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Vaginal Health
Here’s what’s up down there.
Yes, Perimenopause Might Be Shrinking Your Labia
These vulvovaginal changes can start any time during perimenopause or menopause.
By Erica Sweeney
8 Reasons Your Vagina Burns—and How to Get Relief
Surprisingly, it isn’t always a sign of infection.
By Cheyenne Buckingham
Health
How to Know If Bleeding During or After Sex Is Normal—and When to Call Your Doctor
Read this before you freak out.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T. and Julia Ries WexlerMedically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD
5 Common Causes of a Dry Vagina (and What to Do About It)
The good news? All of these culprits are treatable.
By Ashley Abramson
What to Do If You’re Trapped in a Seemingly Never-Ending BV Cycle
We’ve been there—and it’s pure hell. Here’s how to put an end to it.
By Mara SantilliMedically reviewed by Sanaz Ghazal, MD
What Does ‘Normal’ Vaginal Discharge Usually Look and Smell Like?
Some colors, odors, and textures can be major red flags.
By Mara SantilliMedically reviewed by Biftu Mengesha, MD, MAS
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
Here’s How to Actually Clean Your Vagina
Douching is never, ever the way to go.
By Zahra Thompson and Claire GillespieMedically reviewed by Sanaz Ghazal, MD
People Swear by Boric Acid for Relentless Vaginal Infections—Here’s What Ob-Gyns Think
If you’re stuck in a yeast/BV loop and desperate for relief, read this.
By Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Sanaz Ghazal, MD
Here’s How Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles Can Play a Role in Pee Leakage
And why exercising them can be a game-changer.
By Cori RitcheyMedically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, MD
Why ‘Make Sure to Pee Before You Leave the House’ Isn’t Always Good Advice
It can actually trigger the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.
By Leigh WeingusMedically reviewed by Sevann Helo, MD
Hailey Bieber Shared the Symptoms of Her ‘Apple-Size’ Ovarian Cyst on Instagram
The 26-year-old model said the cyst was “painful” and “made her feel nauseous.”
By Maggie O'Neill
8 Signs You Should Talk to a Doctor About Your Leaky Bladder
No, you shouldn’t be waking up every night to go to the bathroom.
By Erica SweeneyMedically reviewed by Sevann Helo, MD
10 Expert-Approved Ways to Strengthen Your Bladder Control
Whether you accidentally leak or suddenly need to go, these steps can help.
By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNAMedically reviewed by Sevann Helo, MD
Here’s What May Be Causing Your Occasional Pee Leakage—and How to Make It Stop
A leaky bladder can affect you as early as your 20s.
By Erica SweeneyMedically reviewed by Sevann Helo, MD
Is It Better for Your Vagina to Wear a Thong or Go Commando With Yoga Pants?
It depends on how things are feeling down there.
By Jessica Migala
5 Things You Should Know About Stress Urinary Incontinence
Physical therapy is a great first step.
By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNAMedically reviewed by Sevann Helo, MD
How to Have Good (and Safe!) Sex in College
From prioritizing pleasure to planning ahead.
By Cathryne Keller
Kelly Ripa Once Had Ovarian Cysts That Were So Bad, She Passed Out During Sex
And she didn’t even realize it until she woke up in the emergency room.
By Maggie O'Neill
PSA: Don’t Sleep on the Campus Health Center When You’re in College
It's a one-stop shop for prescriptions, therapy, and free condoms.
By Kirsten Nunez
10 Possible Causes of a Swollen Vagina or Vulva—and How to Find Relief
First, take a closer look at the products you’re using.
By Korin MillerMedically reviewed by Shieva Ghofrany, MD, FACOG