Let’s get one thing straight: the vagina is self-cleaning.

But the vulva? That’s another story.

Between tight leggings, stress, period blood, sex, sweat, pH shifts, and whatever the summer heat is doing, it’s totally normal for things to feel a little… off sometimes. Funky odors, irritation, discharge changes, and dryness are common. But they’re not always "just part of being a woman." They’re often your body asking for a little support.

Let’s break down what feminine hygiene actually means, what products are safe (and what to skip), and how to build a routine that supports your flora, not fights it.

🧬 First, What Is “Feminine Hygiene” Anyway?

It’s not about being “clean” or “fresh” 24/7—it’s about supporting your natural microbiome and keeping the vulva (the external area) balanced.

Your vaginal ecosystem is delicate, powered by good bacteria (mostly Lactobacilli) that keep your pH acidic (around 3.8–4.5). This environment helps fight off yeast, bacteria, and irritation naturally.

The problem? A lot of things mess with that balance:

• Antibiotics or hormonal changes (hello, birth control or periods)
  

• Tight clothes + sweat = yeast paradise
  

• Scented soaps or douching (please, just no)
  

• Semen, lube, and period blood (all have higher pH than your vagina)
  

So if you’ve ever experienced itching, odor, discharge changes, or a yeast/BV spiral—you’re not alone.

🧼 How to Build a Healthy Feminine Hygiene Routine

1. Wash the Vulva, Not the Vagina

Your vagina (internal) is self-cleaning. Your vulva (external) needs gentle cleansing to remove sweat, discharge, and buildup.

🫧 Use a pH-balanced wash—never regular soap.
Ours is plant-powered, fragrance-free, and designed to respect your microbiome—not disrupt it.

👉 Try: Femigist Vagelly Wash

Skip: Anything scented, foaming, or made with sulfates. These can strip protective oils and alter pH.

2. Use Boric Acid—Only When Needed

Boric acid is an MVP for rebalancing vaginal pH—especially after:

• Periods
  

• Sex
  

• Antibiotics
  

• When you feel that “something’s off” but not quite an infection
  

It helps prevent yeast and BV flare-ups by restoring the acidic environment your vagina thrives in. But it’s not an everyday product—think of it as your backup, not your baseline.

👉 Try: Femigist Boric Acid Suppositories

🧠 Only use internally, and always wash your hands before inserting. Not for use during pregnancy.

3. Wipe Smart

Wipes can be a great on-the-go solution after workouts, long days, or before intimacy—but they should be clean, simple, and pH-conscious.

No fragrances. No alcohol. No baby wipes.

👉 Try: Femigist Feminine Wipes – individually wrapped, travel-friendly, and infused with aloe + witch hazel to soothe, not strip.

4. Let It Breathe

Tight, synthetic underwear traps heat and moisture. So does sitting in leggings all day. Let the vulva breathe—at least at night.

• Opt for breathable cotton panties
  

• Sleep commando when you can
  

• Change out of wet swimsuits or gym clothes ASAP
  

5. Pay Attention to Patterns

Feminine hygiene is not about perfection. It’s about knowing what’s normal for you, and when things start to shift.

🩸 More discharge than usual?
🐟 Fishy smell after your period or sex?
🍞 Yeasty texture or itch?

Don’t panic. These signs usually point to pH imbalance, and with the right care, you can often rebalance naturally. But if symptoms persist or worsen, always check in with your provider.

🚫 What to Skip

❌ Douching
❌ Vaginal steaming (unless you just like the ritual, not for "cleansing")
❌ Scented pads, tampons, and panty liners
❌ Antibacterial soaps or wipes
 ❌ Essential oils inside the vagina (no tea tree oil bombs, please)

TL;DR: Healthy Hygiene Is Balanced, Not Overdone

✅ Your vagina is self-cleaning—but your vulva needs gentle care
✅ Use pH-balanced products, avoid fragrance, and skip the harsh stuff
✅ Boric acid = a reset button, not a daily routine
✅ Breathable fabrics and body awareness go a long way
✅ Feminine hygiene is about support, not shame

💛 Want to upgrade your down-there care?

👉 Gentle Wash: Cleanses without throwing off your flora
👉 Boric Acid Suppositories: Your pH reset button
👉 Soothing Wipes: For fresh, balanced comfort—wherever you are