What's Wrong with My Vagina... And Can Baking Soda Really Help?

I have always been fascinated with the human body and its organs. When I got my first period, unlike most, I was truly elated! This meant I was a woman and I could start kissing and having sex! It wasn't until very recently in my mid-20s that I started experiencing a huge shift in my own body's way of operating. It was no longer a self-oiled machine. I was not eating properly for many years and was partying extensively. If only I knew what crazy effects this would have on my sex life! I began to develop a strange odor from my vagina. I became extremely self-conscious about "her" and the odor she was giving off (especially since this was a new sensation for me). This prohibited me from having any sex at all as I was too worried about what others might be thinking. It doesn't sound like an issue for the press, however, to a girl going through a similar situation, I can promise it is. I even damaged a couple relationships due to my "between me down there" issues. I was DEFINITELY too embarrassed to talk to any of my girlfriends and found myself surprised that I couldn't even approach my own mother about the topic. Instead, I left it alone. I did nothing to rectify my issue. In fact, I made it worse by ignoring it. I would come home after work to see my panties soaked with discharge, so badly it was ruining all my Victoria's Secret underwear! Besides the odor, I was experiencing a nasty itch that I (literally) could not scratch. My girl friends and I always do a "movie girls night sleepover" once a week. We decided that even though we are closer to 30 than 20, that we would make a pact to keep our young spirits alive by having these nights together. My kitty problem got so internally and externally terrible, I stopped attending my precious girls nights for I was NOT going to let anyone get a whiff of what I was putting out there! I just wanted to be alone.

I started using different scented products that were marketed to remove vaginal odor and itching. None of these sufficed and seemed to only exacerbate the problem.

For anyone having this same issue, I stumbled upon the most effective solution! I used to think that I was gross and something was "wrong" with my body. It WAS off kilter, but nothing was actually WRONG. I am prone to yeast infections. I will say it proudly. Here are a few things I do on a regular basis that have COMPLETELY changed my life and how I feel about myself.

First of all, never use over-the-counter products that say they will relieve you of vaginal issues. THEY WILL NOT.

You must stay hydrated. The normal PH balance of a vagina is 3.5–4.5 and more women than not have a PH balance of around 8!! This doesn't mean that we are gross, ladies! This just means we have to be more cognizant of ourselves.

Staying hydrated is half the battle. I started drinking 2 gallons of water a day and not only is my vagina thanking me, so is every other organ in my body. I stopped washing myself with overly scented soaps and started going the more natural route.

Upon research and speaking to my OBGYN, I found that BAKING SODA (aluminum free) was the answer to all of my vaginal issues! Once a day, mix 2 tablespoons of aluminum free baking soda into a glass container with warm water. Do not use plastic as it will absorb into the mixture, and we don't want that spreading all over your precious little peach! After mixing the water and baking soda, simply wash your labia, outer lips and vaginal opening! Do this for about 3–5 minutes, and after you've completed said task, rinse her off with some warm water.

If you want to take a different path with the baking soda, you can also use the oral method. Take a teaspoon of baking soda and mix it with water and just drink! You can actually do this about three times a day when using baking soda orally.

Any women who experience yeast infections should practice one of these methods daily as our environments are ever-changing! There are also certain times when proper vaginal cleansing is imperative. Your period, sex, or douching can massively affect the PH balance of your vagina, so make sure to always pull out the baking soda after you're done with the fun ;) (except for periods, I know those will never be fun).

After all, the vagina is an actual portal, able to create life itself! Treat her with care and she will return the favors :)