Body & Mind

4 things you want to know about your vulva and vagina

By Adeline Mans | #!31Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:22 +0200+02:002231#31Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:22 +0200+02:00-5Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202531 02am31am-31Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:22 +0200+02:005Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam2025312025Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:22 +0200005007amWednesday=9#!31Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:22 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#07-02-2025#!31Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:22 +0200+02:002231#\/31Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:22 +0200+02:00-5Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202531#!31Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:22 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#

The vulva and vagina are two different things. The external part of the genitalia, such as the outer and inner labia, clitoris, and the opening of the vagina fall under the term vulva. The vagina is everything that happens internally. And there are things you want to know about your vulva and vagina, just read along.

1) It is healthy to air out your vulva and vagina from time to time
By that, we do not mean that you should walk around all day in your birthday suit, although you are of course free to do so. But your vulva and vagina will be happy without underwear. Sleeping naked is great for those intimate parts, just like not wearing underwear when you have itching or irritation. By not stuffing everything into tight thongs or panties, it stays cooler, which leads to less heat and therefore less irritation.

2) Note: painful bumps are not a good sign
A vaginal issue that almost everyone encounters at some point. It is probably an ingrown hair from shaving, but it is also wise to rule out other causes. A painful bump can also be caused by: condoms, sperm, underwear, panty liners, sanitary pads, tampons, or various (perfumed) products. Do you not shave, but still have this issue? Pay attention to the circumstances under which it occurs. And if you want to remove hair but do not want to shave? (Self) laser hair removal is a good option.

3) The vagina is self-cleaning
Whoever thought that the vagina should smell like fabric softener and flowers can pack their bags immediately. The vagina is self-cleaning, but that does not mean that no washing is involved. The vulva and vagina only need a wash with water. All so-called well-intentioned soaps and washes should be avoided, as they disrupt the natural balance. Discharge, bacteria, and fungi are all part of it. You only take action when the vagina becomes unbalanced due to, for example, an infection or wearing too tight underwear. Yes, that can also be a cause of imbalance.

4) A vagina needs to recover from intercourse
Yes, this is the less romantic side of all that humpty-dumpty, but it is worth discussing. Sperm affects the acidity of the vagina. It takes an average of four days for things down under to be back in balance. Washing with water after sex certainly won't hurt.