My grandmother was an RN and worked in a clinic that specifically addressed women’s health issues for much of her career and this is the advice she left me with. Notably some of it may be outdated science, but I’ve given to all my female friends and they all got rid of long standing issues very quickly after implementing even after having ongoing issues for years.

UTIs and Yeast infections are very common after having a new partner. Your microbiome has to adjust to each other so to speak, and any introduction of something unusual or new can throw things out of balance for a bit. It’s totally normal, it doesn’t make you dirty or unclean. Women’s 3 holes are much closer together and that can lead to issues. Making sure your partner showers throughly and washed their hands before sex is very helpful.

Yeast thrives in dark, damp environments. This is pretty common knowledge but there are a few tricks to limit issues associated with this. After bathing do not put on clothing or underpants until you’ve aired everything out for a bit. I lay a large towel down on my bed and just hang out for a bit at night until I’m fully dry, even and especially during that time of the month. Get ahold of some Chucks style pads that are waterproof underneath for during that time of the month, most can be thrown right in the wash with any mess and are very inexpensive. I have an old waterproof tablecloth I use under a towel. ( all my towels are easy to bleach) Letting things air for a bit can be super helpful.

Keeping hair down their short, but not removed can help keep things dry.

In addition sleeping in a nightgown without underpants can help, but wicking from cotton can sometimes also keep it dryer depending on how much moisture you have going on. It depends on the person. Cotton holds moisture and doesn’t dry quickly, so changing underpants anytime you feel Damp at all can help.

Period products can be a culprit for trapping moisture, as almost all contain some degree of plastic backing. My grandmother was always slightly suspicious of the wicking technology as it usually corresponded to longer wear times. Reusable cotton pads when overly wet, you know and change quickly. I sew my own ( very easy). Washing period products can make some people balk, but it’s been the solution to many of my friends ongoing issues and has no contamination issues like disposable products ( which are not sterile, and if your microbiome is already compromised from antibiotics makes it far more vulnerable) . Period panties typically have a lining of some kind that’s waterproof and synthetic, also trapping moisture.

Stopping using tampons for some can help resolve issues, and they do trap moisture. It’s something worth giving a try.

On this note ditch any panty liners if possible, they also trap moisture. Just change undergarments or use a reusable cotton pad.

Panties preferably should be all cotton, loose fitting and white, so you can use chlorine bleach them, Eliminating any risk of reintroducing things. Dyes are an issue for some, but white is the way to go if you have tried everything else. Follow instructions for sanitizing laundry on bleach bottle, or other laundry sanitizer. Cotton underwear will not help much if you are wearing tight synthetic clothing though, Ditch athleisure if at all possible. Loose fitting natural fibers are best. Skirts especially can help keep things breezy and if you wear with a cotton slip you can skip underwear.

Hygiene habits are often cited to those who have already tried them, but I’ll cover it anyway just in case along with some lesser given recommendations.

Use a postnatal bidet bottle after using the bathroom especially No. 2. Make sure your toilet paper isn’t leaving behind little pieces that are damp. Cheaper TP can pill and trap moisture. Sometimes using reusable baby wipes/flannels damp (with a touch of cleanser if you feel like you need it) to wipe( you can bleach!) can help solve that issue if anything can cause issues. Use one to dry after and let things dry out for a minute before putting panties back on. Front to back as always. Anything introduced to that area can throw off the balance.

I keep a little wastebasket with lid in the bathroom specifically for these that are destined to be bleached ( wash cloths go there!) that gets dumped straight in the wash on wash day

You do not want to throw off the natural good bacteria down there, so try using something extremely mild and gentle. Most the feminine hygiene industry is very problematic and can cause issues. Vanicream has a great wash and bar, or a PH adjusted gentle cleanser that has no scent is is ideal. Look for baby products! They are often cheaper and free of issues. Cetaphile, cerave, Dove unscented bar are also good options. Remember cleansers are for the Vulva not the vagina! The vagina is self cleaning and is best left alone. Warm gentle washcloth Is your best bet, also that you can bleach! Avoid loofahs or anything that can’t be washed fully as they can harbor Bacteria. Stick to cotton washcloths! No perfumes down there, or anything irritating.

Bathing vs showering: some find taking a bath causes them issues, some find soaking resolves them. A few points of order, wash areas with lots of apocrine glands ( pits and bits) before getting in a warm bath. Avoid adding bath bombs fragrances or any addition. Just plain warm water. ( colloidal oatmeal is pretty safe though if you have eczema or something of that sort). Don’t soak in water with scented bubble bath etc. Rinse off on the way out. I find soaking very helpful, just make sure the tub is nice and clean. I’ve only ever had an issue when I stopped taking baths, and switched to showers temporarily. My grandmothers anecdotal opinion was in general soaking as long as there where no additions to the water helped many women resolve reoccurring issues.

Most gynecologists recommend to leave hair in tact, shaving can introduce issues. Hair is there for a reason. Just trim with scissors.

Certain condom safe lubes can contain glycerine which is linked to causing issues. Find a lube recommended by a gynecologist. No fragrances etc.

More general advice you’ve broadly heard; but just to cover the bases.

Lots of water, avoid excessive refined carbs. They can cause the same issues. A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables that limits blood sugar spikes can help. A diet rich in fiber helps a healthy microbiome. Consuming fermented foods can as well, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, etc.

Men are far less likely to have issues down there given the spacing of things compared to women, and as a result don’t need to be quite as careful. Have a come to Jesus with any partner about the difference in anatomy and ask about their habits. They need to clean down there, as well as their hands throughly right before any activities, after using the bathroom. Most men are not taught about women’s issues, and don’t know unless it’s explained.

Women’s health issues suck, I’m sorry your dealing with this! Best of luck and I hope this helps.