To know her is to love her. The vagina is remarkable, but often misunderstood. In everyday conversation, “vagina” is commonly used as a catch-all, but medically, it refers specifically to the internal canal. The vulva, on the other hand, includes the external structures you can see: the labia, mons pubis, urethral opening, vaginal opening, perineum, and clitoris.
And that’s just the beginning. Our vaginas (we’ll use the familiar term here) are in a state of constant change. They shift and respond to hormones, movement, stress, arousal, and environment. Across a lifetime, and even over the course of an hour, they experience changes in moisture, pH, sensitivity, and discharge. This is all in a day’s work for an incredibly dynamic, responsive system doing exactly what it’s designed to do.
All that’s to say, there’s a lot going on down there. To help address questions and concerns, we recruited Jennie Draper, MD, FACOG. An obstetrician-gynecologist with Virginia Physicians for Women, Dr. Draper is an expert in women’s health—in fact, we talked to her mere minutes after delivering her second baby of the day. She’s also a serious endurance athlete with a full Ironman, trek to Everest Base Camp, as well as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Blanc summits under her belt.
You’ve had (anonymous) questions, so let’s dive in and learn more about these incredible organs. If you want to explore even more, check out the past blogs in this series: Let’s Talk Vaginas, Everything You Wanted to Know About Your Vagina But Were Too Afraid to Ask, and The Woman’s Guide to Discharge.
VAGINAS ON THE MOVE
Is it concerning that my vagina feels swollen after a long run or hike?
Dr. Draper: “This is probably a sign of friction or irritation. Take a look at what you’re wearing. Is it breathable? Is it the right size? Is it too constrictive? Swelling and chaffing are common, especially during hotter weather. If this happens a lot, try applying Aquaphor on the vulva as a gentle barrier.”
BRANWYN Note: Our seamless Merino wool underwear is designed to help prevent chafing in our most sensitive areas. Merino is naturally moisture-wicking to help keep your vulva dry, while the seamless design minimizes hot spots that can lead to irritation.
Is numbness during cycling normal?
Dr. D: This is common, but it’s not “normal.” This is a sign that you have a bike seat that doesn’t fit and it’s pressing against your pelvic floor. It’s important to address this as, over the long term, it can lead to more pain, irritation, and issues with intercourse.
If you cycle frequently, it’s a good idea to go to a professional bike fitter. They’ll have a mold you can sit in and can actually design your bike seat to be appropriate for your anatomy. Some women have labia that are more prominent, some are less prominent. You may need extra cushioning in a certain place or a cut out in others. You should be comfortable on your bike!
Can carrying a heavy pack put too much pressure on my pelvic floor?
Dr. D: Yes. Putting too much weight on your pelvic floor before it’s strong enough to hold that load can be a problem. If you’re going on a backpacking trip, make sure that you train your hip, glutes, legs, and core to build up strength. If you experience urinary leakage or feel pelvic pressure, especially at the end of exercise, that’s a sign that you overworked this area.
Can core workouts make pelvic floor issues better…or worse?
Dr. D: In general, doing core training is going to improve your pelvic floor strength, because those muscles are all connected.
DOES WHAT WE WEAR MATTER?
Is it better to go commando or wear underwear to sleep?
Dr. D: There’s no specific rule. However, for patients who are more prone to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, it can be a good idea to go commando to let the vaginal area breathe. This is also true for women who are more prone to night sweats.
BRANWYN Note: If you feel more comfortable sleeping with underwear on, our seamless Merino wool underwear is a great choice to support vaginal health. Merino keeps the area dry and comfortable—and it’s even been linked to getting longer stretches of deep sleep!
How do natural fibers vs. synthetics affect vaginal health?
Dr. D: What you want to look for is something that’s breathable and won’t stay damp. You also want something that’s undyed or naturally dyed. Artificial dyes can irritate the area and increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
BRANWYN Note: Merino wool keeps things dry—naturally. It moves moisture away from skin far more effectively than synthetics or even other natural fibers like cotton, helping reduce the dampness that can lead to irritation. Our Innerwear is colored using only OEKO-TEX-, OEKO-TEX STeP-, and ZDHC-certified dyeing processes. Learn more here.
Can tight leggings increase risk of yeast infections, or does fabric matter here?
Dr. D: If you stay in unbreathable clothes that are damp or a wet bathing suit that can set you up. The longer your skin stays wet, the higher your risk of yeast infection.
BRANWYN Note: Our Merino wool leggings and shorts work to keep you dry even after exercise–plus it has antimicrobial properties that have been proven to help ward off infection.
UNDERSTANDING OUR VAGINAL ECOSYSTEM
What are good ways to correct a microbiome imbalance in your vagina?
Dr. D: When people ask, it's usually because they've noticed something off. It’s worth being evaluated by an OB-GYN to make sure you're not missing some other type of infection like an STI, bacterial vaginosis, or a yeast infection. If someone is prone to infection, you can take an over-the-counter probiotic. You don't want to overwash or douce because that can eliminate the healthy bacteria that belong there and can actually make the problem worse.
Can baby wipes or trail wipes disrupt vaginal balance?
Dr. D: Scented products can definitely disrupt balance, but a normal antibacterial wipe can keep the skin clean and healthy. Don’t use any wipes on the internal area where there’s delicate vaginal mucus, but on the outside would be fine, especially during backpacking trips where you may not be able to wash.
How does your cycle affect pH?
Dr. D: In general, it should not throw those things off, although having a period can be a trigger for some women. There are things that can help offset that like a prescription for a vaginal antibiotic or boric acid suppositories you can use one time after each period to keep things balanced. Using a menstrual cup instead of the synthetic fibers in a tampon can also help.
How does shaving vs. growing out pubic hair affect smell, sweat, and hygiene?
Dr. D: We are meant to have pubic hair. It acts as a filter against bacteria. Especially if someone's noticing more of a persistent odor or recurrent vaginal infections, I recommend trimming rather than shaving.
Can hiking at altitude affect vaginal dryness or discharge?
Dr. D: At altitude, everything is drier. Women who are peri- and postmenopausal may notice more concerns if they're already dealing with more skin dryness. Again, Aquaphor would help protect the vulva.
What does a “healthy” vagina smell like after a day of movement?
Dr. D: Everyone has a different kind of body odor. It should not smell fishy, but to have body sweat smell would be normal. Just use a plain unscented antibacterial soap in that area, and only on the outside.
Got any more questions? We’ll find out the answers! We regularly post our Vagina Questions series, so there’s more where that came from. We’d love to hear from you any time. Email info@branwyn.com or DM us on Instagram at @branwynofficial.
