7 Bad Habits Which Negatively Affect Your Vaginal Health

It is often the small things which give us the biggest joy and often are at the root of the gravest problem. That rule applies to vaginal health too. From keeping your pads or tampons on for too long, too not getting checkups on time or hanging out in dirty, sweaty clothes, here are seven mistakes we need to stop making to keep our vaginas healthy.

Staying in sweaty gym clothes for too long

While most people are prompt about washing up and changing as soon as they're done exercising, there are some who aren't timely about changing or don't do it at all. Unfortunately though, while the clothes you wear to exercise in are great for the purpose, they also tend to hold in your sweat, and that's not too good for your vagina. Excessive moisture and warmth is the perfect recipe for yeast production, which will inevitably lead to you getting a yeast infection, and that's not fun. Similarly, make sure you change out of a wet swimsuit or wet clothes as soon as you can, to prevent causing your own yeast infection.

Wearing pants that are too tight or the wrong kind of underwear

While wearing tight pants is not a crime, and you don't have to stop wearing them altogether, wearing tight leggings or jeans could lead to major vaginal discomfort. Keeping heat and moisture in, such tight pants could lead to infections and pain, and that's not worth whatever fashion statement you're trying to make. So if you feel your vaginal health is being affected by the Jonas brother-esque pants you're wearing, give the area some breathing space and switch to looser, more airy clothes for a bit.

Similarly, when it comes to underwear, all of us want to feel sexy and wear satiny, lacy underwear or thongs, and while that's okay, it doesn't always work best for your vagina. These non-breathable fabrics could lead to irritation and infections, and worse yet, a garment as uncomfortable as a thong could be really bad for women who are already prone to vaginal infections.

And not letting the area breathe

Your first thought may be to think this is weird, but going commando sometimes is highly advisable. Ideally while you're sleeping is a good time to air your vajayjay out, allowing it to maintain the optimal pH balance and not exposing it to friction and heat because of imposing fabrics. Plus, you're probably most comfortable underwear-less while sleeping, but if you are in general too, nobody's going to stop you from going commando on a regular day out either!

Ignoring any extended vaginal discomfort or not completing your cycle of medication

One of the worst things you can do is ignore any signs that your vaginal health is not up to the mark. If you've been seeing unusual discharge, feeling itchy or notice any signs of a vaginal infection, stop ignoring it and get yourself to a doctor. A yeast infection is a pretty common phenomenon, but that doesn't mean it'll go away just like that, and you never know if it could be something far more serious than that.

And if you do make it to a doctor, please complete the dosage of medicine they prescribe to you. We know it can be annoying and invasive (in the case of some treatments), but they know what they're talking about, and their point is to make you better.

Your vaginal hygiene is not great

Let's just lay it all down here - when washing your vagina, water is all you need, sticking any sort of soap up there is a no no and could definitely lead to irritation and mess with the internal pH level. And in general, be gentle with the area, whether cleaning inside or outside. Another way to ensure a healthy vagina is to use protection when it comes to all sexual activity and actively clean the sex toy/vibrator you might be using, after each time.

Not getting tests and checkups done regularly

Whether it is for STDs, UTIs, a pap smear or an HPV test, get checkups done on a regular basis and make sure you visit your gynaecologist the minute you think something is up. Keeping a check on all of these things ensures that you at least know what's going on with your body, and can take corrective measures.

Wearings pads, tampons and pantyliners for too long

We're sure people have told you ever since you had your first period to keep changing your pad regularly, and that's something you definitely need to keep in mind. Keeping a dirty pad on for too long is not just gross, but will definitely lead to an infection and a seriously rank odour. The same goes with changing your tampon regularly, especially with the danger of toxic shock syndrome. When you're not on your period, but have noticed some discharge and so are wearing a pantyliner as a precaution, remember not to keep it on too long either. It could lead to dryness, itching and general unpleasantness, especially if you're not wearing a cotton one.