Rules to live by for a happy and healthy va-jay-jay

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Every woman knows that if your va-jay-jay doesn’t feel right, then you don’t feel right. You can cover it up in public (literally, obviously so you don’t get arrested), put a smile on, and maybe dab a little anti-itch or anti-burn cream down there, but you just feel off when your downstairs area isn’t in tip-top condition. It’s a fragile, delicate, temperamental organ. Considering how incredibly important it is—capable of creating and delivering life and all that—it’s pretty sensitive and susceptible to problems. But there are certain habits that, if you develop them now, can lead to your vagina and you having a long and happy life together. It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re in a hurry and on a budget, but your va-jay-jay health is one thing you shouldn’t skimp on. Here are rules to live by for a happy and healthy va-jay-jay.

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Avoid thongs

I know thongs eliminate unsightly panty lines but they’re just bad new for your lady bits. Thongs shift back and forth a lot, dragging bacteria from your back to your front. They also get lodged far up in there, making it hard for your va-jay-jay to breathe. Only wear them when it’s crucial.

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Stick to natural fabrics

Cotton is your best bet for underwear. Your vagina is an orifice and like the other orifices on your body (mouth, nose, ears) it needs access to oxygen. Synthetic fabrics restrict that.

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Pee after sex

Don’t be coy or stick around for a long cuddle session so as not to offend your partner. If he loves you, he’ll understand that the pee comes first, and the cuddle comes after. This will help eliminate any bacteria that got stuck up there during intercourse.

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Be demanding about foreplay

Heck yes you should be! Nobody should be allowed in your vagina until you’re properly lubricated. This is important for preventing tears and cuts that make you more susceptible to infections.

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Keep an eye on your discharge

Just be aware of what normal, healthy discharge looks, feels, and smells like for you. This way, you can know to call a doctor when things change. Just take a quick glance down there once a day after using the toilet.

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Invest in workout underwear

There is some great workout underwear out there designed to help your vagina breathe, limit friction, and wick away moisture when you exercise. If you’re a true gym rat, you should prioritize good underwear over cute pants.

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Change immediately after a swim

Don’t lie around in your wet swimsuit after getting out of the pool, no matter how much your friends insist you sit down for a glass of sangria. Go dry off, put on dry undies, and then lie by the pool.

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Tell your gyno everything

Why be shy with your gyno? She literally looks inside of you. So you can tell her what sex acts you’re into, what lube you’re using, and what weird smell recently came out of you. She’s here to help with those exact things.

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Clean your swimsuits

Rinse the chlorine from your swimsuits after using them. You don’t want that staying in your suit, and being reintroduced to your vagina next time you put that suit on.

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Use hypoallergenic detergent

Be sure to use hypoallergenic detergent so you don’t find a nasty rash down there, or struggle with itching and burning. It’s a good idea to use hypoallergenic detergent on all your laundry, really.

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Change often in the summer

When it’s hot out, the moment you feel damp down south, change underwear. Bring a spare pair to work or out for the day. You don’t want to sit in damp, hot underwear—it’s a recipe for a UTI.

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Don’t each too much sugar

Nobody should eat too much sugar, but you, with that beautiful, special organ down there need to be especially careful about your sweets intake. Too much sugar can lead to a yeast infection.

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Avoid va-jay-jay trends

Whatever the new landscaping trend is down there, don’t try it until it’s been out for a while, and several reputable publications have sampled it and given it the green light. Just don’t be the guinea pig on anything involving your vagina.

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Sleep in the nude

It’s great for your vagina! Give your jewel some time to breathe at night. It’s the one time you can ensure that, if you go commando, you won’t have to sit on a public bench.