The private part is one of the most essential for everyone as it can influence overall health. Whether it's men or women, everyone needs to care for their genital area properly. Still, women require more care and adopt cleaning tips to make their vaginas healthy and escape from health issues. The vagina is the most delicate body that requires utmost care, and when one does not clean and wash it properly, it can result in irritation and infections.

There is a common misconception that different vaginas require separate care tips. So, establish a regular washing routine and adopt a good hygiene habit to keep your vaginal area clean. However, this guide will illuminate all the types of vaginas and how to clean them to keep your V healthy and avoid irritation and infections.

Difference between Vagina and Vulva

Many women confuse that the vulva and vagina are the same but are different parts of their genital area. Thus, you must know how to clean the vagina correctly to allow it the utmost care. Vulva is the outer part of the genitalia, which protects and encompasses the surrounding vagina. On the other hand, the vagina is a canal that connects the vulva, cervix, and uterus.

Different types of vagina

ome of the different types of vaginas are as follows:

• Small labia
  This type of vagina usually feels like labia tucked into the outer lips of the vulva, which are larger and cover up the labia minora.
• Asymmetrical labia
  In this condition, the lips are usually asymmetrical, which means one labia is smaller, and the other is larger, which is incredibly typical.
• Inner labia that stick out more
  In this condition, the inner labia is usually longer and sticks out more to the vagina.
• Big or small clitoris
  The size and the sensitivity of the clitoris may differ from person to person.
• Bigger inner and outer labia
  Some people have puffier and larger labia, which can go past the vulva and stick out.
• Different colours, sizes, smells, and discharges of the vagina
  Different vaginas may have different sizes, discharges, smells, and colours.

How to take care of the vagina?

Keeping your vagina and vulva healthy is essential to maintain your overall health. Thus, keep sticking to the following care tips to make your vagina happy.

• Keep Vagina CleanThe vagina is the most delicate body part. Still, it has self-cleaning properties, which means one does not need to use different genital washes, soaps, sprays, and douching to clean the vagina. You can maintain hygiene by washing it with regular water without harsh or scented soap. Wash the genital area from front to back, as cleaning and wiping it back to front may permit anus bacteria to enter n vagina, which can cause UTI and other infections.
• Dress Appropriately Avoid thigh, synthetic fabrics, and underwear, and go with breathable, loose-fitting clothing that does not obstruct movement. Loose and breathable clothes help prevent heat and moisture as they absorb more sweat and moisture quickly and efficiently.
• Wipe after wash After bathing or using the toilet and washing the genital area, wiping all the water and moisture from front to back would be best to avoid entering rectum bacteria into the vagina. Wiping also helps to prevent moisture so one can escape from various infections.
• Avoid scented products After learning how to clean the vagina, it would be best to know the right products to use for cleaning. Thus, pick mild soap without scent to wash the area and avoid using douches, scented lotions, tampons, pads, etc., which can irritate and disrupt the pH balance of the vagina.
• Avoid using unnecessary productsOnly go with some V products with good reviews you see on your screen. One must know their needs and comfort to pick products like menstrual cups, pads, tampons, and hygiene products.
• Go with protected sexThe best way to keep your vagina happy and healthy from STIs is by adopting protected sex with your partner. Thus, use a condom whenever you have an infection or pregnancy.
• Take great care during menstruationYou must care immensely and clean and dry your vulva to avoid infection. You must change your pads or tampons every few hours and avoid using products more likely to irritate the vagina.

When should you consult with your gynaecologist?

If you are concerned about how to clean your vagina or if your viga is in good condition, then it would be best to consult a doctor if you encounter the following issues:

• Pain during intercourse
• Unusual discharge and colour
• Inappropriate smell
• Pelvic pain
• Heavy bleeding 
• Late and inconsistent menstruation
• Change in the colour of the labial tissues.

Conclusion

It is vital to take great care of female genital health, as it can affect a person's current and future reproductive health. Besides cleaning your vagina, it would be best to have routine checkups with a specialist, even if you are not encountering any issues. It will help diagnose future problems quickly and allow healthy and happy reproductive health.