Women's Health: Practical Tips on Vaginal Hygiene, Meds, and Prevention

Most women will face a vaginal problem at some point. Small daily habits can prevent many issues, and knowing when to use meds or see a clinician makes a real difference. Below are clear, usable tips you can apply right away.

Daily care that actually helps

Wash the external genital area once a day with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap if you want to use soap. Avoid scrubbing or douching—those remove protective bacteria and raise infection risk. Skip scented pads, tampons, and sprays; fragrances irritate sensitive skin.

Wear breathable cotton underwear and change it daily, more often after sweating or working out. Tight synthetic pants can trap moisture and heat, which helps yeast and bacteria grow. After using the toilet, wipe front to back to reduce the chance of bringing gut bacteria into the vaginal area.

During periods, change pads or tampons regularly. If you use panty liners, swap them often—prolonged dampness is a common trigger for irritation. If you’re sexually active, urinate soon after sex to help flush bacteria from the urethra.

When to see a provider and meds to know

Watch for signals that need a clinician: unusual or foul-smelling discharge, intense itching, burning when peeing, pelvic pain, or fever. Those symptoms can mean yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, STIs, or other conditions that need different treatments.

Over-the-counter antifungal creams (like miconazole) and single-dose oral fluconazole are common for yeast infections, but they won’t help bacterial vaginosis or STIs. Metronidazole is a typical prescription for bacterial vaginosis. Don’t guess—if symptoms are new or severe, get tested before treating yourself.

If you’re prescribed antibiotics, finish the full course even if you feel better. Don’t share prescriptions. If you use hormonal birth control and must take antibiotics, mention it to your provider or pharmacist—some meds can interact or affect how you feel.

Some women try probiotics or plain yogurt for prevention. Research is mixed, but some find relief. If you try supplements, pick products from reputable brands and talk to your clinician, especially if you’re pregnant or on other meds.

Keep a simple checklist: mild soap only, cotton underwear, wipe front to back, change after workouts or sex, and see a provider for abnormal symptoms. These steps cut the odds of common infections and help you act fast when something’s off.

If you want, save this page or print the checklist to bring to your next clinic visit—having details about symptoms and treatments you’ve tried speeds up care and helps your provider make the right call.