Is your vagina healthy? We share the signs to look out for, plus how to feel fresh and comfortable every day
Summary
16 signs you have a healthy vagina
If your vagina's healthy, you probably won’t even think about it. It’s only usually when there's a problem that we start paying attention.
2How do you tell if something is wrong down there?
If your vagina isn't feeling healthy, it will usually give you a few signs. Look out for some of the following...
3When to see a GP about vaginal health problems
If you have any concerns about your vaginal health, the best thing to do is to go and speak to your GP or local sexual health service.
Good news: vaginas are pretty good at taking care of themselves, and you'll likely know if something's not quite right. That said, there are a few simple habits that can help support vaginal health. Learn the signs of a healthy vagina, plus the tips to help it stay that way...
6 signs you have a healthy vagina
If your vagina's healthy, you probably won’t even think about it. It’s only usually when there's a problem that we start paying attention. A healthy and happy vagina will usually show the following signs:
- mostly clear, neutral-smelling discharge (though this may change throughout your menstrual cycle)
- no itchiness or irritation
- no obvious spots or rashes
- no abnormal pain during or after sex
- a smooth labia (vaginal lips) and vulva (the outside of your vagina)
How do you tell if something is wrong down there?
If your vagina isn't feeling healthy, it will usually give you a few signs. Look out for some of the following...
- Your pH balance is off
One sign that something may be affecting your vaginal health is a disturbed bacteria balance, which may lead to inflammation and infection. Bacteria called lactobacilli help keep the vagina’s pH balance at its normal, slightly acidic level – less than pH 4.5 – which helps to prevent potentially harmful microorganisms from growing down there.1 If you have an infection, see your GP to get properly diagnosed and treated – try not to be embarrassed as it's very common and your GP won't be phased by it. To help stave off further pH imbalances, make sure to wash regularly and avoid perfumed hygiene products. - Something smells different (and unpleasant)
Every vagina has its own scent – it's different for everyone and can also change in individuals from day to day. The only odours you should be wary of are strong, unpleasant or noticeably different ones, especially if accompanied by unusual discharge.2 Always consult your GP if these smells develop as they could be a sign of infection. - Your vagina is itchy or irritated
Healthy vaginas aren’t supposed to be itchy. Itching can be a sign of thrush or other vaginal infection, but it could also be caused by a skin condition like eczema if it's around the vulva.3 Pay a visit to your GP if the itchiness and irritation persists or is causing discomfort.3 - You have abnormal bleeding
If you're bleeding when not on your period, it could be hormone-induced spotting.4 This is fairly common, but you should see a GP if it happens to rule out any underlying issues. Get immediate medical attention if you're bleeding while pregnant or postmenopausal (you've been through menopause and it's been over 12 months since your last period) or your bleeding is accompanied with any pain.4,5 - You’re having vaginal pain
If you get any sort of pain down there when you have sex, after sex, when inserting tampons or just in general, this is usually a sign something's not quite right. Speak to your GP or another health professional as vaginal pain can be for all kinds of reasons.
How can I keep my vagina healthy?
