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RISE Blog | Sex Ed Didn’t Teach Me This: Vaginal Health & Hygiene

Written By: Macy Chambers, Peer Educator
Edited By: Xander Sanders, Catherine Cespedes, & Elizabeth Perry
February 23rd, 2024

Content Warning: This blog discusses only one type of anatomy, health, and hygiene. Biological sex determination does not necessarily correlate to gender identity, and there are various ways in which primary and secondary sex characteristics present themselves. Additionally, the author of this blog is not a trained medical professional. Consult your doctor or medical professional for personalized information.

Beyond the Surface 

How do I clean my vulva? Is it supposed to smell? Why is my discharge white? Is it normal to burn after sex?

Many people with female reproductive systems weren't taught a lot about their bodies—myself included. From personal experience, I wasn't aware that I had three holes until my first year of high school. Public schools often don't teach about the complexities of the vagina, vulva, or internal sex organs. According to the Guttmacher Institute, fewer teenagers are receiving formal sex education now than in the past (Wind, 2023). However, research shows that timely and comprehensive sex education reduces the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and increases knowledge of healthy habits (Bordogna et. al, 2023). 

Sex education encapsulates many areas of sexual health. But basic information, such as how to clean yourself, isn't typically thoroughly represented in abstinence-only education. But it's never too late to learn! You might think this information is silly, but knowing about the vagina is crucial to sexual health. I will give you a rundown of the vagina—how to clean it and how to keep it healthy. 

Before we begin, I should define a few key concepts. When I am referring to the "female reproductive system," I am referring to the textbook "normal" genitalia and reproductive organs according to Clevland Clinic in 2022. This blog addresses people who share similar chromosomes (xx) and sex hormones associated with the terms "woman" and "female." These genes are typically expressed in the body as a vulva, vagina, and clitoris. However, the sex determination someone receives at birth may not align with their gender identity (Newman, 2022). And it may not align with the "normal" look of genitalia. Please note that your bits may not look like other's bits. Not all people have the "typical" parts. The genes we are born with might present differently in others (intersex individuals, for example).  This could mean you may not menstruate, receive the same sexual pleasure, and/or be able to reproduce. Additionally, I want to emphasize that I am not a doctor! Please visit your medical professional for more information if you have questions or need personalized answers.

Anatomy and Function

First things first, what exactly are we looking at? The things you can see are called your external genitalia. They are there to protect your internal organs and allow for reproductive and sexual functions to occur. 

*The following definitions follow the Clevland Clinic 2023 article about the female reproductive system and doesn't not contain an exhaustive list of reproductive features and their functions*

Vulva is the collective term for the external bits. The vulva consists of the external folds of skin, bumps, and hair. Your vulva and your vagina are two different things—vaginal opening is the hole you can see, and the vagina is the organ located inside of your body.

Note: Every vulva looks different in color, shape, size, etc. If yours doesn't look like the diagram below, that's totally okay and normal!

vulva

External Genitalia: 

  • Vulva: The entire picture! It is everything you see down there, meaning the outer part of the female reproductive system. 
  • Pubic Mound: Also known as the mons pubis, this fatty tissue sits above your vulva and can grow dark hair. It's the intersection of the pubic bones, so fat is needed to protect it from harm. 
  • Labia: The folds around your vagina that protect it! These folds are separated into two parts. 
    • Labia Majora: The "outer lips" or the folds of skin protect the inner tissue that makes up your vulva. Hair grows here and encases your bits. 
    • Labia Minora: This tissue, or the "inner lips," is located inside or behind the labia majora. It's often fat and hair free and protects the moist and delicate vaginal environment.
  • Clitoral Body: This rounded bump is above your urethra opening and sits under the clitoral frenulum, which is the flesh that forms a "hood" over the clitoris itself. This area of the vulva contains nerves that can stimulate sexual pleasure.
  • Urethral Opening: This small hole is located under the clitoris and allows urine out of the bladder.
  • Hymen: The hymen is located around the vaginal opening—it's made of thin mucosal tissue and can be sloughed off. A common myth is that the hymen is an indicator of someone's virginity. However, this is no more than a myth. The breaking of the hymen does not mean your virginity is compromised. Many things can impact the tissue, including simple physical exercise!
  • Vaginal Opening: It is the larger hole below your urethra. It allows menstrual blood, discharge, and babies to exit the uterus. If you use tampons for menstruation, this hole is what you insert the applicator into. Additionally, it can facilitate sexual pleasure through the insertion of penises, fingers, or sex toys. 

