Body & Mind

Gynaecologists beg you to quit these 6 habits

By Tessa Heinhuis | #!30Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:10 +0200+02:001030#30Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:10 +0200+02:00-5Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam202630 24am30am-30Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:10 +0200+02:005Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam2026302026Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:10 +0200005004amFriday=9#!30Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:10 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam4#04-24-2026#!30Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:10 +0200+02:001030#\/30Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:10 +0200+02:00-5Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam202630#!30Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:10 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam4#

Yes, you do it sometimes too. Very secretly, when no one is watching. But gynecologists are begging you to please stop these habits. Shame on you.

So let's start the new year off healthy, shall we?

Because your vagina is worth a lot, right? Well, according to gynecologists, here are six things you really need to pay attention to:

1. Don't ignore a bladder infection

Do you feel pain when urinating? That's not a detail. Take it seriously and go to your doctor. Do you see blood in your urine? Then it's definitely time to take action immediately. An untreated bladder infection can turn into a kidney infection.

2. Over-cleaning your vagina

Showering very often and then washing your vagina with shower gel? Not necessary. In fact: better not. Your vagina cleans itself just fine, and extra products can disrupt the natural balance.

3. Wearing panty liners too often

Occasionally is not a problem, but wearing them daily out of insecurity is not ideal. Panty liners do not breathe well, and that can cause irritation down there.

4. Postponing appointments with the gynecologist

Those pap smears are there for a reason (yes, even when you're on your period). Many women postpone or cancel appointments, but that's unnecessary. A gynecologist really sees everything, so your appointment is no exception. Just go.

5. Not urinating after sex

Going to the bathroom after sex is not an unnecessary luxury. It helps to flush out bacteria and reduces the risk of a bladder infection. Small effort, big difference.

6. Continuing to walk around with complaints

Itching, redness, or irritation? That's not something to ignore. Don't just live with it, but get it checked. Your body is sending signals for a reason.