Your OB-GYN Wants You to Stop Doing These 6 Things

Taking care of your reproductive health often comes down to a few widely shared rules—pee after sex, ditch damp clothes ASAP, don’t douche. But OB-GYNs say there are other, lesser-known habits that could be quietly affecting your vaginal health and causing long-term issues.

Here are six common habits gynecologists wish more women would drop—and clever substitutions for protecting your comfort and general health.

1. Ignoring Strange or Heavy Periods

You might assume spotting or super-heavy periods are just "your normal," if your sister or mother experienced the same. But strange bleeding or periods so heavy they disrupt your life can be a sign of something going wrong.

"Any sort of bleeding that takes over your life or occurs at strange intervals shouldn't become the new normal," says Christine Carlan Greves, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn with Orlando Health.

Irregular bleeding can be triggered by hormonal disorders, fibroids, polyps, thyroid disease, or even (in some cases) gynecologic cancers.

✔️ What to do:

Don't wait it out. If your period changes all of a sudden, is unusually painful, or is accompanied by spotting between cycles, see your ob-gyn.

2. Not Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

If your period shows up right on time, you may not think it's worth tracking. If it's always unpredictable, you may think tracking won't help. But either way, your cycle can be a vital sign of your health.

"Menses are a good indicator of overall health," states Christie Cobb, MD, an ob-gyn based in Arkansas.

Tracking can also identify issues like PCOS, thyroid condition, or hormonal imbalance early on.

✔️ What to do:

Track your periods using an app or take notes on your calendar. Track not just dates, but also symptoms like cramps, spotting, or mood swings—it can help your doctor accurately diagnose patterns or changes.

3. Skipping Lube—or Choosing the Wrong Kind

Sex without lube can cause painful friction, especially if you’re on birth control, postpartum, or in menopause. Worse, some popular lubes contain glycerin, a sugar alcohol that can feed yeast and trigger infections.

“Glycerin can increase your risk of a yeast infection,” explains Kate McLean, MD, MPH, chief medical officer at vaginal health company Evvy.

✔️ What to do:

Choose a high-quality, glycerin-free lube—preferably one that’s also free from alcohol, parabens, fragrances, and flavoring.

4. Using “Feminine Hygiene” Products

Despite marketing messages, your vagina doesn’t need help staying clean. In fact, scented soaps, sprays, and wipes can disrupt your pH and kill good bacteria, increasing your risk of irritation and infections.

“The vagina is a self-cleaning organ,” says Renita White, MD, an ob-gyn in Atlanta.

Even your vulva (your outer genital area) needs tender care.

✔️ What to do:

Clean your vulva with plain warm water, or mild, fragrance-free soap if needed. Never put anything inside your vagina—even if it's labeled "freshness" on the package.

5. Leaving a Tampon in Too Long

It’s tempting to stretch tampon use beyond the recommended 4–8 hours—especially when you’re busy or trying to save product. But doing so increases the risk of odor, irritation, or in rare cases, toxic shock syndrome.

✔️ What to do:

Set a phone reminder if needed, and change tampons regularly. For longer wear, consider switching to a menstrual cup, which is safe for up to 12 hours.

Forgot if you took out a tampon? It can't get lost, but it might get stuck further up. Feel gently with clean fingers—or consult your doctor if you're not sure. 

6. Self-Treating Vaginal Symptoms with OTC Creams

Itching or burning "down there" can make you think you can handle it with an over-the-counter antifungal. Unless you know it's a yeast infection (because a doctor used to have the exact same symptoms), treating yourself can drive delays proper treatment.

"Other infections or skin conditions can mimic yeast infections," warns Dr. White.

Some of those mimics include bacterial vaginosis, certain STIs, lichen sclerosis, and even precancerous disorders.

✔️ What to do:

If symptoms are new or persistent, skip the guesswork and see your doctor. OTC creams should only be used if you’ve had a diagnosed yeast infection before and know exactly what you’re dealing with.

Bottom Line

Your reproductive health is more valuable than guessing and assumptions. Tracking changes, choosing the right products, and knowing when to see a doctor can prevent discomfort and catch issues early. These six small habit tweaks might make a big impact in protecting your vaginal health now—and down the road.