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Simple everyday things you do to maintain good health are also important for looking after your vagina. Normal movement, like walking and running, may also help the pelvic floor stay toned.6 - Be careful when washing
While it might feel counterintuitive, less is often more when it comes to washing down there. Usually, all you need is to wash every day with clean water. Staying fresh becomes even more important during your period, when washing more than once a day may be more comfortable. Avoid soaps and shower gels for your genital area, especially perfumed products – the added ingredients can irritate the vagina and potentially disturb the vaginal microbiome balance and the naturally acidic pH. If you want to use soap, choose a plain and unperfumed one to wash around the vulva (never inside – your vaginal discharge already helps you with this). - Ditch the douche
A douche is a device that clears out vaginal secretions by flushing water up inside the vagina. They are widely condemned as they can disrupt normal, balanced vaginal bacteria. You may have heard that they can help protect you from STIs and vaginal infections but there is no evidence that this is the case – douches may even increase the risk of both and the vagina is ‘self-cleaning’.7 - Use sex toys safely
It's a good idea to choose sex toys made from safe, medical-grade materials and stick to manufacturers you trust. Wash your toys after every use with a specialised cleaner or with warm water and a fragrance-free soap and make sure they're fully dry before storing them away. Water-based lubricants are suitable for all sex toys, so they're your safest bet to help keep them in top condition.8 - Use the toilet after sex
Peeing after sex can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) as it helps flush bacteria away from the urethra.9 This is the case for any kind of sex or masturbation involving your vagina – not just penetrative sex with another person. - Practice safe sex
Viruses and bacteria can get into the vagina while you have sex, including those that cause STIs. Always use 'barrier' methods like condoms or dental dams to help prevent STIs, unless you and your partner(s) have been tested and none of you have had sex with anyone else during this time.10 If you're also trying to prevent pregnancy, use contraceptives such as condoms, the pill, the implant or an IUD (coil). - Attend your cervical screenings (smear tests)
Women from the ages of 25 to 64 should be getting cervical screenings regularly to identify any abnormal changes in the cervix. Contact your GP to get booked in if you haven’t received an invite or you think you're due one: most people are invited every five years from ages 25-64.11 - Wear breathable underwear
Loose-fitting cotton or silk underwear is recommended for good vaginal health as it's breathable and helps avoid irritation.12,13 - Sleep naked
Ditching your PJs in bed is one easy way to help keep your vagina healthy. The most important thing is to go without underwear so your vagina can breathe.12 - Train your pelvic floor
Do you pee when you sneeze or laugh? Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to bladder control problems and even increase your risk of a prolapsed uterus, bladder, rectum or vagina. A weaker pelvic floor is especially common after pregnancy and childbirth, but there are some exercises that may help: 14
- first, go to the toilet, and afterwards find a comfortable place to sit
- squeeze in the muscles around the vagina and urethra. Try not to hold your breath or tighten your bottom, stomach or thigh muscles as you do this
- try holding each squeeze of the muscles for a few seconds – this might take some practice
- ideally, repeat daily to help strengthen your pelvic floor
A stronger pelvic floor may also help sex feel better – win-win.15 - Keep alcohol and smoking to a minimum
The occasional drink likely won't affect your vaginal health, but chronic alcohol abuse may cause problems with sexual arousal and mental health, both of which can affect sexual function.16 And avoid smoking, too, as some early research suggests that the nicotine in cigarettes may inhibit sexual arousal.17
When to see your doctor about vaginal health problems
If you have any concerns about your vaginal health, the best thing to do is to go and speak to your GP or local sexual health service. Most vaginal problems won't go away on their own, so sooner is better to seek medical attention.
Vaginal health FAQs
Washing every day with water, avoiding perfumed soaps, wearing breathable underwear and attending sexual health checks and cervical screenings are all good ways to stay healthy day-to-day.
A disturbed vaginal microbiome balance, which then allows the growth of harmful bacteria, can cause higher pH in the vagina.18
See a doctor or sexual health specialist about your vaginal odour if it's noticeably different to usual or if it's accompanied by pain, itching or unusual discharge.
The final say
Vaginas tend to look after themselves, but there are things you can do to help keep yours healthy day-to-day. Simple habits like avoiding perfumed products, practising safer sex and paying attention to changes can all help support a healthy vagina. Pain, abnormal smells and itchiness can be signs that something isn’t quite right down there, so see a GP or visit your local sexual health service if you notice anything unusual.
Next, join us as we bust the myths on hygiene during your period and we chat to a GP about cervical screenings...
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
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8. NHS Oxford University Hospitals. Lubricants and vaginal moisturisers [Internet]. NHS Oxford University Hospitals [reviewed 2026 Jun 1; cited 2026 Jul 23]. Available from: https://www.sexualhealthoxfordshire.nhs.uk/services/psychosexual-therapy/lubricants/
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16. Ho AM-C, Geske JR, Bakalkin G, Winham SJ, Karpyak VM. Correlations between sex-related hormones, alcohol dependence and alcohol craving. Drug and Alcohol Dependence [Internet]. 2019 Apr 1 [cited 2026 Jul 23]; 197: 183-190. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871618304836?via%3Dihub
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