Dos and don’ts for a healthy vagina

Elizabeth Nodelman, MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Much like your gut, a woman’s vagina has its own microbiome. If you want to keep your vagina healthy and odor free, it’s important to avoid doing anything that might disrupt the microbiome. OB/GYN Elizabeth Nodelman, MD, answered some quick questions so you can keep everything in balance down there and maintain a healthy vagina.

What is the vaginal microbiome?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the vaginal microbiome is a dynamic, sensitive microenvironment that changes in response to pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, contraceptive use and diet. The most prominent vaginal flora or bacteria in a healthy vagina is Lactobacillus.

Although there is a lot we still don’t know about the vaginal microbiome, Dr. Nodelman said we’re learning more and more about how this microbiome contributes to our overall health and what we can do to protect it.

Are feminine odor products safe to use?

“I usually don’t recommend some of the things that are out on the market and promoted in social media for feminine odor,” said Dr. Nodelman. “Most of these products can throw off your pH balance in the vagina. It’s better to use a mild soap with no dyes or fragrances. You really just have to clean the outside of the vagina. No douching or cleaning on the inside of the vagina is needed.”

Keeping your vagina clean, especially before and after intercourse, will help you maintain your pH balance. She also recommended wearing underwear made of natural fiber, like cotton.

“You want to make sure you’re wearing the right size underwear,” she said. “And try going without underwear when you go to sleep at night – let things be natural.”

If you struggle with vaginal discharge or odor, talk to your OB/GYN.

“I typically recommend boric acid suppositories before anything else that’s on the market,” she said.

Can probiotics help with vaginal health?

“I haven’t found any studies that say a probiotic is a magic pill and you’ll never have vaginal discharge issues again, but if you want to take a probiotic pill to possibly help with your vaginal health, I think it’s fine,” Dr. Nodelman said. “Some people prefer yogurt. There’s a thing on TikTok about putting yogurt in your vagina and I do not recommend that. But if you want to take an oral probiotic, some women find that it helps.”

Is it safe to sleep with a tampon in?

“If you have a pretty normal period that lasts about four nights a month, then you’re probably fine,” Dr. Nodelman said. “But if you have a period that’s very long, or you’re having irregular bleeding, I recommend using a pad or a menstrual cup at night.”

Other ways you can protect your vaginal health during menstruation is by following these tips from the CDC:

• Wash your hands before and after using menstrual products.
• Change pads at least every few hours.
• Change tampons every 4–8 hours.
• Clean and sanitize menstrual cups every day after use.
• Follow cleaning instructions for period underwear.
• Use unscented hygiene products.

The bottom line

Always turn to your doctor if you’re struggling with vaginal odor or discharge, not TikTok. Sometimes the advice you find on social media can cause way more harm than good.