Alright, it’s time to talk about vaginal health - the often overlooked, but incredibly important aspect of our overall health and wellbeing. The vagina is more than command central for reproduction; it’s a vital part of our physical and emotional health. When vaginal health is on point, all is well. But, when it’s not, it becomes comfortable, and can seriously affect self-confidence and how we feel about our bodies. 

Let’s get ready to dive into the world of vaginal health, exploring the wet and the dry, the ins and outs, and everything in between. 

Our bodies go through some serious changes throughout our lives. From puberty to menopause, there’s always something happening behind the scenes, with our hormones constantly shifting. At each stage or era of life, hormones can affect vaginal health, in both positive, and not so great ways. While there are a number of factors that can influence what’s happening with the body hormonally, here are the main hormonal pit stops for a woman’s body, although not every experience is the same.

Puberty: Ah, that time in life when hormones enter a perpetual state of chaos. This spans the entire phase from the very first inkling of hormonal changes, all the way to the full force puberty surge. 

Estrogen levels surge during puberty, causing vaginal changes, such as changes in pH, and mucus. 

Puberty can last anywhere from two to five years on average, and can begin well before you might expect. Today, girls are experiencing puberty at younger ages, with onset typically happening between the ages of eight and thirteen. 

Menstruation: Most women experience a regular hormonal cycle that prepares the body for housing an offspring, and ends with the shedding of the uterine lining, otherwise known as menstruation. 

The hormone fluctuations associated with menstruation can cause symptoms like dryness, irritation, itching, and an unbalanced pH. 

Pregnancy/Postpartum/Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause increased blood flow to the vagina. It’s common to feel as though the entire vaginal area, including both the vagina and labia are swollen. You might also notice a deepening in color, and increased vaginal discharge. 

After childbirth, it can seem like it takes forever for the vagina to return to normal, even if you’ve had a c-section delivery. Dryness, vaginal pain (especially if there are stitches), changes in elasticity, and an increase in discharge are all common. This doesn’t mean that you need to live with the discomfort. 

Perimenopause/Menopause: We can think of this stage as reverse puberty. During perimenopause and menopause, there’s a decline in estrogen levels, which can happen slowly or quickly at various stages. By the time a woman reaches menopause, her estrogen levels are practically zero, which can lead to dryness, vaginal thinning, and loss of elasticity.  

Throughout our lives, there are times when things just aren’t feeling right down there. Itching, irritation, and changes in mucus or discharge are three vaginal woes that every woman faces at some point. 

Itching, irritation and discharge are no fun, but before you reach for the OTC remedies, let’s talk about what might be causing these symptoms in the first place. 

• Yeast Infections: Caused by an overgrowth of Candida, yeast infections can show up “just because”, or they can be your vagina’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Yeast infections are often triggered by hormonal changes, antibiotics, diets that are high in sugar, and wearing clothing that creates an environment that is warmer, more moist, and less breathable than what the vagina needs. 
  
  
• Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis isn’t a sexually transmitted disease, but instead just an imbalance of good vs bad bacteria in the vagina. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and unusual discharge. 
  
  
• Allergies: Certain soaps, douches, laundry detergent, feminine hygiene products, and even fabrics can irritate the labia and vagina, causing discomfort.  
  
  
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Some sexually transmitted diseases cause changes in the vaginal “ecosystem”. STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis can cause discharge, foul odors, burning, itching, sores, and other vaginal symptoms. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor – even if you’ve been sexually active but think you’re not at risk. 
  
  

Lubricants can also help both in intimate times, and to reduce the overall discomfort of dryness. There are different types of lubrication, including water based, oil-based, and silicone-based. Some women also prefer to take a more natural route and use something like organic coconut oil. 

Vaginal hygiene is important, but there are definitely some dos and don’ts of keeping it clean. The wrong approach to hygiene, including being overzealous, can lead to irritation and other issues. 

Think of your vagina as the ultimate self-cleaning machine. It does a great job on its own, with minimal help from you.

The Right Way

• Use a mild, pH balanced cleanser on the outside only. This can include the outer, larger folds called the labia majora, but not the inner smaller folds called the labia minora. 
• There are a number of sweat glands in the groin area. Wearing breathable clothing can help prevent sweat from becoming trapped, which can lead to unpleasant odors and discomfort. 
• Change your underwear regularly. This could mean daily for some, or more often for someone who exercises frequently or sweats more than average.
  
  

The Wrong Way: What Not To Do

• Don’t use douches. These are ineffective and can cause more harm than good by disrupting the vaginal pH.
• Don’t use scented cleaners, as these can also irritate the delicate vaginal tissues. 
• Do not use cleansers, no matter how gentle, on the inner folds or directly in the vagina. 
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing. 
• If you notice a change in discharge or odor, don’t ignore it - contact your doctor instead. 

You know your body better than anyone, and there are times when your vagina, just like any other part of your body, requires medical attention. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to visit a gynecologist.

• Unusual discharge
• Change in odor, especially if it becomes more noticeable or is foul smelling
• Itching, burning, or irritation – especially without a known cause
• Painful sex
• Painful urination 
• Abnormal bleeding
• Abnormal spotting
  
  

It’s also important to keep up with regular gynecological visits. Think of them as maintenance or “well-visits” for your vagina. These visits offer an important opportunity to discuss issues or concerns, and doctors can spot potential issues before they become bigger concerns. 

There's a deep connection between our vaginal health and mental well-being. When we're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it can affect our vagina in some pretty significant ways. Here are a few ways to prioritize your mental health and support your vaginal well-being:

• Practice self-care: Take time for yourself, whether that's reading a book, taking a bath, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee.
• Stay connected: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support.
• Get moving: Exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, while also improving vaginal health.
• Nourish from the inside out: Smooth As Silk+ is designed to support vaginal health with the highest quality sea buckthorn oil. Our formula also supports mental health and overall wellbeing. 
  
  

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to understanding and caring for your vagina. Remember that vaginal health is just as important as overall physical health, and it can affect your overall mental and emotional well-being. Take care of your vagina, and the rest of your body from head to toe, but nourishing it properly, getting quality sleep, watching those stress levels, and taking a sea buckthorn supplement like Smooth As Silk+ with one of the richest sources of omega-7 in the world.