What’s That On Your Hoo-Ha? 5 Vaginal Conditions You Need To Know About

It’s likely: Ingrown hair 

If you shave, get waxed, or groom your downstairs region, you probably come face-to-face with an ingrown hair or a two on the reg. “These hair bumps happen when the cut pubic hair curls back underneath the skin’s surface and continues to grow, possibly causing a bump, inflammation, or pus in the area,” explains Phillips. Common irritants may also be to blame, including (deep breath here): fragrant soaps, bubble bath liquids, bath salts, talcum powder, detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets, sanitary wipes and pads, warming gels and scented lubricants, nylon underwear or bathing suits, rubber products such as diaphragms and condoms, saliva or semen, feminine hygiene sprays, and tampons.

Clearly, there are unsuspecting feminine rituals that can irritate areas of the vagina every day. But that doesn’t mean you should quit your grooming routine. “If you use a razor, laser, or wax your pubic hair, make sure the skin is always kept clean before and after removing the hair,” says Ross. “Loofah the skin after to help prevent acne and ingrown hairs during the regrowth process.” 

What you should—and shouldn’t—be doing to keep your lady parts in good shape: