We Need to Talk About Your V: The Real on Vaginal Health

 

There’s no shortage of advice floating around about how to “level up” your sex life in 2025 and beyond. From TikTok hacks, Instagram trends, and well-meaning group chats buzzing about pineapples and probiotics, it seems like everyone’s got a tip for making things steamier in the bedroom.
And while we love this for you, we can’t help but to ask:

What about the basics?

Like, how to keep your vagina healthy and thriving? While we’re quick to celebrate pleasure (as we should!), the conversations about the not-so-fun stuff—like BV, yeast infections, bartholin cysts, UTIs, and STIs—often get brushed under the rug.

Phrases like “it smells fishy”, “it’s burning” or “just drink cranberry juice” can’t become stand-ins for real conversations about what could be going on down there.

 

Why Vaginal Health Needs More Attention 

Historically, medicine has failed women—especially Black women. We've been excluded from research, dismissed in healthcare settings, and faced systemic inequities that continue to create barriers to care. Here’s what the data shows:

But here’s the good news: advancements in sexual wellness and tools like at-home UTIs and yeast infections testing kits, PrEP and PEP  are transforming how we protect and prioritize our vaginal and sexual health.

 

Understanding the Differences:

BV, Yeast Infections, UTIs, STIs, and More

Your vagina is as unique as your fingerprint.

Understanding your personal “normal” is key to recognizing when something’s off.

 

A healthy vagina isn’t supposed to smell like roses or fruit, despite what the feminine hygiene aisle tries to sell us.


Feminine hygiene products pushing “freshness” feed into outdated and racist stereotypes from slavery, which can have harmful impacts on our health. Instead of striving for an unrealistic standard, tune into what’s normal for you.

Baseline Checks: What’s your usual discharge like—clear, white, or slightly odorous? How does it change with your cycle, stress, or diet?

Get Familiar: Use a handheld mirror to examine your vulva regularly. Knowing your body builds confidence and helps you notice abnormalities early. When something’s amiss, you’ll be ready to take action. Let’s break it down.
 

Common Vaginal Health Issues and Solutions

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

  • What it is: An imbalance in vaginal bacteria.

  • Symptoms: Thin, grayish discharge with a strong, fishy odor.

  • Cause: Overgrowth of harmful bacteria due to douching, new sexual partners, or hormonal changes.

  • Treatment: Antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Yeast Infections

  • What it is: An overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast naturally found in the body.

  • Symptoms: Thick, white, “cottage cheese-like” discharge; itching and irritation.

  • Cause: Antibiotics, high sugar intake, hormonal changes, or tight clothing.

  • Treatment: Antifungal creams or oral medication prescribed by a healthcare provider; or tools like the Winx Health Yeast Infection Complete Kit.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

  • What it is: Bacterial infection of the urinary system.

  • Symptoms: Burning sensation while urinating, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

  • Cause: Bacteria entering the urinary tract, often due to factors like sexual activity or disruptions in the body’s natural balance.

  • Treatment: Antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider or early detection with tools like the Winx Health UTI Test + Treat Kit

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

  • What they are: Infections transmitted through sexual contact.

  • Symptoms: Vary widely; some are asymptomatic, while others cause discharge, pain, or sores.

  • Cause: Unprotected sexual activity with an infected partner.

  • Treatment: Varies by infection; regular screening is key. Find free or low cost testing near you. 

 

Healthy Habits for a Happy Vagina

When it comes to “leveling up,” it starts with the foundation—your health. By understanding common conditions like BV, yeast infections, and UTIs, we can tackle the disparities Black women face in healthcare and take control of our well-being.  Here’s how:

1. Know your Body

Regularly monitor changes in discharge, odor, or discomfort.

2. Use Trusted Resources

Tools like the Winx Health UTI Test + Treat Kit and the Yeast Infection Complete Kit make testing and treatment accessible and affordable.

3. Practice Safe Sex

Use condoms and get screened for STIs every 6-12 months or when you have a new partner. If you’re switching between anal and vaginal sex or vice versa, use a new condom each time.

4. Check the ingredients

Use water-based lubricants without glycerin, parabens, scents, or petroleum to maintain pH balance.

5. Breathable Fabrics

Opt for cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to prevent moisture buildup.

6. Front, Then Back

After using the toilet, wipe in the front and then in the back. Doing the reverse could transfer bacteria to the urethra and cause a urinary tract infection.

7. Post-sex hygiene

Always urinate after sex and clean up with a warm, damp towel.

8. Stay hydrated

Drinking water on a regular basis (at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day) helps flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.

9. Introduce “good" bacteria

Research has shown that probiotics may help reduce symptoms of BV, including changes in vaginal discharge and odor. They may also help prevent recurrent BV infections.

10. Talk with your healthcare provider

If you experience irritation, itching, burning, strong odors, or painful sex, talk to your healthcare provider.

Tools for Your Sexual Wellness 


This article was medically reviewed by Tesiah Coleman, AGPCNP-BC, WHNP-BC, CLC—Clinical Advisor at KIMBRITIVE.


The Feel Good Collective
Free

A library of free resources so that you can feel good about making informed and unapologetic decisions about your sexual and reproductive health


✓ The Self Chest Exam Guide
✓ Your Annual Wellness Visit Checklist
✓ Pleasure Pairings
✓ The Care Database
 
Previous
Previous

Kyndred: Where Care Meets Community 

Next
Next

A Conversation with Jordan Gaines: a sex & relationship therapist