Vaginal Health Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Here’s what’s up down there.

By SELF Staffers

January 4, 2024

Vaginal Health

What to Do If You’re Trapped in a Seemingly Never-Ending BV Cycle

We’ve been there—and it’s pure hell. Here’s how to put an end to it.

By Mara SantilliMedically reviewed by Sanaz Ghazal, MD

Vaginal Health

What Does ‘Normal’ Vaginal Discharge Usually Look and Smell Like?

Some colors, odors, and textures can be major red flags.

By Mara SantilliMedically reviewed by Biftu Mengesha, MD, MAS

Vaginal Health

Here’s How to Actually Clean Your Vagina

Douching is never, ever the way to go.

By Zahra Thompson and Claire GillespieMedically reviewed by Sanaz Ghazal, MD

Vaginal Health

People Swear by Boric Acid for Relentless Vaginal Infections—Here’s What Ob-Gyns Think

If you’re stuck in a yeast/BV loop and desperate for relief, read this.

By Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Sanaz Ghazal, MD

Vaginal Health

Here’s How Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles Can Play a Role in Pee Leakage

And why exercising them can be a game-changer.

By Cori RitcheyMedically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD

Vaginal Health

8 Signs You Should Talk to a Doctor About Your Leaky Bladder

No, you shouldn’t be waking up every night to go to the bathroom.

By Erica SweeneyMedically reviewed by Sevann Helo, MD

Vaginal Health

10 Expert-Approved Ways to Strengthen Your Bladder Control

Whether you accidentally leak or suddenly need to go, these steps can help.

By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNAMedically reviewed by Sevann Helo, MD

Vaginal Health

Is It Better for Your Vagina to Wear a Thong or Go Commando With Yoga Pants?

It depends on how things are feeling down there.

By Jessica Migala

Vaginal Health

5 Things You Should Know About Stress Urinary Incontinence

Physical therapy is a great first step.

By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNAMedically reviewed by Sevann Helo, MD

Vaginal Health

10 Possible Causes of a Swollen Vagina or Vulva—and How to Find Relief

First, take a closer look at the products you’re using.

By Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Shieva Ghofrany, MD, FACOG

Vaginal Health

How to Keep Your Vagina Healthy During Swimsuit Season

Don’t let infections or irritation kill your summer vibe.

By Carley MillhoneMedically reviewed by Sanaz Ghazal, MD

Vaginal Health

Can You Actually ‘Break’ Your Hymen?

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions.

By Rozalynn S. Frazier, C.P.T. and Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.Medically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD

Vaginal Health

10 Vaginal Problems You Should Tell Your Gyno About

Don’t ignore these seemingly minor symptoms.

By Beth Krietsch and Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Shieva Ghofrany, MD, FACOG

Vaginal Health

Here Is the Right Way to Do Kegel Exercises

FYI, they’re not just for postpartum recovery.

By Claire GillespieMedically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD

Vaginal Health

How to Know When Bleeding During Sex Is NBD and When It’s a Problem

Read this before you freak out.

By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.Medically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD

Vaginal Health

12 Reasons Why You Might Have a Bump Near Your Vagina

Ob-gyns explain why you shouldn’t always panic.

By Zahra Thompson and Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD

Vaginal Health

Quick Question: Why Is My Vagina So Damn Sore After Sex?

Cue Ariana Grande’s “Side to Side.”

By Lindsey Lanquist and Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Shieva Ghofrany, MD, FACOG

Vaginal Health

7 Ways to Actually Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor

Those muscles need a workout too.

By Claire SibonneyMedically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD

Vaginal Health

Please Add ‘Detox Pearls’ to the List of Things You Should Not Put in Your Vagina

Your vagina is quite capable of cleaning itself.

By Lauren Gruber

Vaginal Health

4 Things You Should Know Before Using a Kegel Trainer

Including whether Kegels are right for you.

By Griffin Wynne

What to Do If You’re Trapped in a Seemingly Never-Ending BV Cycle

What Does ‘Normal’ Vaginal Discharge Usually Look and Smell Like?

Here’s How to Actually Clean Your Vagina

People Swear by Boric Acid for Relentless Vaginal Infections—Here’s What Ob-Gyns Think

Here’s How Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles Can Play a Role in Pee Leakage

8 Signs You Should Talk to a Doctor About Your Leaky Bladder

SELF Daily

10 Expert-Approved Ways to Strengthen Your Bladder Control

Is It Better for Your Vagina to Wear a Thong or Go Commando With Yoga Pants?

5 Things You Should Know About Stress Urinary Incontinence

10 Possible Causes of a Swollen Vagina or Vulva—and How to Find Relief

How to Keep Your Vagina Healthy During Swimsuit Season

Can You Actually ‘Break’ Your Hymen?

10 Vaginal Problems You Should Tell Your Gyno About

Here Is the Right Way to Do Kegel Exercises

How to Know When Bleeding During Sex Is NBD and When It’s a Problem

12 Reasons Why You Might Have a Bump Near Your Vagina

Quick Question: Why Is My Vagina So Damn Sore After Sex?

7 Ways to Actually Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor

Please Add ‘Detox Pearls’ to the List of Things You Should Not Put in Your Vagina

4 Things You Should Know Before Using a Kegel Trainer

A-Z CONDITION FINDER