At some point, you may have heard that the vagina is "self-cleaning" and "self-regulating". While this is true, your daily choices can either disrupt or strengthen the vaginal microbiome's delicate balance. Thankfully, with a few lifestyle tweaks and the right products (such as those in our Vaginal Health Collection), you can maintain comfort, well-being, and confidence every single day.
Whether you're dealing with occasional dryness, odor issues, or simply want to support your body long-term, there are plenty of practical and effective ways to keep things running smoothly. In this article, we look at ten research-backed ways to improve and maintain vaginal health. Plus, we'll give you a few smart product swaps and discuss daily habits that genuinely make a difference.
1. Understand What "Normal" Vaginal Health Looks Like
A healthy vagina is naturally acidic and filled with beneficial bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus strain, that keep everything in check.
Healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear, milky white, or even stretchy, depending on where you are in your cycle. Mild scents, often described as "slightly sour" or "metallic", are also completely normal.
Issues can arise when your balance gets disrupted. Things like antibiotics, tight clothing, and fragranced washes can throw off your pH levels, potentially resulting in unpleasant odor, itchiness, dryness, and general discomfort.
If you feel like your vaginal pH is off, explore our pH Balancing Collection for support.
2. Support Your Vaginal Microbiome with Probiotics
Probiotic supplements keep your vagina healthy by balancing your pH and discouraging harmful bacteria from taking over. Strains like Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus help support your microbiome, so always look for these species when buying oral supplements.
Love Wellness's bestselling Good Girl Probiotics® form part of our Daily Maintenance Collection and are formulated using clinically studied strains. Taking one capsule every day helps maintain long-term urinary tract and vaginal health.
Not sure where to start in terms of vaginal health products? Our Vaginal Health Kits offer complementary pairings to get you started.
3. Choose a Gentle Cleanser
You don't need harsh soaps filled with dozens of chemicals to stay fresh down there. Your vulva (the external genital area) should only be washed with gentle, fragrance-free products that respect your natural pH levels.
Since it supports skin comfort without disrupting your vaginal ecosystem, Love Wellness's pH-Balancing Cleanser is a great choice, especially for those with sensitive skin. Here are a few important reminders:
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Only cleanse the vulva, not the internal vaginal canal.
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Avoid perfumed body washes and scrubs.
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Don't use deodorizing sprays, unless they are microbiome safe, like our Intimate Skin Support™ spray.
4. Wear Breathable Underwear
Your underwear choices have a lot more power than you'd think. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for irritation, yeast, and unpleasant odors.
Switch to soft, breathable cotton underwear, with natural fibres that offer air circulation, breathability, and comfort. Additionally, avoid wearing overly tight leggings and change out of damp swimsuits as soon as possible.
This may seem like a relatively small change, but it can make a big difference to your overall vaginal health.
5. Consider Kegel Exercises
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises offers a range of vaginal health benefits, including:
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Improved bladder control
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Enhanced sexual function
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Reduced risk of urinary tract infections
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Support for pelvic organs
Kegels are very simple. All you need to do is tighten your bladder muscles for five seconds. Release the muscles for five seconds before contracting them again. When starting out, try to do at least 10 reps three times a day.
6. Use Vaginal Suppositories When You Need a Reset
If you have recurrent infections, vaginal irritation, or odor issues, you may need more targeted support. Your pH can also be thrown off by sex, antibiotics, and your menstrual cycle, creating vulnerabilities. Vaginal suppositories (usually inserted daily for 7-14 days) can help you get back to normal quickly.
While you should never use suppositories to replace antibiotics or antifungals, they can serve as supportive treatment for:
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Yeast infections
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Bacterial vaginosis
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Trichomoniasis
Try out our Suppository Bundle for maintaining a fresh and balanced vaginal environment.
7. Get to the Root Cause of Vaginal Odor Problems
Unfortunately, vaginal hygiene is often not enough to deal with odor-related issues. While mild odors are completely normal, persistent smells may be a sign of a bacterial imbalance. Instead of masking unpleasant odors with artificial fragrances, you should focus on restoring balance to achieve long-term, optimal vaginal health.
At Love Wellness, our Vaginal Odor Collection aims to address the root cause (typically an unbalanced microbiome), so you'll enjoy long-lasting comfort and confidence.
8. Know When to Seek Medical Help
While many vaginal imbalances can be managed or treated at home, it's important to seek medical help if you experience:
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Frequent or severe itching
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Strong, persistent odor
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Pain during sex
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Unusual vaginal bleeding
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Recurring infections
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Symptoms that don't improve after at-home support
Your healthcare provider can give you a proper diagnosis, rule out any underlying conditions, and help you find the best next steps.
9. Practice Safe Sex
Wearing a condom helps prevent vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases, so be sure to use protection if you want to prioritize your sexual health. If you're prone to vaginal dryness, use a lubricant to avoid uncomfortable friction. Just keep in mind that oil-based lubes can break down latex condoms.
After sexual activity, urinate to flush out harmful bacteria and reduce your risk of urinary tract infections. Next, wash the external genital area gently with water or a mild cleanser before patting it dry with a clean towel. You should also wash any sex toys to rid them of vaginal bacteria.
10. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet that Supports Gut Health
Did you know that your gut health and vaginal health are linked? An imbalance in the gut can easily lead to issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, aim to eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains that promote vaginal health.
Staying hydrated is also important as water acts as a natural lubrication and supports healthy discharge.
FAQs
How often should I use probiotics for vaginal health?
Vaginal probiotics should be taken daily to support long-term vaginal health and wellness. Consistency is key if you want to experience the best results.
What are some of the most common vaginal health issues?
Common vaginal health concerns include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal dryness, and sexually transmitted infections.
Are boric acid suppositories safe?
When used as directed, boric acid suppositories are considered safe for adult use. However, you shouldn't take them orally or during times of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you're trying to conceive.
What is a healthy vaginal pH?
A healthy vagina is slightly acidic, with pH levels usually sitting between 3.8 and 4.5. If you need a little extra help in this department, check out our pH Balancing Collection.
Is it normal for my vaginal discharge to change throughout my cycle?
Yes. Discharge can change from clear to creamy to stretchy, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Recognize what is normal for you and pay close attention to changes that feel unusual.
Closing Thoughts
Improving vaginal health doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. By paying attention to your pH, selecting gentle products, and adopting healthy habits, you can maintain a balanced and comfortable environment.
For targeted or daily support, Love Wellness offers a range of doctor-developed Vaginal Health solutions that work with your body's natural processes.