It’s hard to feel confident when your vagina feels off.
Between the itching, feeling like you smell "off", swelling, soreness, and the general feeling of will my vagina ever be normal again, we know first hand how hard it is to get in the headspace of feeling confident, dating or wanting to be sexually active again. Vaginal infections like yeast infections, BV, and UTIs can shake your sense of comfort in your body down to its core. Quick reminder, We do not want to normalize feeling this way. It's society, stigma, and years of perpetuated shame that make us feel these out-of-body experiences about our own vulvovaginal health. Even after the symptoms subside, it can take a while to feel at home in your skin again—physically and emotionally.
If like me you're dealing with recurrent infections (which is unfortunately common), It's hard to get to that place of total confidence. But I promise it's possible.
We’re here to remind you: your body is not broken. You are not dirty. And you're not alone.
Below, we’re sharing 6 gentle, practical, and confidence-boosting ways to reconnect with your body after a vaginal infection—plus tips to help prevent them from recurring.
1. Stop using the word "clean" as it relates to our vulvas and vaginas.
We have all heard and maybe even used the word "clean" when we think about sexual health. But frankly, it's a misnomer and perpetuates emotional harm.
Here’s the truth: vaginal infections have nothing to do with hygiene.
BV is caused by a microbial imbalance (an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria that disrupts the healthy pH balance of your vagina). Yeast infections stem from an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans—which, fun fact, naturally lives in your body. UTIs usually stem from bacteria like E. coli getting into your urethra.
Cleanliness? Not the issue.
In fact, over-washing, douching, or using perfumed soaps can actually increase your risk of infection by disrupting the protective barrier and microbiome of the vulva and vagina.
✅ Try this instead:
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Gently cleanse your vulva (not your vagina) with warm water
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Skip anything scented
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Pat dry gently and wear breathable cotton underwear
2. Don’t Let Fear of Recurrence Define You
After your first (or fourth) infection, it’s easy to spiral: What if it comes back? What if this keeps happening?
And honestly, those fears are valid. Recurrent infections can happen for a variety of reasons—anything from stress, to diet, sex, even antibiotics. But living in fear of your own body isn’t fair to you.
Instead of letting anxiety run the show, focus on what’s in your control.
Build habits that strengthen your natural defenses and give your body the support it needs to stay balanced.
✅ Try this instead:
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Incorporate a daily probiotic (like ours) to support healthy flora
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Hydrate often and pee after sex (especially if you’re prone to UTIs)
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Take note of patterns around infections (new underwear? new partner? antibiotics?)
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Soothe symptoms IMMEDIATELY with Tonic or Salve. Use prophylactically if you do a "trigger".
Shop probiotic, tonic and salve together and save $$$
3. Get to Know Your (Real) Normal
A lot of us didn’t grow up learning how to check in with our bodies beyond “Am I bleeding?”
Getting familiar with how your vulva and vagina normally look, feel, smell, and behave can help you spot small changes before they become big ones—and feel less anxious when something does feel off. Remember our bodies change daily, weekly, and monthly based on our cycles, hormones, seasons, and more.
✅ Try this instead:
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Use a handheld mirror to get familiar with your vulva, Can you name all the parts?
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Track your cycle, discharge, and symptoms with an app or notes
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If something feels off, trust yourself and talk to a provider
Read: Decoding Vaginal Discharge
4. Treat Your Body with Curiosity, Not Judgment
Your first instinct might be to feel betrayed by your body. Like, why are you doing this to me again?
But vaginal infections aren’t personal. They’re just your body asking for attention, care, or a reset.
Instead of getting mad at your body, get curious. Ask yourself:
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Have I been stressed or run-down lately?
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Did I change laundry detergent or start a new medication?
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Was this triggered after sex or new underwear?
- Am I in a part of my cycle where I typically feel uncomfortable?
Your body is constantly communicating with you. You don’t have to speak fluent vulva—LOL, but tuning in with compassion can help you feel more confident and in control. And don't forget to slow down, breathe, and not give up.
Read: How Stress Impacts Our Vaginal Health
5. Reclaim Pleasure on Your Own Terms
Infections can cause a real disconnect from pleasure. You might feel less inclined to touch yourself, have sex, or even get undressed in front of a mirror.
Start small. You don’t need to rush back into anything. But allowing yourself to feel good again—even in little ways—is a radical act of body trust.
✅ Try this instead:
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Do a body oil massage before bed (try the Salve externally on the vulva to help with inflammation and dryness)
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Use breathwork or gentle stretching to reconnect with sensation
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Explore solo pleasure or intimacy when you feel ready—not when you think you “should”
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Tell your partner what feels supportive and sexy right now (hint: it might not be sex)
Incorporate Salve into your everyday upkeep
6. Be Proactive, Not Perfect
Perfect is not a thing. It's imagined and invented and changes person to person. And there is definitely no such thing as taking perfect care of our vulva and vaginal health. Remember: Vaginal health is not one-size-fits-all. This is something the wellness industrial complex has created an effort for us to buy more stuff we don't need. But I'll go on that rant later. It's important to create a routine that helps you feel good in your body, every day— and especially for when things feel off. We know consistency in vulva and vaginal care creates better outcomes.
Our go-to routine looks something like this:
-Sleeping naked and wearing cotton underwear
-Support moisture & discomfort with Tonic or Salve
-Take a daily Probiotic to support your vaginal microbiome
-Hydrate, move your body, and rest when you need it
TL;DR
Vaginal infections don’t define your worth, your desirability, or your health.
But if you’re feeling disconnected from your body after one, we see you.
You deserve to feel good in your skin. You deserve support. And you deserve tools that don’t just treat symptoms—but help prevent them, too.
For Daily Support We Recommend The Daily Duo - Shop Now
Related Reading
Making Sense of Your Vaginal Scents: 10 Vaginal Smells & What They Mean
The Magic Vagina Potion That Gave Me Total Bodily Autonomy
The Science Of Strength: Celebrating The Cool Stuff Our Bodies Do
How Much Sex Should I Be Having?