While the intimate region of the female body has a natural self-cleaning system, it is still important to take care of it through hygienic practices. It is therefore important for women to incorporate feminine hygiene into their routine to have a healthier life.
No matter what age you are, there are a few basic vaginal hygiene rules every woman should know about!
Every woman should be aware of the signs of vaginal problems and take important measures to ensure a healthy vagina, normal sex drive, fertility, and the ability to reach an orgasm.
1. Keep the undergarments dry
Not wiping the vagina after urinating can cause the underwear to get wet which not only leads to a bad odor but also puts you at risk of vaginal infections. Hence, it is always advised to wipe the area using toilet paper or soft cloth so that your underwear is always dry.
2. Avoid using soap while washing your vagina
Avoid using harsh soaps or scented soaps to clean your vagina. These can change the pH of the vaginal region which can cause irritation and lead to the growth of unhealthy bacteria. It is advisable to use plain soap and water, preferably lukewarm water to wash the vaginal or vulval area.
3. Practice safe sex
Unprotected sex carries the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, warts, syphilis, and HIV.
4. Wipe correctly
Once you are done using the washroom or taking a shower, follow the thumb rule of wiping front to back in order to avoid letting bacteria from the anal region move toward the vagina, which may lead to urinary tract infections. Make sure that you also wash your hands every time before and after using the washroom, so that no germs are passed from the hands to the genitalia.
5. Wear comfortable clothing/avoid tight clothes.
It is always recommended to avoid wearing tight clothes and to stick to breathable innerwear that allows airflow, preferably made of cotton with crotch linings of the same material. Don’t wear tight clothes like spandex or synthetic pants for long and change immediately after working out, else the sweat can potentially lead to vaginal infections.
6. Hygiene during menstruation
Every lady wants to feel clean, odorless, and comfortable during that time of the month. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to habitually change your sanitary pad or tampon by being stringent about not wearing it for more than five or six hours.
7. Don’t ignore signs of vaginal infection
If you notice excessive vaginal discharge or colored vaginal discharge, please consult your doctor immediately. Also, do not ignore an itchy vagina or pain in the vaginal region as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
