The vagina is very sensitive to changes in your daily environment, anything that affects its pH balance, will affect the smell and consistency of discharge.

Factors that affect this pH balance and “community” or microbiome of the vagina include:

• Antibiotic use
• Spermicides
• New sexual partners
• Frequency of sexual intercourse
• Sex toys
• Diet, exercise, hygiene, stress, and weather changes
• Hormonal imbalances such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause
• Scented feminine hygiene products
• Douching

Scented soaps, cleaners and feminine intimate grooming products can actually upset the normal pH balance of the vagina, causing infections and skin irritation. Disrupting the pH balance can cause a yeast or bacterial infection which creates uncomfortable symptoms including itching, burning, redness, swelling, and foul vaginal discharge.

These factors may not only cause a strange new discharge and odor; they may create other uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Vulvar itching, burning redness and swelling
• Yellow or grey discharge that may vary in thickness and consistency

A strong, foul, fishy vaginal odor with a thin, grayish-white discharge is a classic symptom of bacterial infections, but it can also be a result of other types of organisms (infections) such as Candidiasis (yeast), Bacterial Vaginosis/Gardnerella, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

Vagina “Self cleaning”

The vagina is equipped with over thirty organisms that help the pH balanced and free of infections. These organisms produce secretions (discharge) to naturally clean the vagina, much like the mouth does with saliva and the eyes do with tears. The cervical glands also contribute to the vaginal secretions (discharge). Depending on the time of month, vaginal discharge will change in consistency, texture, and smell. These organisms are responsible for keeping the vagina clean and free of harmful infections.

I like to think of the vagina and vulva like your oven at home. It may be self-cleaning but you still have to clean the stove top. The inside of the vagina has an army of healthy bacteria that cleans itself with a normal vagina discharge…similar to how tears help clean your eyes. The vulva and the entrance to the vagina need special attention given the exposure bacteria, sweat glands and hair.  I like to think the vulva should have the same feminine hygiene ritual as we do for our face. It needs to be cleaned, hydrated and moisturized with the same love and attention. Using vulva and vagina friendly products keep the skin of the vulva hydrate, moisturized and cleansed properly.

Keeping the skin hydrated, clean and cared for will help prevent dryness. Other helpful daily hygiene rituals include using a gentle, non-fragranced soap and natural skin moisturizer daily especially ones made specifically for the vagina.  Taking a 20-minute warm bath with a handful of extra virgin coconut oil 3 to 4 times a week will also rehydrate and moisturize the skin of the vagina. Adding oral or vaginal pro-biotics to your daily regimen will also keep the vagina hydrated and in complete balance and harmony.

Balance in life and balance in the vagina go hand in hand. The vagina is normally acidic.  This sounds pretty scary however it is the preferred pH balance and is perfect for the many protective organisms which all live happily together in the vagina. Anything that disrupts this delicate balance could lead to vaginal misery such as an infection, dryness, itching or burning.

Scented soaps, cleaners and feminine intimate grooming products can actually upset the normal pH balance of the vagina, causing infections and skin irritation. Disrupting the pH balance can cause a yeast or bacterial infection which creates uncomfortable symptoms including itching, burning, redness, swelling, and foul vaginal discharge.

How to I clean a Vulva

I like to think the vulva should have the same feminine hygiene ritual as we do for our face. It needs to be cleaned, hydrated and moisturized with the same love and attention. Using vulva and vagina friendly products keep the skin of the vulva hydrate, moisturized and cleansed properly.

The vulva includes the labia-majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips), the opening to the vagina which is called the introitus, the urethra (small opening leading to the bladder), the clitoris and the protective hood of the clitoris. This entire area needs to be cleaned, hydrated and moisturized daily for properly daily cleaning. Try using Oneself Cleanse for safe cleaning of the vulva designed with ingredients to hydrate, moisturize and clean the vulva. A science-backed, dermatologically and gynecologically approved formulations made to protect the delicate skin of the vulva from harmful bacteria, dryness, itching, irritation, infection, breakouts and other causes of pre-mature aging.  Creating a feminine hygiene routine will prevent dryness of the skin which helps avoid unwanted hygiene obstacles like acne, irritation and infection.

Using the wrong types of soap can cause irritation, dryness and bad odor. Avoid soaps which are heavily perfumed, contain too many unnatural ingredients, or have antibacterial properties which upset the natural balance of your body.

Vulva and Vagina Skincare Routine

Anyone with a vulva and vagina needs skin care. Balance in life and balance in the vagina go hand in hand. The vagina is normally acidic.  This sounds pretty scary however it is the preferred pH balance and is perfect for the many protective organisms which all live happily together in the vagina. Anything that disrupts this delicate balance could lead to vaginal misery such as an infection, dryness, itching or burning. The vagina is self-cleaning and DOES NOT need to be cleaned internally.

The vulva, on the other hand, has delicate and sensitive skin that should be cleaned and moisturized with the same dedication as we give our face. Using a science-backed, dermatologic and gynecologic approved formulation to protect the delicate skin of the vulva from dryness, itching, irritation, infection, and breakouts will prevent dryness, itching, pre-mature aging and other disruptive skin changes. Using Oneself Nourish, a genital skin moisturizer daily, will keep the delicate skin of the vulva moisturized and hydrated properly.

Skin dryness involving any part of the body is uncomfortable and annoying, especially when it comes to the sensitive tissue of the vulva.

Skin dryness involving any part of the body is uncomfortable and annoying, especially when it comes to the sensitive skin of the vagina.  Persistent vaginal dryness causes itching, burning and pain which leads to emotional and physical disruptions in daily life activities.