The holidays are a time for joy, glitter, and a little indulgence—but your vagina? It might not be feeling quite so festive. Between sugary treats and travel stress, the season can bring the perfect storm for yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV). But don’t worry, we’ve got the tea (and the salve) to keep you balanced, comfy, and ready to slay all season long.
Here are the top 5 culprits behind those unwelcome holiday guests and what you can do to show them the door:
1. Sugar Overload: Treat Yo’Self in Moderation
Cookies, cocktails, candy canes—oh my! The holidays are basically sugar-palooza, but yeast loves sugar even more than you love your aunt’s famous pie. Too much sugar can throw off your vaginal microbiome, making infections more likely. Enjoy the treats (you deserve them!), but maybe don’t let dessert replace dinner.
Can't help yourself? Ya, me neither, I always support with a daily Probiotic.
2. Stress: The Grinch Stealing Your Balance
Between gift shopping, managing family drama, and trying to nail that perfect holiday tablescape, stress is unavoidable. Unfortunately, stress weakens your immune system, which can throw your vaginal health out of whack. Add some “you time” to the to-do list: yoga, bubble baths, or sneak away for a walk.
Read: How Stress Affects Our Sexual Health.
3. Traveling Vaginas Need TLC
Holiday travel means cramped airplane seats, sketchy rest stops, and forgetting your good underwear at home. Sitting in damp swimsuits or sweaty leggings (hello, travel delays) creates a warm, moist environment where infections thrive. Pack some breathable cotton undies, and throw our Momotaro Apotheca Salve in your bag for instant post-travel refreshment.
4. Holiday Booze-a-thon: Cheers to Balance
Eggnog, champagne, and mulled wine are all holiday staples, but overdoing it can dehydrate you and disrupt your vaginal pH. Plus, sugar and alcohol are basically yeast’s dynamic duo. Hydrate between drinks, and if you do overindulge, remember to give your body (and your vulva) some extra love the next day. Also - sleep naked, I love a fully nude starfish moment.
5. Cozy Clothes: Cute, But Constricting
Winter calls for leggings, tights, and maybe a sparkly jumpsuit or two. But tight, non-breathable clothing traps heat and moisture, which can mess with your vaginal microbiome. Opt for cotton underwear, and make sure to change out of workout or party clothes ASAP. Your vagina deserves breathable fashion too!
How to Keep Your Vagina Happy (Even When You’re Stressed AF)
- Snack Smarter: Balance those sugar bombs with probiotic-packed foods like yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut to keep your gut and vaginal health in check.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Water is your BFF. It helps flush toxins and keeps your pH on point. Bonus: It’s great for your skin too.
- Travel Savvy: Stock your bag with essentials like cotton undies, wipes, and our Bestseller Bundle for quick care on the go.
- De-Stress Daily: Whether it’s a five-minute meditation or a full-on Netflix binge, don’t skip self-care. Your immune system (and vulva) will thank you.
- Let It Breathe: Love your leggings but not at the expense of your health. Switch to breathable fabrics whenever you can.
Pro Tip: Need more holiday tips for your vulva? Check out our Holiday Starter Pack Gift Guide for ideas that’ll make everyone (including your vulva) happy. 🎁