Vaginal health: 11 questions you may be too embarrassed to ask your ob-gyn

Talking to your doctor is especially important when considering your fertility options. This article should not be considered medical or legal advice.

Maintaining vaginal health is crucial for overall reproductive well-being. But caring for your vagina doesn’t need to be complicated. Here we provide general answers to some of your most common concerns, covering everything from underwear and douching to pubic hair and labia. (Remember, consulting your healthcare provider is always a good idea and nothing to be embarrassed about!) Let’s get started.

1. What type of underwear should I consider to help reduce yeast infections?

According to Cleveland Clinic, wearing cotton underwear and clothes that aren’t too tight may reduce the risk of a yeast infection.¹ Also, it’s OK to wear thongs! A 2018 Obstetrics & Gynecology study showed that thong use is not associated with higher instances of urinary tract infections or vaginal infections.²

2. What should I do instead of douching?

Did you know your vagina naturally produces its own mucus to keep itself clean?³ A healthy vagina relies on a balance of bacteria, and douching can kill “good” bacteria, allowing too much “bad” bacteria to grow.³ So skip the douching and let your vagina do its thing!³

If you notice an odor you don’t like, talk to your healthcare provider.³ Douching only covers up odors, it doesn't eliminate the cause. An unusual smell can signify a vaginal infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI).³ It's totally normal to notice a subtle scent coming from your vagina. Sometimes, after a good workout, your lady parts might even develop a slightly “musky” aroma (also completely normal).³ Check in with your healthcare professional for the best vaginal hygiene practices -- like the best type of soap for your specific needs.

3. Can I lose my virginity by using a tampon?

No, you can’t lose your virginity by using a tampon.⁴ According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “the presence or absence of a hymen does not indicate ‘virginity.’”⁴ This myth persists because some people believe the hymen, “a thin membrane that partially covers the entrance to the vagina,”⁴ can only be torn after having sex for the first time. But your hymen can also stretch or tear when you use a tampon or when you go through a medical procedure.⁴

4. How many tampons per day is normal?

The number of tampons people use per day can vary greatly. Rather than focusing on the exact number of tampons used daily, pay attention to signs that you are changing them too frequently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs of heavy menstrual bleeding include “[soaking] through one or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row” and/or needing to change tampons during the night.⁵ If you experience this, talk to your healthcare provider.

5. How do I safely groom my pubic hair?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association offers these tips if you choose to groom your pubic hair:⁶

• It’s best to trim your pubic hair yourself.
• Don’t share your hair removal tools.
• Stand up while you trim to avoid injury — most shaving injuries occur when lying down.
• When shaving, use a clean razor and moisturize the shaved area after.
• If you use an aesthetician for waxing, make sure they don’t reuse the same stick with each dip into the hot wax.
• Talk to a dermatologist before opting for laser hair removal.

Why all the fuss? Even just a small nick in the genital area can increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).⁶

6. Why does my vagina hurt when I have sex?

Painful intercourse (dyspareunia), which can occur in the vulva, vagina, pelvis, or uterus, may signal an infection or can signal conditions such as vaginismus (vaginal muscle spasms due to fear or trauma), endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. If you experience this, consult your healthcare provider.⁷

Pain during sex can cause emotional and mental strain in addition to physical discomfort.⁷Talk to your healthcare provider to help identify the root cause of the pain.⁷ If you’re feeling shy about bringing this up during an appointment, know that you won’t be the first and you certainly won’t be the last — 10 to 20% of people in the U.S. experience this type of pain at some point in their lives.⁷

7. Why does my vagina sometimes make weird noises?

According to Cleveland Clinic, that noise is likely vaginal gas (also known as vaginal flatulence or queefing).⁸ It may be embarrassing, but it’s simply the noise of trapped air exiting your vagina — and it’s completely normal.⁸ Air can become trapped for all sorts of reasons: having sex, using a tampon, having weak pelvic floor muscles undergoing a pelvic exam or exercising.⁸

If it happens frequently, pelvic floor exercises may help.⁸ If it’s happening enough to affect your lifestyle, talk to your healthcare provider.⁸

8. Is it normal for my labia to look like that?

Your labia are unique to you.⁹ They might be a shade of pink, purple, brown or black, and might not match the rest of your skin’s color.⁹The size of your labia also may change with age.⁹ You may notice that your outer or inner labia are longer, or that your labia are asymmetrical — these traits are normal, too.⁹

So, what’s not normal? A bright red color and inflammation.⁹ If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

9. Can I visit my ob-gyn if I’m on my period?

Yes, and there are benefits to menstruating during the appointment. It can make the insertion of an IUD easier, and it can be an ideal time to start a new birth control method because you know you’re not pregnant.¹⁰

In the past, Pap tests were often rescheduled if you were on your period, but advancements in technology have eliminated this practice.¹⁰ So how exactly will it work? Just tell the nurse you’re on your period when you’re called back for your appointment. They will put a disposable covering on the exam table before the procedure.¹⁰ (And try not to feel embarrassed — they deal with this often.) One caveat: If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, call ahead and ask if rescheduling is necessary.¹⁰

10. I keep getting UTIs — am I cleaning my vagina well enough?

According to the Office on Women’s Health, typically urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria (and in some cases yeast) that makes its way into your urinary tract.¹¹ If you’re experiencing recurring UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider. In the meantime, here are some tips from the Office on Women’s Health on how to keep your vagina and surrounding areas as clean as possible:

• To avoid infection, wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
• Thoroughly wash the outer lips of your genitals and anus every day.
• Don’t douche.
• Pee when you have to — don’t hold it.
• Pee before and after sex.
• Wear cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton crotch.
• Don’t stay in damp swimsuits or sweaty clothing — change out of them as soon as possible.
• Opt for showers over baths or keep baths to 30 minutes or less.¹¹

11. What are some signs that my vagina is unhealthy?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience vaginal bleeding in between your periods, or if you see a change in how much vaginal discharge you’re having, an unpleasant or unfamiliar odor or a color you’re not used to.¹² This advice also applies if you notice redness, itching or a protrusion in your vagina or the surrounding area.¹²

Repeat after us: Your vagina is nothing to be embarrassed about! If you have any questions, talk to your doctor. Feeling nervous? Just remember that they’ve heard it all — and there is no shame in seeking care and education.

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