Hygiene to Prevent Vaginal Infections

Hygiene to Prevent Vaginal Infections


Self care

Care for your private parts or genital area by following these practices:

  • Wipe from front to back, away from the vagina, and toward your anus.
  • Keep your genital area clean by rinsing with warm water and gently patting it dry.
  • Do not use a loofah or washcloth on you genitals. Use your fingertips only.
  • Do not use perfumed soaps or liquid soap on your genitals. Use a gentle bar soap, like Dove for sensitive skin or Neutrogena.
  • Do not use pads that have deodorant or a plastic coating.
  • Do not use tampons that have deodorant.
  • Do not use douches, feminine sprays, or talcum powder.
  • Do not wear tight fitting pants or underwear. Wear only cotton underwear.
  • Do not use pads or tampons that contain a deodorant or a plastic coating.
  • Do not wear pantyhose or tights unless they have a cotton crotch.

Pubic hair protects - don’t shave it

Pubic hair protects your genital area from dirt, bacteria, and viruses. It also prevents chafing from areas that rub together.

Vaginal discharge

Most women have vaginal discharge. It keeps your vagina clean and moist. Normal discharge is clear, white, or yellow in color and has a mild odor. You may have a few days of heavy, clear, and slippery discharge about halfway between your periods when your egg is released.

Signs of vaginal infection

Follow self care practices to decrease your chance of vaginal infections and see your provider if you have any signs of infection, including:

  • Changes in vaginal discharge
  • Itching or burning around the vagina
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Burning when you urinate
  • Foul vaginal odor

Common vaginal infections

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection) is caused by the overgrowth of yeast normally found in the vagina. The overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can cause discharge, itching, or burning. This is not a sexually transmitted infection.
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by a change in the balance of normal bacteria present in the vagina. The discharge is thin and watery and may look gray, white, or yellow. It has a bad or fishy smell. This infection is more common in women who are sexually active, but it is not sexually transmitted.
  • Trichomonias is caused by a parasite, and it is sexually transmitted. Most often symptoms happen 5 to 28 days after infection, but many people do not have symptoms. Women may see yellow, green, or gray discharge from the vagina, itching in or near the vagina, and vaginal odor. Antibiotic treatment is needed for you and your partner(s).

© 2016 - October 21, 2021, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.