Half the world’s population has a vagina, but many people don’t know much about its anatomical structure or even some of its functionalities. Sometimes, people aren’t even sure how or what to do to keep their vagina healthy and safe from infection risks. There are many things that go into having and maintaining a healthy vagina. Read on to learn all you need to know about how to have a healthy vagina and vulva.

What does a healthy vagina look like? 

Let’s get familiar with the anatomy of the vulva and vagina. When you have an opportunity, get a handheld mirror and do a self-exam to learn exactly how you are built so you know what is your normal.

The vulva is all the external genital parts, which are the inner and outer labia, clitoris, and urethra. The labia are the fleshy lips that surround the vaginal opening. The inner labia come together and meet to cover the clitoris. Just under the clitoris is the urethra, which is where urine comes out. The vaginal opening is much larger and located just below the urethra.

The vagina is the internal genitalia, which include the vaginal canal and cervix, separating the vagina from the uterus. The vaginal canal is closed off by the cervix so that the uterus stays protected from most outside contaminants.

A healthy vulva should have the inner, fleshy tissue color of the labia much like the color of your lips on your face. The tissue should be moist and free of:

• Lacerations
• Lumps
• Bumps
• Sores
• Rashes

You may experience normal vaginal discharge, which is clear to whitish in color and ranges from thin to thick depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Hormones signal the vagina to excrete cervical mucus, and the vulva is packed with sweat glands. This is how the female genitals perform their own flushing out of biological waste and harmful vaginal bacteria.

What does a healthy vagina smell like?

Many people question, “Is vaginal odor normal?” Because the vulva and vagina are located in a warm, dark, moist area of the body that is generally covered by clothing all day and produces sweat and discharge, it is normal for this area to have a mild odor. Generally, vaginal odor is mild enough that it is mostly unnoticeable. But certain triggers can cause the odor to be stronger at times, such as heavy sweating, wearing tight nonbreathable clothing, or staying in a wet swimsuit for long periods of time.

The vulva can be washed, and it is recommended to have a daily feminine hygiene routine to clean this area. The best way to clean your vulva is with a pH-balanced wash. You can use a soft washcloth (use a clean cloth each time) or just your hands to gently wash the area with the pH-balanced cleanser. Remember to wash the vulva only and do not get anything inside the vagina. Using heavily scented or antibacterial soaps are not recommended because they can disrupt the microbiome and put you at risk for vaginal infections or vaginal irritation. 

pH-D Feminine Health offers a line of Boric Acid Foam Washes that are pH-balanced to the same pH as the vulva and that can be used daily while bathing. Showers are preferential over baths for vaginal health because bathwater can expose the vulvar and vaginal tissue to soaps and oils. If you opt for a bath, rinse the vulvar area thoroughly with fresh, warm water afterward. 

What is healthy vaginal discharge?

As previously mentioned, the vagina regularly excretes cervical mucus discharge that is usually white or clear in color depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. During the time of your cycle when you are not bleeding, the normal vaginal discharge is usually thick and white before ovulation. When ovulation happens, the cervical mucus thins out and gets clearer in color and can be stretchy or mucousy like egg whites. After ovulation, the discharge becomes white in color again and sometimes thinner and more sticky in consistency than it was before ovulation.  

Then the menstrual bleed, or period, occurs, and as that nears the end, the discharge may become light brown in color before it turns back to the whitish color. At no time during the cycle should healthy vaginal discharge have a foul or fishy odor or be any color other than white, clear, or light brown as the period ends. See a healthcare provider and seek medical advice if you experience any abnormal discharge that is greenish or yellowish in color or experience bleeding outside of the expected dates of your period.

What is a healthy vaginal pH?

pH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline something is and it is measured on a scale of 0-14. Acidic measurements are 0-6 on the pH scale, neutral is 7, and alkaline measurements are 8-14.

The vagina is naturally acidic, with an approximate pH level of 4.5. Many of the good bacteria in the microbiome are Lactobacilli, which contribute to the acidic environment of the vagina by producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Estrogen also helps maintain an acidic pH level in the vagina. As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, so does the microbiome and the vaginal pH balance.

