Prevention and Self-Care for the Vaginal Area

Whether you have dryness and irritation, frequent infections, pain, or all of the above, the following strategies may help prevent or lesson symptoms. For example:

Wait for soreness in your vagina and on your vulva to heal before having vaginal intercourse.
Stay away from harsh products such as deodorant soaps and wet wipes that contain alcohol. Avoid bath oils and bubble baths.
Avoid using any products with fragrance near this area.
Avoid exercises that put excess pressure or friction on your crotch, such as stationary bike riding, spinning, or cycling.
Wear wide-crotch soft cotton underpants without lace in the crotch area; stay away from thongs.
Stay out of hot tubs or swimming pools, as the hot water temperature and chlorine can burn and dry you out further.
Use a barrier cream such as Aquaphor or Eucerin on the vulva area when you take a bath or if you must swim in a chlorinated pool.
If at all possible, avoid antihistamine pills taken for allergies, as these have a drying effect on all of the body’s mucous membranes.

The following additional tips can be helpful in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs):

Holding urine long past the “got to go” point probably isn’t a good idea.
Always wipe from front to back (to prevent the spread of bacteria into the vaginal area).
Urinate just before and just after vaginal intercourse/penetration. The pressure can push bacteria up the urethra and into the bladder.
Limit your consumption of fluids that can irritate the bladder, such as coffee, alcohol, tea, and sodas.
Increase your intake of water, which helps flush out the bladder and urethra more frequently and can prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Some research shows that cranberry tablets can help the prevent UTIs. Cranberry juice isn’t recommended because of the high sugar content.

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Last modified on March 2, 2015 at 4:59 AM

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