Caring for and maintaining a healthy vagina is no easy task. You need to maintain regular hygiene, choose a healthy diet, wear the right underwear, and control stress. If one of these rules is violated, the vagina becomes more vulnerable to various infections and diseases, which often have unpleasant consequences for the reproductive system and the woman’s health in general. Certain habits and activities can seriously harm your vagina. What should not be done in caring for the intimate part of the female body?
1. Douching
Douching is one of the preventive or therapeutic methods of washing the inside of the vagina. If it is prescribed by the attending physician and is carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist, then such a procedure can be done. But at home, at your own discretion and using self-prepared solutions (vinegar with water or potassium permanganate, herbal infusions, etc.), douching is not recommended. In the assortment of some stores you can find different compositions for douching, but they may contain antiseptics and fragrances that can harm the health of the vagina.
Many women practice this type of vaginal care to feel fresher, get rid of unpleasant odors, prevent sexually transmitted diseases, and even prevent pregnancy after intercourse. But health experts believe that douching in all of these cases is practically useless and even harmful. This procedure may disrupt the pH level of the vagina, leading to infections. The vagina itself cleans itself quite well, so it helps to wash it regularly enough and wear clean, comfortable underwear.
Modern women often include cosmetic spa treatments in their body care, where the skin is well moisturized and cleansed under the influence of water and steam. Some beauty salons offer a newfangled method of vaginal steaming. During such sessions, women take off their underwear and sit on special chairs, from below which steam with infusions of aromatic herbs is supplied, which is directed into the vagina. Most spas claim that this treatment improves feminine hygiene and maintains hormone balance.
But representatives of official medicine do not consider the effect of SPA to be beneficial for vaginal health. First of all, this method is dangerous because under the influence of steam, delicate and sensitive skin can be injured. If the burn is severe, it can impair the functions of the bladder and rectum. In addition, steam can dry out quickly and upset the balance of natural bacteria that live in the vagina, increasing the risk of developing yeast infections. Finally, hormones are not produced directly by the uterus or vagina, so it is false to say that steaming the genitals improves hormonal balance throughout the body.
3. Piercing on the skin of the genitals
The fashion for ear and nose piercings has existed for a long time. Many women prefer to pierce their tongue, eyebrows, lips and even genitals. The last method is used most often to improve sensations during intimacy. Some people need such decoration on the skin of the vagina in order to emphasize their individuality or pay tribute to fashion. Typically, genital piercings come in two varieties: either the clitoris or the outer or inner labia.
But no matter what part of the genitals it is performed on, the sensitive skin of the vagina perceives this procedure very painfully. A puncture can cause nerve damage and long-term pain; in addition, the wound increases the likelihood of skin irritation, increases the risk of developing infections and contracting the body with dangerous diseases such as tetanus, HIV, hepatitis, etc.
4. Poorly chosen underwear
Underwear should always be comfortable and clean. Tight and overly tight underwear contributes to skin and vaginal irritation. Over time, this can cause ingrown hairs in the bikini area, which can cause pain and discomfort. And getting rid of them is not so easy. Underwear that is too tight increases the risk of developing yeast infections because rubbing against the skin releases additional heat and moisture into the vaginal area, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
Plus, tight underwear is fraught with the formation of visible wrinkles and unsightly bulges on the skin. You need to know your size well and select underwear strictly according to your measurements, giving preference to organic, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). Long-term wearing of underwear made of synthetics and with an abundance of lace is undesirable.
Some women find that vaginal care can be made easier by completely shaving their pubic hair. But a 2012 study published in the international Journal of STD & AIDS suggests that removing pubic hair may increase the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted diseases because hair removal affects the skin cell membrane and makes it easier for bacteria to enter the body.
The hair covering the pubis absorbs moisture and protects the genitals from infections. Thus, instead of completely getting rid of hairs in this area of the body, it is better to trim them from time to time and epilate only the edge of your underwear. When shaving your hair, it is important to follow hygiene and safety rules to avoid cuts or irritation. It is better to choose products with a neutral pH level as skin softeners.