What are the signs of an unhealthy vagina?

If you notice a smell that is not like your normal scent, or it becomes particularly strong and unpleasant or has a “fishy” smell, you should consult with a healthcare provider. Strong, unpleasant vaginal odor can be a sign of vaginal infection, including:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Vaginal Yeast infection
• Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea
• Vaginitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Urinary tract infection

Other signs of a disruption in the vaginal microbiome that can negatively impact vaginal health are:

• Vaginal Itching
• Burning
• Pelvic Pain
• Abnormal Vaginal discharge that is green or yellow in color and has a foul odor
• Pain

A healthcare provider should be seen if a mild problem persists for long periods of time, symptoms worsen, or if you experience fever or pelvic pain.

How to maintain good vaginal health

pH-D Feminine Health is the #1 Doctor recommended brand of boric acid suppositories and also offers several other holistic products for vaginal health and hygiene that are available on the market at over 50,000 retailers in the USA and Canada. These products can be used with other feminine hygiene and menstruation hygiene products.

Odor is one of the most common feminine care concerns women bring to their healthcare providers, and pH-D’s goal is to normalize the conversation about vaginal odor because many women feel shame about it. A holistic solution for this problem is boric acid products, which are safe as well as doctor recommended.

So, what is boric acid? For those unfamiliar, boric acid is a natural compound that is found in seawater and has been used for over 100 years by physicians for neutralizing odor. In its purest form, boric acid is a white powder that is both colorless and odorless. Boric acid is a common and safe ingredient. It is used in a variety of cosmetic products as well as feminine care products to help control vaginal odor.

Boric acid has many uses and is a weak acid that is water soluble. It is a very common, accessible product with many uses because it is a natural compound found in seawater.

If you want to know how to keep your vaginal healthy, pH-D Feminine Health offers several holistic products for vaginal health and odor control, including our sensitive feminine wash. pH-D has a selection of pH-balanced boric acid products, including foam washes that can be used in the shower, body sprays, and body wipes. All these products are safe for sensitive skin and support your most intimate areas and overall vaginal health.

One of pH-D’s most popular products on the market is the #1 Doctor recommended Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories. These suppositories are small capsules of a dissolvable bovine gelatin containing the recommended 600 mg of boric acid to be inserted into the vagina as a holistic solution for vaginal odor and overall vaginal wellness. Use the suppositories until you are odor free. If you are prone to vaginal odor, you can insert 2-4 suppositories per week. It is safe to use boric acid suppositories on a regular basis for vaginal odor.

Certain cleansing methods, such as using heavily scented soap mask odors instead of neutralizing them, which may alter the microbiome. Boric acid suppositories contain one simple ingredient: boric acid, which is proven to neutralize odors instead of just mask them. Different feminine products containing boric acid have different uses, but all involve assisting in controlling vaginal odor. For example, pH-D Boric Acid Moisturizing Suppositories, along with hyaluronic acid vaginal gel, include Vitamin E and coconut oil for the added benefit of moisture and feeling comfortable. They are most commonly used by women who may be experiencing vaginal dryness or going through menopause.

We also have a product line of holistic oral supplements to support your vaginal health and your overall health, too.

• Our Women’s Health Probiotic supplement is a holistic product to support your digestive, urinary tract health, and vaginal microbiome. The addition of cranberry fruit extract has acidic properties that are proven to help promote vaginal health.
• Our oral supplement for menstrual support promotes the reduction of menstrual discomfort, irritability, and bloating or swelling. These capsules contain Alpha-GEE®, which is proven to reduce inflammation.*

• Our Holistic Menopause Support supplement promotes the reduction of hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, night sweats and brain fog. These capsules contain CON-CRĒT® creatine, which assists with cellular energy to support optimal brain health.

*Activity induced

Feminine hygiene is an all-encompassing description for anything related to the health maintenance and care of the vulva and vagina. It is important to know the difference between these two anatomical parts. The vulva consists of the external genital parts, which are the inner and outer labia, clitoris, urethra, and  mons pubis (the rounded mass of fatty tissue over the pubic bones). The vagina is the internal genitalia. The vagina includes the vaginal canal and cervix, which separates the vagina from the uterus.

