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Vaginal care routine

Vaginal and vulvar care during your period

Your period doesn't change the basics: the vagina still cleans itself. What matters most is changing period products often enough and keeping the vulva comfortable.

What to expect

  • Bleeding that lasts about 2–7 days
  • Mild cramps
  • Changes in discharge before and after

Why it happens

The lining of the uterus sheds each month. Blood and moisture can irritate the vulva if products aren't changed often.

The routine

Each day of your period

  1. 1

    Change products regularly

    Pads every few hours, tampons every 4–8 hours, and menstrual cups as the instructions say.

  2. 2

    Use the lowest absorbency you need

    Especially for tampons.

  3. 3

    Rinse the vulva with warm water

    Once or twice a day, no soap inside.

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  4. 4

    Fragrance-free products

    Unscented pads and liners.

    Pregnancy-safe picks →

What to look for

  • Unscented pads, liners, and tampons

    Less irritation.

  • Cotton or breathable period underwear

    Lets skin breathe.

What to go easy on

  • Leaving a tampon in longer than 8 hours

    Raises the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious illness.

  • Scented pads and wipes

    Irritate the vulva.

  • Douching after your period

    Not needed, and it upsets the vagina's balance.

Tips

  • Clean menstrual cups between uses as the maker says.
  • A warm compress or heating pad eases cramps.

Pregnant or trying to conceive?

If you're trying to conceive, tracking your cycle and discharge can help you spot your fertile window.

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When to see a doctor

Remove a tampon and get urgent care for sudden high fever, vomiting, a sunburn-like rash, or dizziness (possible TSS). See a doctor for very heavy periods (soaking a pad or tampon every hour), periods longer than 7 days, or severe pain.

Common questions

Are menstrual cups safe?
Yes, when used and cleaned as directed. Like tampons, they carry a very small risk of TSS, so follow the wear-time instructions.

More vaginal care routines

Sources

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or have a skin, scalp, or vaginal health condition, check your routine with your doctor.