Sexual Health Tip #4. No need to smell like a rose.
Since there are so many different douches, scented vaginal sprays and deodorized menstrual products, a woman’s normal vaginal aroma must be rancid, right? Hardly. “Typically there’s not much odor in a woman’s vaginal area,” says Dr. Machelle Seibel, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Massachusetts. If you keep yourself clean and have no infections or sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs), there’s no need for “fresheners.” In fact, they can actually do more harm than good. Scented products may make things seem better in the short-term, but they often irritate your vaginal tissues and can increase the risk of infection and vaginal dryness, Seibel says.

Sexual Health Tip #5. Think before you treat.
If you’re one of those women who grabs an over-the-counter yeast medication anytime your vagina gets a little itchy or has discharge, stop! Seibel says women often misdiagnose themselves. “Two-out-of-three times, they actually have bacterial vaginosis (BV),” he says. Although yeast and BV can have similar symptoms—itching, discharge and irritation, the tell tale sign that you’ve been hit with BV is a greenish discharge that has a “fishy” or foul odor. If this is your first vaginal infection, you’re pregnant or you’re just not sure whether you’re dealing with yeast or BV, go see your gyno. If BV’s the issue, it can be serious. In addition to pregnancy complications, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility, BV can cause pain during sex, a foul smell after you do the do and can increase your risk of getting STDs and HIV.

Sexual Health Tip #6. Reach for the lube.
If you’re like many people, lubricant becomes a factor only when you need a little help. But it’s actually a good idea to lube up every time you have sex. Either go with lubricated condoms or pick up a lubricant, like Astroglide or K-Y Jelly. The extra lubrication will decrease the chance of the condom breaking and help prevent small vaginal tears caused by friction, which can cause pain during—and long after—sex and can make you more susceptible to STDs. Remember, only use water-based or silicone-based lubes, as those containing oils can break down the latex in condoms (and that’s a whole other problem). Adding a little of the slippery stuff can even make sex better for your guy. Have him put a dab inside the tip of the condom. It’ll make him feel like he’s not even wearing one!