The mature female reproductive system is marked by the menstrual cycle, which can affect the hygiene routine needed. The entire duration of time between periods, and menstruation (also called the menstrual flow or period) lasts approximately a week out of each menstrual cycle.

As with any other body part, maintaining a healthy hygiene routine is very important. Because the vulva and vagina are in a warm, dark, and moist part of the body, it is normal for this area to have a mild odor and produce some vaginal discharge. Discover our guide on all you need to know about feminine hygiene, including the best feminine hygiene tips and products to incorporate into your feminine care routine.

What is a typical feminine hygiene routine?

A routine is used to maintain cleanliness and health, and feminine care products help make that possible, accessible, and convenient. Many feminine hygiene products are marketed for use during the menstrual period and include tampons, menstrual cups and discs, sanitary pads, and panty liners. Other products for feminine hygiene are used to manage vaginal odor, vaginal dryness, and sexual activity. These products can often be used between periods and during periods and include vagina rinses, feminine wipes, sprays, and vaginal suppositories specially made for sensitive female genitalia.

Diet plays a significant role in vaginal health. Avoid sugary foods and drinks in excess because sugar creates a higher risk for bacteria and yeast to negatively affect the microbiome (the good bacteria that live in the vagina). Taking a probiotic supplement can prove beneficial to supporting your digestive tract, urinary tract, and vaginal microbiome. pH-D has a women’s health probiotic supplement with cranberry extract that can be taken daily to promote digestive, urinary, and vaginal health.

A typical hygiene routine to maintain vaginal health and wellness should include the following:

• Make yearly appointments with your gynecologist for important preventative healthcare. Find a doctor you feel comfortable seeing and addressing all questions and concerns you have about your reproductive health.
• Wash the vulvar area daily with warm water and a pH-balanced wash. Heavily scented soaps are not recommended. The vaginal area is naturally slightly acidic, which promotes a proper microbiome balance. Scented and antibacterial soaps or heavily scented solutions and vaginal steaming can disrupt the microbiome and put you at risk for infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast overgrowth.
• Showers are preferential over baths for vaginal health because bathwater can expose the vaginal tissue to soaps and oils. If you do opt for a bath, rinse the vulvar area thoroughly with fresh, warm water afterward.

>pH-D has a pH-balanced  Boric Acid Sensitive Foam Wash, that can be used in the shower and is safe for sensitive skin and supports your most intimate areas and overall vulva health.

• Wearing breathable, comfortably fitting underwear. Plain white cotton underwear is the best option.
• Underwear should be changed daily and washed in a mild detergent.
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom, and do not use the same piece of toilet paper to wipe around the urethra and vagina that you used to wipe around the anus. Keep the urethra and vagina free from fecal matter to avoid vaginal infection.
• Use water-based lubricants for sexual activity.
• Urinate after any vaginal sexual activity, as urine cleanses the area around the urethra and vagina.
• When working out or swimming, change out of sweaty workout clothes or a wet swimsuit as soon as you can. If possible, head over to the shower at the gym or your home and wash off the sweat or pool water residue from your body.

A body spray, foam wash, or body wipe can be beneficial in these situations. Check out pH-D’s vaginal care products made with holistic ingredients to help with vaginal odor and improve your vaginal health and feminine hygiene.

• During menstruation, change the sanitary item you use as directed.

• Pubic hair: whether you decide to keep it or not, proper grooming is essential. While shaving is not recommended, if you do use a razor to trim the area, use a blade only for the vulva so it doesn’t get dulled from use on other areas of the body. Store the blade in a clean, dry place out of the bath or shower so it doesn’t get mold or rust growth.
• Shaving pubic hair can result in razor burn and ingrown hair. If a rash or itchy, red bumps appear on the skin, a warm compress can help open the pore and enable the follicle to be freed from underneath the skin. If the rash or bumps have discharge, foul odor, or pain, see a doctor.

• A diet that supports vaginal health includes a variety of foods or supplements rich in:
• Antioxidants
• Vitamins C and E
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Protein
• Probiotics

When should you develop a routine?