Since this blog is covering on proper vaginal hygiene/health, this is more intune with the external gentilia of the female body. But for educational purposes and explainations, here is a disagram displaying the internal organs and genitilia! (Clevland Clinic, 2023)

internal genitalia

 

Is it Supposed to Smell? What's the Slimy Stuff?

The fact is that all vaginas smell, even the healthy ones. The smell is different for everyone because of our body's composition and vaginal pH. The pH can indicate the overall health of your vagina. Considering the vagina is acidic to create a protective environment, the normal range of pH is 3.8 to 5 (Lin et.al, 2021). 

What causes different scents?

Acidity is a good thing because it maintains the balance of your microbiome, your vagina's flora. When the pH changes, the smell typically changes as well. Your smell may change with stress, age, menstruation, infection, or pregnancy (Clevland Clinic, 2023). The scent is impacted by anything you put by your vulva. This includes semen, lubricants, and fabrics (Flinn et al., 2021). 

How is it supposed to smell? 

According to the NIH, your vagina may have a tangy or sour smell due to your pH being acidic. It could also be bittersweet, or it could be metallic in smell due to period blood. But if it smells like body odor, it's time for a clean. Overall, your vagina isn't supposed to smell like flowers. It's an organ and is self-cleaning! It will smell a bit odd, but that doesn't represent uncleanliness. 

But what about discharge? 

Discharge is a normal part of the female reproductive system. It's fluid that comes out of the vagina and often indicates a healthy reproductive system (Clevland Clinic, 2023). There are diverse types of normal discharge because it cleans out the vagina itself. 

What is discharge supposed to look and smell like? 

The fluid varies in texture, color, smell, and taste. The vagina may produce discharge that is clear, jellylike, liquid, white, etc., in response to different stimulation, including ovulation, arousal, infection, pregnancy, and menstruation. If your discharge smells unpleasant or has an unusual texture or shade (ex: yellow), it may indicate vaginitis or yeast infection (Clevland Clinic, 2023).

Now that we've established what is “normal” of a vagina, we need to discuss how to keep it that way. How do we clean our vulva? 

Cleaning and Blossoming 

We know the vagina is self-cleaning; the vulva, however, is not (Villines & Wilson, 2023). Remember that your vagina is an organ inside your body; you do not need to put soap or water inside the vaginal opening. There are risks of over-washing your vulva, such as dryness or upsetting the pH, but according to board-certified OB/GYN Staci Tanouye (MD, FACOG) here are the basic steps to cleaning your vagina (Flinn et. al, 2021):

  1. Wash your undercarriage, including your pubic mound with sensitive soap.
  2. Let the soapy water run down your body and gently wipe your inner and outer labia with warm water. Fold back any skin necessary to do so.
  3. Pull back the clitoral hood and gently clean around your clitoris with your hands—only with water.

The type of soap you use matters. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN, recommends unscented, hypoallergenic, and sensitive soap (Flinn, 20203). She also says that plain water will be fine while cleaning the vulva, but as Dr. Tanouye notes, the undercarriage, outside of your vulva, does need soap. If you are in a pinch or don't have access to water or soap, use wipes formulated without ingredients that can disrupt your vaginal environment. But overall, Gynecologist and obstetrician Mary Marnach recommends staying away from synthetic fragrances (Nelson, 2023).

Vaginal Health 101

Good hygiene is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy vagina. Basic hygiene includes:

  • Clean regularly: Bathe regularly to cleanse the vulva and undercarriage.
  • Keep it dry: Damp and warm areas are a perfect place for bacteria to grow. That bacteria can increase the amount of yeast in your vaginal flora, leading to an infection. Keep your vulva dry by changing underwear regularly and changing out of wet or sweaty clothes (Flinn et. al, 2021).
  • Choose cotton and linen fabrics: Breathable and well-fitting underwear ensures vaginal comfort, so wearing tight-fitting polyester thongs isn't optimal (Whisenand, 2023). Additionally, make sure the detergent you use for your underwear is scent free and hypoallergenic (Huston, 2021).
  • Be aware of how sex can impact your vaginal health: Sperm and lubricants can irritate your microbiome. We also want to protect our bits from STIs. Check for lubrication ingredients and use barrier methods like a condom. Additionally, pee after sex to flush the urethra of sweat and foreign bacteria, which can lead to a UTI (Flinn et, al, 2021). 
  • Avoid scented menstrual products: Stay away from scented tampons pads, and pantyliners (Huston, 2021).
  • Wipe from front to back: This practice ensures no fecal matter or sweat gets around your vagina, which can cause infection and irritation. Anything that goes into the anus should not go back into your vagina unless you cleanse it with mild soap (Bloom OB/GYN, 2018). Think penises, sex toys, and fingers!
  • Check the ingredients of anything you're putting by or on your vulva (WVE, 2023): Does it have a fragrance? What about sulfates? Is it gynecologist-tested or approved?

