HEALTHY DOWN UNDER

Time to give your lady bits some TLC.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

It’s time we paid our vaginas a little more attention. This amazing part of the body is incredibly strong, feels intense pleasure, and can even push out a baby! Treat yours right by following these tips for a healthy, happy vagina.

HIT THE SHOWER

Gym bunnies, listen up! Kudos to you if you’ve been exercising regularly, but make sure that you’re equally disciplined when it comes to showering soon after a workout. Bacteria thrives in warm and moist environments, so the longer you spend in sweat-soaked tights or undies, the greater your risk of developing an infection down below. If you don’t have access to bathing facilities, at least change into fresh clothes. On a related note, invest in cotton underwear. The soft, breathable material is ideal for wicking away excess moisture and keeping the vaginal area airy and comfortable.

LOAD UP ON PROBIOTICS

The old adage ‘you are what you eat’ also applies to your nether regions. Your vagina is naturally slightly acidic and has its own host of healthy bacteria to keep things running smoothly. However, this delicate balance can get thrown off depending on what you eat. For example, high-sugar diets have been linked to an increased risk of recurring yeast infections. Finishing a course of antibiotics can also seriously mess up your vajayjay’s ecosystem. Combat this by incorporating probiotic-rich foods like Greek yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha into your diet.

DO SOME KEGELS

You’ve probably heard of Kegel exercises before but if you have no idea what they are or how to do them, here’s a mini-guide: Kegels refer to the squeezing and releasing of your pelvic floor muscles. Those are the muscles that help you hold your pee. Do Kegels thrice a day, squeezing and holding for at least five seconds each time. Slowly build your way up to more repetitions and longer holds as your pelvic floor muscles get stronger. Psst! Doing Kegels will also help you reach the big O more easily for better sex.

STAY FRESH

The next time you shower, clean your private bits with a specially formulated feminine wash that won’t irritate your skin down below. We love the Vagisil range of intimate care products that has something to suit every girl’s lifestyle and need: Vagisil Fresh Plus Intimate Wash ($14.90) offers 24-hour odour control, Vagisil pH Plus Intimate Wash ($15.90) is made with cranberry extracts to alleviate itch and skin irritations associated with hormonal changes during that time of the month, and Vagisil Prohydrate Plus Intimate Wash ($15.90) helps to relieve dryness in the area. 

The latest addition to the range is the Vagisil Sensitive Daily Intimate Wash ($15.90) that’s crafted for those with sensitive skin. The gentle formula is free of irritants like soaps, dyes, parabens and sulphates. It’s suitable for daily use and is infused with a natural, botanical scent to keep your vag smelling clean and fresh. 

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Vagisil products are available at major supermarkets, personal care stores and leading e-commerce marketplaces. For more info, visit www.vagisil.com.sg. Follow fb.com/vagisilsg for the latest news and promotional updates.