8 Vaginal Hygiene Tips Every Woman Must Know

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Keeping the female genitalia clean and hygienic is critical for preventing infections. It is a topic often ignored and less discussed because of taboos that might exist in some societies. Being ignorant about the problems arising due to poor vaginal hygiene can lead to adverse health issues such as lowering of sex drive to fertility issues.  

Vaginal infections may be caused due to the uncontrollable growth of bacteria, funguses, or other organisms. The main causes behind the introduction of infectious germs are lack of care and hygiene maintenance and unsafe sex. 

Thus, it is important for each woman to keep a check on signs and symptoms such as a change in the consistency of vaginal discharge, its colour, rashes, itchiness, redness, and related problems. 

Lets us now look at the important features in order to maintain proper vaginal hygiene :

1. Avoid using soaps to wash your vagina:

Soaps generally carry glycerol, perfumes, and antiseptics which are harmful chemicals for your vagina and can to a large extent alter the pH level of the area leading to irritation and growth of disease-cauisng bacteria and fungus. It is recommended to wash the area with lukewarm water or to ask a dermatologist before using any soap. 

2. Avoid douching your vaginal area:

Douching is using a device that flushes up water into the vagina to clean vaginal discharges. It involves the use of chemicals which can alter vaginal pH level interrupting the normally existing bacteria in the region. And anyway, vaginas are self-cleaning organs.

Photo from Medium

3. Changing sanitary pads at intervals of 4-5 hours

Women having a  normal or light blood flow should change their sanitary pad every 4-5 hours. Although those with heavy blood flow if you have a heavy flow during menstruation should change their sanitary pads every 3-4 hours. Those using a tampon must change it every 5-6 hours without fail. Cleaning the area thoroughly every time you go to a washroom during your periods is very important for proper hygiene. 

If sanitary pads are not changed at intervals, it might lead to bad odour and rashes around the area. More serious issues include infections and dangerous bacterial growth. You should avoid using sanitary pads having a high level of chemical gels which might impose long-term diseases such as cancer or interfere with your fertility. 

Photo from Medical News Today

5. Try avoiding tight undergarments 

Tight underwears and inners of synthetic fabrics cause excessive sweating due to lowered air circulation. 

Extremely sweat and moisture can result in the growth of bacteria and fungus, causing vaginal infection. Leather pants, tight synthetic spandex material garments, and wet bathing suits for a long period of time should be worn as little as possible. 

Changing outfits after exercising or any other physical activity which can be sweaty is also crucial. 

It is recommended to use undergarments made from breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. 

6. Not to shave public hair

The use of razors for shaving genital hair can lead to genital injuries. Some women prefer shaving pubic hair being unaware of the less known fact that pubic hair acts as a safety net protecting the vulva from bacterial growth and fungal infections. 

Those often visiting the parlor for the purpose of shaving, should be careful of the products used which might be packed with chemicals and instruments which might not be cleaned before use. 

7. Avoid using scented vaginal hygiene products

Scented wipes, deodorants, and scrubs used to clear the vagina or to keep the vagina healthy is not a great method. A lesser-known fact is that these products can worsen the existing condition leading to serious infections or skin irritation. The vaginal area is extremely sensitive and the use of scrubs can often lead to peeling of the skin and infections which are almost incurable. 

8. The practice of safe sex

Unprotected sex may often lead to the risk of sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, warts, chlamydia,  and HIV. 

Hence, the use of contraceptive methods such as condoms has become important and is the simplest and most effective way to prevent STIs and vaginal infections. 

Precautions must be taken before using such products and if one is allergic to those, should opt for other alternatives that best suits you fulfilling the ultimate purpose of maintaining vaginal hygiene. 

Conclusion:

Every woman should follow the above-mentioned basic hygiene tips to ensure a healthy vagina and the area around it. 

It is important to note that no woman should be reluctant to consult a gynecologist if they are encountered with infections or diseases of the vaginal areas such as itching, redness, vaginal dryness, ringworm infection, pubic lice infection, etc.