When it comes to 'care down there,’ be careful what you read on the internet

As a certified nurse practitioner focused on women’s health, Elizabeth Frykman, CNP, is used to talking about vaginal infections, discharge, and products that are trending on TikTok.

“It’s not all good or all bad, but it is mostly loud,” Frykman said of social media.

There are benefits to having discussions about women’s health on social media. Women are learning more about their anatomy and sharing what works for them. But sometimes promoted products do more harm than good. Consider the source of your information and ask your healthcare professional if you have any doubts.

Frykman, who sees patients at M Health Fairview Clinic – Riverside, has a few suggestions to help you care for your vulva and vagina. Quick anatomy refresher: The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia. The vagina is the inner canal that leads from the uterus out of the body.

Avoid scents, dyes, and glitter.

Sometimes an early sexual partner makes an insensitive comment about the smell of a vagina. That comment can lead to lasting insecurities, Frykman said. Insecurities that manufacturers can “solve” with a product designed to change the smell or appearance of a vagina. Additionally, influencers on TikTok are happy to recommend products that helped them – or that they’re getting paid to promote.

But most of the products in pretty pink boxes displayed in the women’s health aisle are best left there. Also, what works for one person won’t necessarily work for everyone.

“Your vagina isn’t supposed to smell like a flower,” Frykman said. “There’s nothing you need to do to keep it clean. There aren’t any sprays or things that we recommend. Just use a really mild cleanser on the vulva. Nothing with perfumes, dyes, or glitter. Yes, we see glitter.”

Products like bath bombs, laundry detergent, and scented toilet paper can cause skin irritation and infections. Just like your digestive system is filled with helpful microorganisms, so is your vagina. Your body is good at balancing itself out to reach the optimal pH. Additional products and ingredients can throw that balancing act off and increase risk of yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

Frykman recommends paying attention to how your body feels. If you suddenly feel itchy or have chafed skin, think about what changed. It might be your lacy undies or a new body wash. 

Try different period products.

Even the period products you use can be irritating. Frykman said she’ll never understand why scented panty liners exist. A simple rule is to skip anything scented or dyed.

“If you have your period for seven days and you're using a menstrual product like a pad, it's up against your skin for seven days, which can already be irritating,” Frykman explained. "The skin in that area is sensitive and delicate, so a chemical irritant can further irritate your skin.”

Some people find menstrual discs and cups to be more comfortable and less irritating than pads and tampons. Some period underwear also wicks moisture away, which can keep your body clean and dry. So now might be the time to try some of the newer period products if you haven’t already.

Change your clothes.

Much to the delight of women’s healthcare professionals, looser fitting pant styles are trending. That can be refreshing for the vulva because wearing tight clothing for long periods of time can be irritating. It’s fine to wear your leggings to the gym, but Frykman recommends changing out of damp or sweaty clothes as soon as possible.

“Change your clothes before you go do something else, because the moist, dark environment can cause things like yeast and bacterial infections to grow,” Frykman said.

Slip a pair of cotton underwear in your gym bag, too. Cotton undies are breathable and less likely to cause infection than synthetic materials that trap moisture and heat.

Get to know your body.

Your vagina balancing its pH level can cause some discharge. This is not a cause for concern if it’s normal for you. One of the best ways to find a vaginal health problem quickly is to get familiar with your body. Pay attention to the color and thickness of discharge at different times of the month.

“If you have normal discharge, it's expected to be clear or a whiteish-clear,” Frykman said. But if you notice something unusual for you, especially if it has a foul odor or comes with an itching or burning sensation, schedule a checkup with your women’s health provider. They can help find the root cause of the issue and treat it.

Frykman assures her patients that they aren’t expected to figure out the problem on their own. Women’s health professionals have the education and experience to diagnose and treat problems.

“If you have a problem and don't seek care, it's kind of turning a snowball into an avalanche,” Frykman said. “If we intervened, you maybe wouldn't have to go through this. It’s sad for me to see people suffer through things that are a quick, easy fix.”