It’s been called a “Lotus Flower Bomb” by recording artists Wale and Miguel, and a “Kootie-Kat” by the Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta reality star, Joseline Hernandez. However, it’s most formally known to the world as the vagina.

Yes. The vagina. That thing many women try to avoid discussing, or the thing they tend to neglect thinking about when it’s not within the context of sex. For some reason, women get a little shy when it comes to their most sacred body part.

Nonetheless, if you were born female, then you’re stuck with this marvelous organ. So you might as well get to know it. Here are a few tips every woman should know when it comes to the health and hygiene of their vagina.

1. Your vagina isn’t a flower shop. Don’t use perfumed soaps down there! As a matter of fact, try to avoid putting harsh soaps in your vagina all together. Most soaps are filled with chemicals that can really mess up the PH balance and the odor of your vagina. Besides, the vagina has a natural way of cleaning itself. So, scented soaps really aren’t needed. Instead, try rinsing it really well with a lot of warm water.
2. Shaving. Pubic hair seems really gross, but it actually acts as a protective cover to the vagina. The skin around the vagina is a lot more sensitive than the rest of the body, so you’re more likely to have cuts, burning, and irritation. For this reason, it is often recommended that you not cut it all off. Instead, trim it.
3. You are what you eat…really. The types of food you consume effect the smell of your lady parts. Try eating more citrus fruits and yogurt because they provide good bacteria that fight against yeast infections in the vagina, and they make it have a more pleasurable scent.
4. Let it breath. There is no shame in going commando every now and then because you have to let your vagina get some air. Also, Try to buy cotton underwear the next time you go shopping because it is the most breathable material.

As a woman your vagina is your most intimate body part, and it is so important to learn to proper ways to care for it.

Raven Schley

Staff Writer, Health & Beauty