Vaginal Wellness 101: Everyday Habits for a Healthy, Happy Vagina

There are a number of ways to take care of your vagina. Every body works differently, and only you know what is best, but we’ve gathered a few guidelines together on how to take care of your vagina.

Here are our 7 Do’s and Don'ts of Vaginal Health:

1. DO Wipe from Front to Back

It sounds basic, but when you’re in the bathroom wiping from front to back is crucial for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and keeping unwanted bacteria at bay.

When you wipe from front to back, you’re moving away from the urethra and vaginal opening. Wiping the other way can unintentionally transfer bacteria from the anus—like E. coli—into sensitive areas, increasing the risk of an infection.

This is especially important after bowel movements and during menstruation when the risk of bacterial transfer is slightly higher.

2. DO wear breathable underwear and DON’T wear tight, synthetic underwear

Cotton underwear is your best friend because it’s soft, absorbent, and allows airflow to your vagina. Bamboo, lotus fibers, or hemp are also great options as they are antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, and eco-friendly.

Tight, synthetic, or moisture-trapping underwear (including lace thongs, silky panties, anything made from polyester, nylon, or spandex with no cotton lining) creates an environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive. Save those pairs for limited wear, and swap them out for something soft and breathable for daily use (i.e. cotton).

Don’t wear any underwear at night if you’re comfortable—it’s one of the easiest ways to give your vagina a breather while you sleep.

3. DON’T use feminine ‘hygiene’ sprays or soap inside your vagina

This is a big one. Despite what the marketing industry says, you do not need to clean the inside of your vagina, only the outside of your vulva.

Your vagina is self-cleaning. It maintains its own ecosystem of healthy bacteria and a naturally acidic pH to fight off infections.

Using sprays, douches, or scented soaps inside the vagina can disrupt this balance and cause irritation, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis.

Stick to gentle, unscented soap and clean only the vulva (external area) with water or a pH-balanced wash. And ditch the “feminine hygiene” products that try to make you feel like you’re dirty—because you’re not. At all.

The next time you go shopping for household goods, print out The Veto List and ensure the products you choose do not include the nasty chemicals that are listed. You might be surprised how many hidden chemicals are in “natural” products.

4. DO use tampons when your flow Is moderate/heavy, and change them often… DON’T use them when flow is light

Tampons are just one way to manage your period, but it’s important to only use them when your flow is moderate to heavy. Tampons efficiently absorb blood and reduce the risk of overflow or leakage. However, it’s essential to change them every 4–6 hours to avoid odor, irritation, and the rare but serious Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Be mindful of your flow and how full the tampon feels when you remove it. If it feels dry or uncomfortable, it might be time to switch to a pad or liner.

Choose organic tampons made from cotton that has a certification from GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OCS (Organic Content Standard). If you’re looking for a trusted brand, you can purchase Evi Mae organic tampons on our website.

If you use pads, you should aim to change your pad every 3-4 hours to avoid creating a soiled and damp environment for bacteria to potentially enter your vagina.

5. DO change out of wet swimsuits or exercise clothes as soon as possible

Moisture is where bacteria thrive.

Whether you’ve just finished a hot yoga class or a swim in the ocean, sitting in wet clothes for too long creates a warm, damp environment perfect for yeast overgrowth.

Try to shower and change right after workouts or beach time, and keep an extra pair of dry underwear or leggings in your bag if needed.

6. DO choose your lubricants wisely

Lube is not just for a fun time. Its slippery properties help to reduce friction during sex, which cause microscopic tears in the vagical tissue, which can increase the risk of infections.

But not every single lube is good for vaginas. Some lubes contain fragrances and flavours, which disrupt the natural pH of the vagina, further creating environments for bacteria to thrive. And some contain harmful ingredients which irritate the vagina, or again, increase the risk of infections.

Always check the ingredients in your lube, and if you want a trusted recommendation, you can shop the SUTIL brand on our website here and here.

7. DO practice safe sex

Safe sex (using condoms and dental dams) prevents the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases. These STDs can significantly impact vaginal health, causing symptoms like pain, bleeding, itching, or changes in vaginal discharge. Left untreated, they can lead to long-term complications related to fertility and cancer.

To ensure that your vagina is feeling the pleasure you want to feel, safe sex also means having sex in a comfortable, inclusive, and accepting environment.

Being safe during sex can mean many things, so protect yourself from diseases and feel empowered to feel good.

Do you have more DOs and DON’TS to share?

Your vaginal health is deeply personal, and everybody is unique. The key is staying aware of what’s normal for you and noticing any shifts—odor, discharge, itching, or discomfort—that might need attention.

At Vira, we’re here to change the conversation around vaginal wellness—by giving you clear information, science-backed tools, and products that respect your natural balance.

We are never here to shame—which is how a lot of women often feel about their vaginas—, just to raise awareness, educate, and support.