When to go to the Doctor

We've established the basics of the vagina. These guidelines are suggestions based on my research of different medical professional's recommendations. However, all bodies have unique needs—what's normal for you may not be for someone else. 

Your vaginal flora naturally contains yeast and bacteria, but an overgrowth of either of them disrupts your microbiome and can lead to infection (Flinn et. al, 2021). If you are experiencing any issues listed by Mayo Clinic and the CDC below, consult your doctor. 

  1. Abnormal smells such as fishy or yeasty. 
  2. Burning sensation during sex or urination 
  3. Itching 
  4. Sores or blisters 
  5. Abnormal vaginal bleeding 

These signs and symptoms may mean you have an infection (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Consult your doctor for more information.

The Delicate Balance

Vaginal health and hygiene weren't thoroughly discussed when I was a teenager and in my experience, aren't readily discussed now. This lack of discussion leads to increased STI, pregnancy rates, and general confusion about your body (Bordogna et. al, 2023). It is essential to talk about these things because your vaginal health affects your overall wellbeing (Planned Parenthood, 2014). Your vagina is an environment all on its own, and you need to know how to take care of it. Knowledge is power, and this information impacts your overall quality of life! Having open conversations about our bodies can make a world of difference in our wellbeing. It's important to break the silence of the unknown and talk to each other about this information. Our vaginas aren't scary, they're just part of us. 

If this blog left you with some unanswered questions, below are some additional resources to help you find the answer:

Resources

References

Amy L. Bordogna, Amanda C. Coyle, Rupa Nallamothu, Alina L. Manko & Renata W. Yen (2023) Comprehensive Sexuality Education to Reduce Pregnancy and STIs in Adolescents in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Sexuality Education, 18:1, 39-83

Bloom OBGYN. (2018). Vaginal hygiene - do's and don'ts. Bloom OBGYN.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. STD Awareness Week general resources. 

Women's Voices for the Earth. (2021). Chemicals of concern in feminine care products.

Women's Voices for the Earth. (2021). Chemicals of concern in feminine care products. 

Cleveland Medical Clinic. (2022). Female reproductive system: Structure & Function. 

Cleveland Medical Clinic. (2022). Vaginal odor: Types, causes, diagnosis & treatment.

Cleveland Medical Clinic. (2023). Decoding vaginal discharge: What's normal and what's not?

DeFreeze, L. (2021). Hygiene for girls: Prevent vaginitis, Vulvovaginitis. Norton Children's. 

Flinn, A., Dweck, A., Minkin, J., Striecher, L., Tanouye, S., & Henigsman, S. (2023). I'm an OB/GYN, and this is how you should actually wash your vulva. Well+Good. 

Lin, Y. P., Chen, W. C., Cheng, C. M., & Shen, C. J. (2021). Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 11(11), 1996.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Vagina: What's typical, what's not. Mayo Clinic. 

Nelson, C. (2023). A Mayo Clinic gynecologist weighs in on feminine hygiene and vaginal health products worth buying.Mayo Clinic.

Newman, T. (2023). Sex and gender: Meanings, definition, identity, and expression. Medical News Today.

Planned Parenthood. (2014). State of Sex Education in USA: Health education in schools. Planned Parenthood. 

Villines, Z. (2023). How to clean your vagina: How to do it safely and what to avoid. Medical News Today.

Whisenand, M. E. (2023). The best underwear fabrics for optimal vaginal health. The List.

Wind, R. (2023). Fewer U.S. teens are receiving formal sex education now than in the past. Guttmacher Institute.

Wojcik, G. (2023). 7 different vaginal smells and why they happen. Healthline.

 

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