6. Care using scented cosmetics
In order to get rid of unpleasant odor from the vagina, some representatives of the fair half of humanity prefer to use scented hygiene products and perfumes. But experts believe that such vaginal care may irritate delicate skin because most heavily scented products contain many harmful chemicals.
It is not recommended to use scented wipes, sprays, deodorants and perfumes for vaginal hygiene. The surest remedy for keeping your genitals clean and pleasantly smelling is plain warm water. It is permissible to use detergents (but only outside the vagina) specifically designed for intimate areas. Do not wash with very hot water, so as not to cause redness and dryness of the skin. If the unpleasant odor from the vagina has become too intrusive, it is better to consult a doctor for advice to rule out possible diseases.
7. Prolonged use of a tampon or pad
Maintaining hygiene during menstruation is especially important. It is unacceptable to use a pad or tampon for a long time (more than 4-8 hours). The pH of menstrual blood is higher than that of normal vaginal microflora. Therefore, the longer a pad or tampon is used, the higher the risk of vaginal infection. Often women contract such diseases during their periods because they forget to change their hygiene products on time. It is not recommended to use pads and tampons after the end of menstruation, otherwise it will irritate the skin and prevent it from breathing freely.
8. Lubricating the vagina with Vaseline
Until now, many people believe that Vaseline is an affordable and safe lubricant. But doctors strongly warn about the dangers of using this well-known remedy inside the vagina. First of all, petroleum jelly can disrupt your pH balance and increase your susceptibility to infections. In addition, this cosmetic product is inferior to conventional water-based lubricants and can cause the latex condom to rupture. After some time, Vaseline becomes sticky and viscous, which increases pain and discomfort during intimacy. In addition, it is quite difficult to wash it off afterwards. If additional lubrication is necessary, it is better to consult a doctor to individually select the most suitable option.
Acne and rashes can appear not only on exposed areas of the body, but also in the genital area. But no matter how painful and uncomfortable pubic pimples are, you shouldn't squeeze, scratch, or poke them. When pus is discharged from the wound, bacteria can enter the vagina or spread throughout the pubic area, causing new pimples. When acne breaks down, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the body, which can lead to excessive redness, inflammation, swelling of the skin, and even permanent scarring. If acne does not go away on its own within 1-2 weeks, you should consult a doctor.
10. Injuries and wounds
The skin of the vagina is very delicate and vulnerable, especially inside. Any microcut, injury or scratch increases the risk of infection. The blood supply to the inside of the vagina is very active, and placing any foreign, unsanitary object inside this organ increases the risk of tearing or cutting. Even a small scratch can cause prolonged bleeding. Caution should also be exercised during intimacy: insufficient vaginal lubrication can lead to irritation and injury. If you suspect the presence of cuts or scratches inside the genital organs, you should not try to examine them yourself, but should quickly contact a gynecologist.
Inflammation, itching, irritation in the area genitals quite common in many women. What is this connected with? Doctors say this is due to ignorance of personal hygiene rules. Due to improper care, the number of beneficial microbes in the vaginal mucosa is noticeably reduced, after which the protective barrier against infections weakens. As a result, active proliferation of fungi and bacteria begins. Avoiding such problems is very simple - learn to care for your intimate area using special cosmetics.
Previously, only one could be found on store shelves intimate hygiene product– liquid soap enriched with natural oils and herbal extracts. Nowadays you can find hundreds of different products for hygiene of intimate areas on sale: foam, soap, gel, wipes and cream. All of these products are different from regular soap. They do not disturb the microflora, do not dry the skin and do not irritate the vaginal mucosa. In many products you can find lactic acid, which supports the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms. Most of the products presented also contain extracts and components of medicinal plants.