If you want to know how to have good feminine hygiene it is important that you develop a routine. Developing a regular feminine hygiene routine is important to begin learning from childhood and throughout adulthood to ensure optimal feminine health and care habits as the body changes.

Changing your routine as you age

It’s important to evaluate and change your feminine hygiene routine through different ages and stages of life. Learning correct ways to care for the urogenital area is a lifelong process that begins with education in early childhood and is built upon with more care techniques and good habits as a girl ages into womanhood.

Girls in early childhood should be taught the basics of staying clean by wiping from front to back after urinating, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and gently cleansing the vulvar area with warm water and a pH-balanced wash in a shower.

Feminine hygiene tips for teenage girls also differ. As the body changes in puberty with physical growth and hormones, adolescent girls need to be aware of how to care for their bodies during menstruation and pubic hair care as it begins to emerge and grow.

During the years of young to mid-adulthood, personal hygiene needs can change with sexual activity, pregnancy and childbirth, exercise, and dietary habits. Women's probiotics can also play a role in maintaining health during this period.

As the body transitions into menopause, a woman may experience irregular periods and problems with vaginal dryness that could be uncomfortable and troublesome if a good hygiene routine is not used.

Managing our care and hygiene throughout life is nothing to be ashamed of and can be empowering when we consider all that our bodies are capable of doing! Every transition is something to be proud of as our bodies accomplish and achieve so much through any stage of life.

Holistic feminine hygiene care

pH-D Feminine Health offers several feminine care products for vaginal health, including menstrual support. These holistic products can be used with other feminine hygiene and menstrual hygiene products. Our boric acid vaginal suppositories are the #1 doctor recommended brand available on the market, so be sure to check out our online shop or find our selections at your local store!

Boric acid is a natural compound that is found in seawater and has been used for over 100 years by physicians for neutralizing odor. In its purest form, boric acid is a white powder that is both colorless and odorless. Boric acid is a common and safe ingredient. It is used in a variety of cosmetic products as well as feminine care products to help control vaginal odor.

The vagina. Half the population of the world has one, so you’d think there would be plenty of accurate common knowledge circulating about it. However, vaginal myths, stigmas, and inaccuracies are extremely common. Oftentimes, things are completely normal issues, but sometimes you should check in with your healthcare provider. This article will answer your questions so you can learn more about the vagina and beneficial vaginal facts that every woman should know.

The vagina and the vulva are not the same

When talking about the nether regions, most people refer to the vagina like it is all-encompassing. But that is not the case. There are two main parts of the female genitalia: the vulva and the vagina. The vulva consists of the external genital parts, which are the inner and outer labia, clitoris, urethra, and mons pubis (the rounded mass of fatty tissue over the pubic bones). The vagina is the internal genitalia, which includes the vaginal canal and cervix, which separates the vagina from the uterus.

It is important to know the difference between these two anatomical parts because care for each area has different needs.

Vaginas are all unique—no two are alike

Vulvas and vaginas are as unique as the person to whom they belong. Sure, they all have the same parts, but like the people who have them, their appearances can come in several shapes, sizes, colors, and even smells.

The labia of the vulva are often the most uniquely defining part of the female genitalia. There are two sets of labia, or “lips,” on the vulva: the labia majora and the labia minora. The labia majora are the exposed outer lips and the labia minora are the inner lips that are a darker tone of skin and wrap along the sides of the vaginal opening. The labia can appear asymmetrical, curved, have more prominent inner or outer lips, be long and dangling, small and open, or small and closed. All of these are variations of a normal and healthy vagina. But if you experience any pain or discomfort because of the appearance interfering with your daily activities, sexual health, or feminine hygiene routine, you should check with your healthcare provider.

The genitals are unique in other ways as well, including the clitoris, pubic hair, and vaginal smell.

The clitoris glans is located at the top of the vulva where the two labia minora meet and it is covered by a hood of skin. This part is unique in the size of the clitoris glans, and the hood may be large or small.

Pubic hair is another unique feature. Depending on testosterone levels (yes, women produce testosterone, too—just in much smaller amounts than men do), pubic and body hair may be thick, thin, all over the vulva or only on the mons pubis, and it may or may not “match” the hair color or appearance of the hair that grows on your head.

