If you take a shower, avoid getting shampoo or conditioner on your vulva. Before getting out of the shower, rinse your vulva thoroughly with the hand-held shower or your hands.
If you have a shower, don’t take baths so that you avoid your vulva and vagina coming into contact with shampoo or washcloth. When taking a bath, don’t use bubble baths or essential oils, and avoid soap, shampoo and washcloths. While in the bath, it should ideally be just you and the water with nothing in it that has a pleasant smell. If you wish, use candles or sweet-smelling diffusers instead.
Sometimes your sexual partner’s soap can be irritating; some male soaps are highly perfumed. Ask your partner to use unscented soap to clean his genitals, and/or use a latex-free condom (e.g. Skyn Elite, or made of polyurethane).
Do not use vaginal douches, aerosols or feminine hygiene wipes.
Avoid talcum powder (baby powder) on the genitals. Many lotions, creams and powders can be irritating or allergenic: e.g. creams with vitamin E, aloe, local anesthetics, antibiotics, scented lubricants.
Whirlpool/spa baths, and even chlorine in swimming pools, increase the risk of vaginal infections in sensitive women, as does wearing a wet bathing suit for a long time. Remember to bring two bathing suits to the beach or pool, so you can put on a dry one as soon as possible. And remember to rinse your vulva well with clear water when you leave the spa or pool.
Underwear
Avoid wearing underwear at night to keep the vulva ventilated. Sleep without panties, boxer shorts or pyjamas. If you do wear boxer shorts, make sure they are breathable, made of cotton and washed according to the following recommendations for washing underwear…
Who sees our underwear during the workday or at school? During the day, wear 100% white cotton underwear, without any spandex or elastane. Avoid coloured fabrics (dyes can be irritating) and synthetics (which don’t breathe). Avoid thongs, especially if you experience pain during intercourse or if you have an irritated vulva. It’s better to wear 100% cotton panties, rather than no underwear at all (because then your vulva will be in contact with all kinds of fabrics and colours).
You can save your lovely underwear for romantic evenings, but if you don’t wear it during the day or at night, your vulva will be happy 95% of the time!
To wash undergarments, simply use warm water or a mild soap (e.g. Woolite), which is less irritating than detergent; use only 3-4 drops of soap and rinse twice. Don’t use detergent (even if odourless, organic or for sensitive skin), and no bleach or fabric softener. Your goal is to make sure that your panties have no scent when they come out of the washer… if they smell good, it won’t be good for your vulva…
Sanitary napkins and pantiliners
Avoid using them when you don’t have your menstrual period. Vaginal discharge is normal, and the amount may vary depending on the time in your cycle and the intensity of any exercise you do. The amount can increase with rising temperature and humidity, which can also be caused by the pantiliners.
Use unscented and cotton-based products. Avoid non-breathable plastic-based products (such as « dry weave, » « air dry » or « Always »).
Clothes
The more your vulva breathes, the happier it is…! It’s in heaven in summer, when you wear a skirt or dress with your 100% white cotton panties! Avoid wearing tight pants (e.g. skinny jeans, leggings), bodysuits, nylon stockings and synthetic fabrics (e.g. spandex and Lycra).
When playing sports, choose loose-fitting shorts or pants rather than yoga-style synthetic leggings, which increase heat and humidity.
If you must wear stockings, wear those that reach mid-thigh, or cut out the crotch from good-quality pantyhose.
Avoid wearing a bathing suit for long periods, especially if it’s wet or damp. Remember to bring two bathing suits to the beach or pool, so you can change into a dry one as soon as possible.
Heat
Avoid crossing your legs. Avoid excessive heat caused by an electric blanket, plastic mattresses or mattress covers.
Waxing or shaving
Shaving or waxing the vulva can irritate the genital area and cause minor injuries. Razors with strips or shaving foams can be irritating. We suggest you shave only the groin area, using an electric razor when necessary if you’re prone to ingrown hair. Near the vulva, it’s best to use only a trimmer or scissors with a comb to protect yourself, if you want to trim your pubic hair. Depilatories (like Neet) in the pubic area must be avoided at all costs.
Sexual pratices
Spermicides (found on condoms, in contraceptive foams, gels and sponges) can be irritating. If you’re sensitive, avoid latex condoms and use polyurethane condoms (e.g. Skyn Elite).
Do not have genital contact after anal contact.
Frequent sexual intercourse can cause irritation. Certain situations can cause lubrication problems (e.g. hormonal imbalance during menopause or following childbirth). In these situations, you can consult your doctor, who will help you restore hormonal balance. Water-based, fragrance-free, pH neutral, Peg- and paraben-free lubricants can also be used in these situations (available in pharmacies).
Treatments
If you think you may have a vaginal infection, it’s best to have your doctor determine the type of infection identified or you can call the Clinique ITSS at 418-724-8338 before trying any over-the-counter treatment.
If antibiotics cause a vaginal yeast infection (Candida vaginitis), talk to your doctor about it the next time you get an antibiotic prescription.
Last update : Janyary 2023