Cleanse the genitals it is necessary in three cases: after intimate contact, after waking up and before going to bed. It is advisable to use cosmetics only once a day, this will be quite enough. You shouldn’t get carried away with various gels and wipes - you won’t become cleaner, and the microflora can be destroyed, despite the promising inscriptions on the labels, which state that the product can be used in unlimited quantities. Do not direct a stream of water into the vagina. The powerful pressure washes away the lubricant, making it easy for harmful bacteria to get inside. To cleanse the genitals, use only warm water.
For intimate hygiene, you should have a separate towel. Make sure it is very soft and clean. After washing, do not wipe the skin dry: just blot it so as not to touch the mucous membrane. During critical days, you need to be especially careful about hygiene. Try to wash at least three times a day, as blood is considered an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Do not visit the bathhouse or sauna, or the swimming pool. Change pads every three hours, regardless of the amount of discharge.
Wet intimate care wipes can only be used on special occasions as they are not intended for daily use. Use them only when you do not have the opportunity to take a shower, for example, on a long trip or in the country. The wipes are soaked in a special solution: moisturizing oils, lactic acid and extracts from medicinal plants.
Doctors do not advise doing this vaginal douching. This is a special procedure that a doctor may prescribe for medical reasons. If the microflora is normal, douching is not done. This will not only disrupt the microflora, but will also lead to dry mucous membranes. An inflammatory process or bacterial vaginosis may appear.
It is better to buy any cosmetic products at a pharmacy or specialty store. When purchasing, check the expiration date of the product. Always study the composition of an intimate hygiene product: it should not contain alkalis, fragrances or dyes. It is best to choose a product that contains aloe or chamomile among other ingredients. Extracts of these plants protect against infections and moisturize the mucous membrane.
A woman is always worried about an “intimate” question - How to maintain a feeling of comfort and freshness “there”?
How is everything organized “over there”?
A huge number of microorganisms populate the flora of the female genital tract, which peacefully coexist with each other. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which, with its protective properties, prevents the development of infections. If the balance-neighborhood is disrupted, we become vulnerable to infections and inflammation.
For what reasons is the acid-base balance disrupted?
One of the common reasons is the use of contraceptives and antibiotics. Hormonal imbalance, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation. Wearing tight synthetic underwear interferes with natural ventilation and this leads to problems. Frequent changes of partners or simply a new partner can lead to disruption of the vaginal microflora (there may be more unpleasant serious consequences). Also chronic diseases, stress and improper care.
Not all of us know how to properly perform hygiene procedures. And we often use soap, which leads to disruption of the acidic environment of the vagina. We destroy the natural barrier and get unpleasant sensations: itching, burning, redness.
If this has already happened, contact your gynecologist, who will prescribe a series of tests for possible vaginal infections. After which he will recommend treatment. It's time to think about the right choice of intimate hygiene products. It is not recommended to apply soap or shower gel to this area. I also advise you to pay attention to the composition of the intimate product; it should not contain a foaming agent, which is hidden under the abbreviation SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), it is used to reduce the cost of the final product. The ingress of soap suds leads to an imbalance in the acid-base balance.
Taking a bath with your favorite foam once a week will not harm, but constant use of gel or soap should be avoided. If you regularly visit the pool, then be more careful when choosing intimate hygiene products. Don't save money!
How to choose the right intimate hygiene product
Gels and foams for the care of the intimate area must have a balanced pH environment and contain the same lactobacilli, and must be hypoallergenic. Although, this is individual. Often the composition includes various extracts of medicinal herbs and an allergic reaction to individual components is possible. And if your eyes water during the spring bloom, you sneeze. And when using a new cream, you have ever had a rash, then it’s better to work hard to find a good hypoallergenic product. If nothing suits you (this also happens), then use decoctions of chamomile, calendula, or decoctions of oak bark.
Remember! Douching without medical prescription can only make the problem worse. I wash only the outside. Don't get carried away with excessive cleanliness.
So, how do some remedies differ from others?
- Intimate gel (without SLS) does not produce a lot of foam, contains moisturizing components.
