Vaginal hygiene can help you prevent discomfort and even infections. Learn more about the do’s and don’ts of intimate care!
Proper vaginal hygiene can make a world of difference to our intimate health.
Proper vaginal hygiene can make a world of difference to our intimate health. It can reduce the risk of acquiring infections, it can speed up recovery and prevent uncomfortable symptoms such as irritation and discharge. Take a look at some of the most important do’s and don’ts of vaginal hygiene.
DOs:
DO: Wash Your Intimate Area Once a Day. This means you simply should be using lukewarm water or a gentle, natural intimate wash once a day.
DO: Use intimate wipes if a shower is not around. Especially when on period, during warmer months or when traveling.
DO: Wipe Yourself From Front to Back. It is very easy to transfer bacteria from anus to the vagina when wiping from back to front, so make sure never to break this important rule. Use unscented and uncolored toilet paper in order to avoid irritation.
DO: Use a soothing product after removing pubic hair. Whether you choose to shave, wax, use a depilatory cream or something else, always make sure to hydrate your skin prior to the procedure and apply a natural soothing product to the area in order to prevent skin irritation.
DO: Pat instead of rubbing. After showering, use a soft clean towel and pat your intimate area gently to dry it completely.
DON’Ts:
DON’T: Use any products containing irritants or allergens. This goes for lotions, sprays, bubble baths, etc. Ingredients that should make you avoid the products containing them include detergents, fragrances, dyes, strong chemicals, and preservatives.
DON’T: Use Soap. Soap is highly alkaline and very aggressive for the gentle, sensitive skin of the intimate area. Always choose a natural intimate wash that doesn’t contain soap, fragrances or dyes.
DON’T: Wear synthetic, tight underwear. Synthetic fabrics don’t allow the skin to breathe, which leads to increased temperature and humidity in the intimate region. Tight garments create friction, which can cause micro-tears in the skin. Combine this with increased heat and moisture and you get a perfect recipe for a possible vaginal infection. Choose natural materials and avoid tight clothing for prolonged periods of time.
DON’T: Use fragrance or deodorant to make your intimate parts smell better. Every vagina has a unique smell, and unless there is a problem, it shouldn’t smell bad. A strong odor can be a sign of infection.
DON’T: Spend a whole day wearing the same panty liner. Pantyliners are not intended to be used for prolonged periods of time. Like synthetic underwear, panty liners prevent the skin from breathing and can irritate your skin and increase the risk of infection. The same goes for sanitary pads and tampons, especially due to the menstrual blood that stays in close contact with the skin. Always change your panty liners, pads, and tampons every 3 to 4 hours, right before going to bed and as soon as you get up.