A vagina fact you should remember is that it also has a natural odor (more of which will be discussed later). And, in the same way individual people each have their own unique scent, so do vaginas.

It is normal for vaginas to have a smell

Speaking of the unique smell each vagina has, since the vulva and vagina are located at a warm, dark, and moist part of the body, it is natural for this area to have a mild odor and produce some normal vaginal discharge. The vulva and vagina have beneficial bacteria, called a microbiome, that keep the area at a healthy vaginal pH level, which is slightly acidic. This acidic environment makes the vagina inhospitable to harmful bacterial and yeast overgrowth.

If you notice a smell that is not like your normal scent, or it becomes particularly strong and unpleasant or has a “fishy” smell, you should consult with a health professional. Otherwise, it is best to just let things be.

However, if you want to know how to get rid of vaginal odor at home, pH-D Feminine Health offers several holistic products for vaginal health and odor control such as a vaginal odor rinse.

If you want to know how to clean your vulva the most effective thing to use is a cleaner that is pH-balanced for the vulva. Showers are preferential over baths for vaginal health because bathwater can expose the vaginal wall and tissue to scented soaps and oils. If you do opt for a bath, rinse the vulvar area thoroughly with fresh, warm water afterward.

pH-D has a selection of pH-balanced boric acid foam washes that can be used in the shower. And if you have sensitive skin, you can use pH-D sensitive feminine wash to support your most intimate areas and overall vaginal health.

It’s not possible to “lose” something in the vagina (like a tampon)

Life gets busy sometimes and distractions happen, and then suddenly you remember you had put a tampon or a menstrual cup in several hours ago—or even a day or two ago (or longer)! Or maybe, when it comes to your sexual health, you were in the heat of the moment with your significant other or sex partner, and the condom slipped off inside you during sexual intercourse. There’s no need to worry things can get stuck or lost inside your vagina because the vaginal canal is closed off by the cervix. Imagine an inflated balloon that is tied off and placed atop a toilet paper tube. The tied end of the balloon would be the cervix and the inflated part would be the uterus, and the inside of the tube would be the vaginal canal. So, there is only one way into the tube and one way back out, and the space inside it is limited.

If something gets forgotten or accidentally left in the vagina, it can very likely be easily removed by washing your hands and then using your fingers to reach inside and get it out. However, suppose you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of vaginal infection, such as a putrid, rotten, or fishy smell or abnormal vaginal discharge. In that case, you should see your doctor so they can check to see if any pieces of the item that was in the vagina were missed if it broke apart while it was in there. They can also prescribe you the appropriate medications if needed.

More from pH-D Feminine Health for your vaginal wellness

As previously mentioned, regular scented soaps and body washes shouldn’t be coming in contact with your vagina. Attempts to clean or freshen up this way could backfire. These products contain chemicals or fragrances that can be harsh on the delicate tissue of your vagina and vulva or strip away natural oils. This can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, or burning for some women, and it can be hard to know what products can support your feminine health and control odor without causing more harm than good.

Luckily, you just need to look for products with holistic, vulva-safe ingredients that include boric acid. This goes for everything from a boric acid suppository  to a wipe, spray, and wash. pH-D has each of these solutions in our family of products, and each contains enough boric acid to support your vaginal health without stripping your body of its moisture and supporting overall vaginal health. There’s a boric acid product for everyone, whether you prefer to insert a suppository at night or use an on-the-go wipe throughout the day.

We also have a product line of holistic oral womens supplements to support your vaginal health and your overall health, too.

• Our Women’s Health Probiotic supplement is a holistic oral supplement for daily support of your digestive, urinary, and vaginal health. The addition of cranberry fruit extract has acidic properties that are proven to help promote vaginal health.
• Our Holistic Menstrual Support oral supplement promotes the reduction of menstrual discomfort, irritability, bloating and swelling. These capsules contain Alpha-GEE®, which is proven to reduce inflammation* (*activity induced).
• Our Holistic> Menopause Support oral supplement promotes the reduction of hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, night sweats and brain fog. These capsules contain CON-CRĒT®, which assists with cellular energy to support optimal brain health.