- Mousse and foam more gentle, also moisturize well.
- Wet wipes Suitable for intimate hygiene when it is not possible to thoroughly wash yourself. On a train, for example. They contain lactic acid and herbal extracts.
- Deodorants water-based, they are applied to a clean body; they cannot replace washing! They are odorless, but remove body odor well.
Products containing chamomile, calendula, and oak bark are considered good antiseptics. I have already said that they are suitable for allergenic and sensitive skin. If your skin is dry, then choose products with aloe vera extract, vitamin E and D-panthenol. Products with tea tree oil have an anti-inflammatory effect.
What gaskets are best to use?
It is worth mentioning here that pads do not like moisture and should not be stored in the bathroom. Store them in your bedside table. The average “life expectancy” of a pad or tampon is no more than 3 hours. Longer the concentration of bacteria on the surface becomes critical. Do not provoke infection.
Pads with a gelling agent can cause serious irritation if left in contact with the skin for long periods of time. For heavy discharge, you can use pads with a rubberized surface, but they can cause allergies. It's better to use cotton ones, you'll just have to change them more often.
Women actively take care of themselves, carrying out a wide variety of procedures, buying expensive creams and other products that can maintain the beauty and health of the body. But not all representatives of the fair sex know that the delicate and sensitive intimate area also needs to be looked after regularly. Intimate hygiene is an essential part of hygiene procedures. Knowing the principles of caring for this area and following certain rules will help maintain the health of the female reproductive system.
In Russia it is not customary to talk about intimate hygiene. The girls were taught to follow the advice of their mothers and grandmothers, who said that they needed to wash themselves at least 2 times a day, using soap. As a result, the acid-base balance in the intimate area was disturbed, and thrush appeared. Intimate area is extremely vulnerable, sensitive and requires the most delicate approach. Experts strongly recommend observing the following rules for caring for the intimate area.
Only warm water is suitable for washing. Cold will provoke inflammatory diseases, and excessively hot will damage the mucous membrane. Many women make a common mistake: they start washing from the hole to the pubis. In this case, an incorrectly directed stream of water introduces pathogenic microorganisms from the anus into the vagina, which causes inflammatory processes. You need to wash yourself exclusively, moving from the pubis down, and not vice versa. Hands should be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap before washing. Doctors do not advise lying in the bathtub during menstruation. During this period it is better to take a shower.
You should dry yourself with a separate, clean towel designated for this area, which no one uses except the woman herself. Do not use a washcloth when caring for your genitals. It can damage delicate skin and spread infections. Water directed directly into the vagina washes out all the beneficial bacteria and disrupts the vaginal protective system. It is better to douche using medicinal herbs. The water should be a comfortable temperature for the body. On the shelves of stores offering body care products and in pharmacies you can find a large number of intimate area care products. It is better to replace regular soap with a care product. Many women use panty liners every day, but not all change them regularly, which is a big mistake that leads to inflammation and the development of infections.
Intimate area care products
When asked how often one should wash oneself, gynecologists answer that after each visit to the toilet a woman needs to carry out this procedure. But not all women have this opportunity. After all, many ladies spend most of the day at work, in the office. It is unlikely that women carry a towel, gel and other intimate area care products with them to work. It is not comfortable. Now you can purchase special napkins designed for this area in stores and pharmacies. With these napkins you need to thoroughly wipe not only your genitals, but also your hands before going to the toilet. It is better to buy wipes containing extracts of medicinal plants, for example, chamomile extract. Chamomile soothes delicate skin.
Underwear and pads need to be changed every day. In this case, we mean sanitary pads for every day. And during menstruation, pads are changed at least 4-5 times a day. Proper care will help a woman maintain and feel confident in any situation.
In some families there are subjects that are off-limits to discussion. For example, the rules of intimate hygiene. Some parents consider it shameful to talk to their children about this topic, others do not think about such “nonsense” at all. At the same time, both groups do not understand that a lack of information on hygiene issues leads children, and then adults, to an unkempt appearance, problems in their personal lives, and even diseases. Communication on intimate topics is an integral stage of education. Get ready for it!
