DOWN THERE CARE GUIDE

Keep your lady parts healthy and happy by minding what really matters and avoiding the scary stuff that doesn’t.

- ALYSSA SHAFFER

YOU PAY ATTENTION to your health, making sure you get enough sleep, eat right, and exercise on the regular. But are you taking care of your needs south of the border? Your vagina is a complex, amazing organ, but it’s often severely misunderstood, especially when it comes to fad beauty trends and treatments. Here’s the lowdown on your down low.

3 V-CARE CHOICES THAT ACTUALLY WORK

THESE SELF-CARE TREATMENTS HAVE SOME SCIENCE BEHIND THEIR CLAIMS.

TO REDUCE AN INFECTION:

Yoghurt Douches

Vaginal yeast infections, caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, are a common health concern, causing itching, burning, and discharge. In addition to using OTC antifungal creams and suppositories, some women insert yoghurt into the vagina. Yoghurt contains strains of the good bacteria Lactobacillus, so you can use it vaginally,” explains Minkin. A 2015 Iranian study found women who used a mixture of yoghurt and honey had better results in reducing yeast infection than those who were treated with a standard antifungal aid.

TO REDUCE VAGINAL PAIN:

Topical Creams