10 “Spooky” Habits That Could Be Harming Your Vaginal Health

There are right ways and very wrong ways to take care of your vaginal health. From menstrual cup cleaning mistakes to everyday feminine hygiene habits, some things we do without thinking can lead to irritation, discomfort, or other issues. Let’s get into it!

1. Not Washing Your Menstrual Cup or Disc Properly

Reusable menstrual products are amazing, but proper menstrual cup and menstrual disc cleaning is essential!

If you aren’t cleaning the holes in your menstrual disc properly, residue can build up. And if you aren’t allowing your reusable products to dry completely and storing them in a cool, dry place with proper ventilation, you could create conditions for mold to develop.

Using a soap that irritates your sensitive skin can also cause discomfort. That’s why choosing the right menstrual product cleanser matters! We created our Pixie Gel and Foam Washes, along with our Pixie Steamers, to help make caring for your reusable period products easier.

Pixie tip: Always follow your product’s cleaning and storage instructions to keep your menstrual cup or disc in the best condition possible. Here is a blog on the Sophie Steamer.

2. Using Regular Soap Inside Your Vagina

Did you know your vagina actually cleans itself? Isn’t that amazing?!

You don’t need to use regular soap, feminine washes (unless they’re safe like ours), or other cleansers inside your vagina. In fact, doing so can actually cause irritation and may disrupt your PH balance. 

If you’re dealing with some ongoing, not-so-pleasant smells down there, it might be time to talk with your gynecologist to make sure something else isn’t going on.

If it's just everyday sweat and you're looking for a quick refresh while you're on the go, our Pixie Feminine Wipes might just become your new best friend!

Unlike many wipes on the market, Pixie Feminine Wipes are pH-balanced and free from artificial fragrance, making them a gentle option for freshening up without unnecessary irritants.

Here's something you might not know: everyday odors can come from the vulva (the external genital area), where sweat, moisture, and natural skin oils can contribute to your scent. Sometimes, toilet paper alone doesn't leave you feeling as fresh as you'd like! Give your vulva the gentle refresh she deserves! If you notice a new or persistent odor, especially alongside itching, burning, or unusual discharge, it's worth checking in with your healthcare provider.

Remember: Keep cleansing gentle and external. Your vagina doesn’t need to be scrubbed or perfumed to be healthy

3. Wearing Scented Pads or Panty Liners

Scented pads and panty liners might seem like a good idea at the time, but fragrances can irritate sensitive vulvar skin and may cause itching, redness, or discomfort.

Instead, reach for something gentler, like our fragrance-free pads made with 100% organic cotton.

Your period products should help you feel comfortable, not leave you dealing with unnecessary irritation!

P.S. This also means avoiding scented toilet paper.

4. Staying in Sweaty Gym Clothes or a Wet Swimsuit for Too Long

We love a good workout and a fun pool day, but staying in sweaty gym clothes or a wet swimsuit for too long can leave your intimate area feeling irritated.

Moisture plus friction can be a recipe for discomfort, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Your vaginal health tip: Change out of damp clothes when you can, keep the external area dry, and choose breathable fabrics that feel comfortable on your body.

5. Ignoring Itchiness Around Your Vagina

If you’re experiencing vaginal itching, please don’t ignore it!

There can be several reasons for vulvar or vaginal itching, including irritation from personal care products, skin conditions, yeast infections, or other infections. The right solution depends on what’s causing it.

Our Pixie Bia Balm may help soothe external skin discomfort, but persistent or unexplained itching deserves attention from a healthcare professional so you can identify the cause.

6. Ignoring Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle Because You’re Embarrassed to Talk About Them

Let’s normalize talking about our periods!

If you notice recurring changes from month to month, unusual discharge, persistent odor, new discomfort, or other changes in your intimate health, please don’t feel embarrassed to bring them up with your gynecologist.

Your doctor is there to help you understand what’s happening and get the support you need. You shouldn’t have to silently deal with uncomfortable symptoms just because talking about them feels awkward. Trust me, they have SEEN and HEARD it ALL! You will not surprise them with what you’re dealing with. 

7. Ignoring Pain When Inserting a Menstrual Product (Or, Well… Anything!)

Pain when inserting a menstrual cup, menstrual disc, tampon, or anything else vaginally is not something you should feel like you have to push through.

There could be several reasons for this discomfort, including vaginal dryness, pelvic floor muscle tension, infection, or a condition called vaginismus, which involves involuntary tightening of the pelvic floor muscles that can make penetration painful or difficult.

When it comes to discomfort with cups or discs, it is a sign you need to size down. If insertion is consistently painful even after sizing down, consider talking with a healthcare professional rather than forcing it. You deserve answers, support, and the opportunity to feel comfortable in your own body.

8. Wiping From Back to Front Instead of Front to Back

Please don’t make this common bathroom mistake!

Wiping from back to front can transfer bacteria from the anal area toward the urethra, potentially increasing the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI).

The better habit? Always wipe from front to back.

It’s a small change that can help reduce the spread of bacteria to sensitive areas.

9. Holding Your Pee for Too Long (Or Ignoring Bladder Leaks!)

We’ve all been busy and put off a bathroom break longer than we should have. But regularly holding your urine for long periods isn’t a great bladder habit.

And if you experience the opposite problem, like feeling a little leakage when you laugh, sneeze, jump, or workout, please don’t ignore that either!

Urinary leakage is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply accept it. Pelvic floor exercises may help some people, and our Pixie Kegel Weights are one option to explore if they’re appropriate for you.

If you have recurring bladder leaks, pain when urinating, or frequent urinary symptoms, talk with a healthcare professional, like a Pelvic Floor Therapist, to find the right approach for you.

10. Making DIY Home Remedies for Your Vagina

When it comes to vaginal health, less truly is more. Keep your intimate care routine simple, avoid inserting unapproved products or home remedies, and use products designed for their intended purpose.

Take Care of Your Vaginal Health, Queen! 

The good news is that caring for your vaginal health doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits can go a long way: clean your reusable period products properly, avoid irritating fragrances, pay attention to changes in your body, and don't be afraid to ask for help when something doesn’t feel right.

And remember, regular gynecologist appointments and recommended screenings are important parts of taking care of yourself, too.

Your vagina is not supposed to smell like flowers! As I mentioned earlier, using fragranced products inside your vagina can disrupt its natural balance and cause irritation. Your body doesn't need perfumes or artificial fragrances to be healthy. It deserves gentle care, and you deserve to feel informed, confident, and comfortable in your own body. Embrace your natural scent, give yourself grace, and remember that being healthy doesn't mean smelling like a bouquet!

With love from Pixie, here’s to taking care of ourselves, one healthy habit at a time!