Genital hygiene
An unkempt appearance is a guarantee of a person’s unpopularity in “normal society,” and the smell in the intimate area will definitely lead to problems in relationships. Failure to comply with hygiene negatively affects appearance and psychological health, and contributes to the development of infectious diseases. In half of the cases, inflammation of the bladder - cystitis - occurs “thanks” to improper intimate hygiene.
How to properly wash a woman's face
Compliance with the basic rules of intimate hygiene should become as basic as brushing your teeth:
- It is advisable to wash yourself twice a day. Those who are sexually active - even more often: before and after sex.
- Wash your hands with soap before the procedure.
- Use warm water. The intimate area is not a place that needs to be hardened.
- Women wash themselves from front to back, towards the anus. If the procedure is carried out in the opposite direction, there is a chance of introducing E. coli into the genital tract.
- Do not direct the shower stream into the vagina, so as not to wash away the natural lubricant, which helps resist the attack of harmful microbes. Therefore, it is prohibited to douche without a doctor’s prescription.
- Do not rub the intimate area with a sponge; microorganisms accumulate in it. In addition, a rough washcloth will easily damage the delicate mucous membrane.
- Don't use regular soap. Feminine hygiene includes products only with a neutral acidity level.
- A towel for intimate hygiene is separate, clean and soft. It is recommended not only to wash it, but also to iron it.
Penile hygiene
Many men, not accustomed to this since childhood, believe that the rules of intimate hygiene exist only for women. However, for brutal machos, keeping their genitals clean is the key to health and a normal sex life. In old age, mandatory visits to the urologist are added to everyday intimate hygiene procedures (at least once every six months).
Men's sexual hygiene has its own characteristics. These rules must be taught from childhood:
- Babies are washed at least once a day. A boy should take care of his genitals independently from the age of four, but under the supervision of his parents.
- After washing the baby's skin, dry it with a diaper and treat it with powder. The penis does not need to be lubricated with baby oil or cream.
- After water procedures, it is advisable to carry out air procedures - leave the baby naked and completely undressed for 10-15 minutes.
- Some men like to “disinfect” their scrotum under a hot shower. In vain. This area must not be overheated!
- During intimate hygiene, thoroughly rinse the penis between the foreskin and the head. This area is very delicate, so don't use shower products - just water.
- Don't forget the base of the penis and scrotum. They can already be tidied up using detergents for intimate hygiene.
- While showering, regularly examine your reproductive organs. If you notice rashes, lumps, or bleeding, see a doctor!
- Women already know this, but it’s better to remind men: after a shower, wear clean underwear.
- Briefs are made only from natural fabrics, not tight.
- Complete the urination process by gently squeezing the foreskin, which will prevent urine from accumulating in the genital area.
Intimate hygiene for girls
The vaginal mucosa has been secreting secretions since childhood. During puberty, the process intensifies. These so-called pubertal leucorrhoea accumulate on the external genitalia and underwear, and with regular absence of a shower, cause skin irritation, itching and inflammation. A teenage girl should know everything about observing the rules of intimate hygiene:
- If you use panty liners, change them twice a day.
- Do you like thongs? It's a pity! These mini panties are dangerous. Firstly, like any shapewear, they interfere with blood circulation. Secondly, along the “thin thread” it is easier for microbes to “cross” from the anus to the vagina.
- Teenagers have active sweat glands, and if you don't shower twice a day, they can become clogged—you'll know this by the horribly unpleasant smell. Or maybe you won’t recognize it, unlike those around you.
Intimate hygiene products for women
What is the best way to wash? Give soap a definite no. It contains a large amount of alkali, so it destroys the natural microflora that protects the vagina from bacteria. There are special products for intimate hygiene. You will learn about them below. Another important tip - do not take the product from a street tray. Go get them at a pharmacy or cosmetic store.
