When it comes to our lady bits, we all want to make sure we’re keeping them healthy, without having to ask our doctor those embarrassing questions.

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Yet there are many myths around our vaginas that need clearing up – from washing and hygiene to using tampons.

We’ve spoken to Dr Vanessa Mackay, a spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, to set the facts straight and to find out the things that are a no-no where your vagina is concerned.

1 Use feminine hygiene products or vaginal facials to clean your vagina

'It’s a myth that the vagina needs extensive cleaning with perfumed soaps or feminine hygiene products. The vagina is designed to clean itself with natural secretions.

The vagina contains good bacteria, which are there to protect it. If these bacteria are disturbed it can lead to infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush , and inflammation.

'Avoid using perfumed soaps, gels and antiseptics to clean the vagina as these can affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels, and cause irritation.

'Use plain, unperfumed soaps to wash the area around the vagina (the vulva), not inside it, gently every day.'

2 Have sex in a pool

'Having sex in a pool means there is a chance that chemicals could enter the vagina and irritate it. This can lead to the problems mentioned above.'

3 Get rid of all your pubic hair

'Pubic hair offers a natural barrier to keep the area clean, decrease contact with viruses and bacteria, and protect the area’s tender skin.

'It also prevents foreign particles like dust and pathogenic bacteria from entering the body, and helps to control the moisture of the area which reduces the chance of yeast infections (ie thrush).

'If your remove your pubic hair, you're at a higher risk of contracting a venereal disease, like genital warts . Although pubic hair doesn’t prevent STIs, it helps avoid skin-on-skin contact with someone who may already have an STI.

'Removing pubic hair also irritates and inflames the hair follicles left behind, leaving microscopic open wounds. When that irritation is combined with the warm, moist environment of the genitals, it becomes an ideal environment for bacterial problems'

4 Ignore your pelvic floor muscles

'Doing regular pelvic floor exercises strengthens the muscles around your bladder, vagina and back passage. This can help improve muscle tone, bladder and bowel control, and sensitivity during sex.

'If you're pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, start doing pelvic floor exercises as soon as possible as this will reduce the risk of experiencing incontinence after child birth.'

(Find out how, here .)

5 Be embarrassed about vaginal flatulence

'Vaginal flatulence is caused when air is pushed inside the vagina. This can happen during sex or other sex acts by a man’s penis, a finger or a sex toy. A deep thrust or body movement can cause the air to be released.

'The air is also expelled as the vagina returns to its pre-aroused state.

'Vaginal flatulence can also happen during a pelvic exam, when women insert a female condom, menstrual cup or tampon, or during exercise. It can also be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.

'But vaginal flatulence is completely normal so don't be ashamed!'

6 Leave a tampon in for longer than six hours

' Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection, caused by bacteria called s taphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

'While scientists recognise a link between TSS and tampon use, there is no proven evidence as to why this occurs. It’s believed that leaving a tampon in your vagina for a prolonged time can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

'Tampons should be changed every four to six hours, or when saturated with blood, and should not be left in the vagina as this can increase the risk of TSS.

'It’s also important to use a tampon with the right absorbency, according to how heavy a woman’s menstrual flow is.'

7 Use a hair dryer on the vagina

'As thrush thrives in warm, moist parts of the body, it is a good idea to let your vagina dry naturally before putting underwear and clothes on.

'It is unnecessary to use a hair dryer to dry your vagina, and there is a risk these devices could burn the skin and disturb the vagina’s delicate balance of bacteria.'

How many of these did you know about before?

If you have any concerns about your feminine hygiene or health, please visit your GP.