Intimate gel
Instead of the usual soap for many, it is better to use intimate hygiene gel. Thanks to its neutral acidity level (pH), it preserves the natural environment of the vagina and protects the genitals from bacterial growth. The basis of a high-quality gel for intimate hygiene should be natural ingredients; dyes and fragrances are unacceptable.
Oil
This product for intimate hygiene, according to marketers, is more gentle than gentle cleanses delicate areas of the body while taking a shower. To produce high-quality oil, only natural ingredients are used. Plant extracts and essential oils are a noble composition that will quickly restore the natural microflora, relieve inflammation and itching. In the latter case, you cannot place all your hopes on the oil - find out the reasons for it at an appointment with a gynecologist.
Deodorant
Deodorant is the most common and controversial product for intimate hygiene. Ladies argue on forums about why it is needed, considering it an obvious marketing ploy to increase consumer spending. For long trips, wet wipes provide better refreshment. For unpleasant vaginal odor, you should seek relief from a doctor, not in a perfume store. Do you want to be fully prepared on a date with your loved one? There are longer-acting remedies here.
Intimate area cream
One of the fashionable products today is the Swiss cream “Neogin”. Young girls can easily do without it. But for older ladies, this care for the intimate area will help moisturize the skin and relieve irritation. In addition, the antiseptics contained in the cream will reliably protect the microflora from the invasion of various microbes - useful before going to the pool or the beach. It is better not to use it during pregnancy.
Wet wipes
Adults and children are familiar with this option. Intimate hygiene wipes are a great way to maintain intimate hygiene rules when traveling when there is no access to water. They will not take the place of the shower, but will temporarily restore the feeling of freshness. The wipes are soaked in an aqueous solution with additives based on lactic acid and herbal extracts. They never contain alcohol or harsh aromatic compositions.
Intimate hygiene product for men
The line of products for men's intimate hygiene is much narrower. Pharmacists and cosmetologists, who devoted all their efforts to maintaining the beauty of women, for a long time deprived the representatives of the stronger half of humanity of attention. The situation is changing, however, as statistics show, men's hygiene is more of a women's issue. In 70% of cases, caring wives buy these products for their spouses.
Cream
Men's cream for intimate areas has recently appeared on the market. Its main purpose, in addition to moisturizing, is to increase the sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes and enhance erection during sex. The miracle product contains herbal extracts that improve microcirculation. The cream for intimate comfort is applied with light movements. Taking into account the specifics of the application, manufacturers have made a composition that is fully compatible with condoms.
Intimate soap
In the top of unpopular products for men, special soap is in the top positions, sharing first place in the list with deodorant for intimate hygiene. Brutal guys find it difficult to come to terms with its presence. Women and cosmetologists hope for complete recognition of the product. Intimate soap contains no alkali, very few perfume additives, but many useful substances.
What are panty liners for?
Unlike their predecessors - pads for critical days - "daily panty liners" have not gained widespread recognition. At least, there is still debate about their necessity - many gynecologists believe that a healthy woman does not need them, and to feel fresh, you need to take a shower on time and wear high-quality underwear. But a shower is not always nearby, and the pads do a good job of their purpose - to provide a feeling of comfort.
Hygiene rules during menstruation
- Try to shower 4-5 times a day, changing pads or tampons each time.
- No way to wash? Change at least the pad, after performing intimate hygiene of the genitals with a damp cloth.
- Before inserting a tampon for the first time, read the instructions. Even better, go to an appointment with a gynecologist.
- On “women’s” days, baths, swimming pools, and especially open bodies of water are prohibited.
Vera Shtukensia talks in this video about how to maintain hygiene, what is the best way to wash yourself, who can panty liners help and why some intimate hygiene products are really harmful. Research by gynecologists, the fashion beauty blogger’s own experience, as well as comments from her subscribers will instruct you. You can easily and accessiblely learn about the most secret things from the video below.