Hygiene is the way you manage to keep your intimate area clean and healthy. To make sure of this aspect, you need to follow certain essential steps in your care routine and strictly follow some basic rules. The cosmetic products you use, the frequency of washing and the way you apply them, all of these positively or negatively influence the condition of your intimate area. If you do not ensure proper hygiene, your body will react and you may face unwanted problems such as vaginal infections or bacterial vaginosis.

Below are the steps you should take so that your intimate hygiene is carried out properly

Basic rules regarding intimate hygiene

• It uses quality products, specially designed for the intimate area

The skin in this area requires special care with products for intimate hygiene that are gentle on it. The pH of the vagina is more acidic than the rest of the body, and this helps to maintain good bacteria such as lactobacilli and prevent the appearance of bad ones. So you have to adopt good practices so as not to affect the PH balance.

Washing with soap/regular gels can be quite an aggressive action that will lead to PH imbalance and implicitly cause problems such as itching, odor and infections. If you already suffer from an infection, washing with the shower gel you use for the rest of your body can contribute to worsening the problem. The most recommended is to use dermatologically and gynecologically tested products that are hypoallergenic and of superior quality. Glycerin, for example, is an emollient that ensures a delicate cleaning. You just need to use a few drops and wash yourself as you would with regular soap.

At the same time, when you go to the toilet, it is recommended to use fine toilet paper and avoid the one with a high level of wood fibers and antibacterial additives.

• Wash yourself at least once a day

It is ideal to wash yourself at least once a day, with warm water to avoid the transmission of certain bacteria when you go to the toilet. During menstruation, it is recommended to sanitize your area twice a day. For this purpose, you can use the bidet or install one in your own bathroom. Although it is very popular in Asian countries, it has started to be more and more appreciated and used in European countries as well. A variety of systems are available on the market that can offer you the desired comfort and ensure an efficient and appropriate hygiene of the intimate area. Depending on the bidet you choose, you can set the water temperature, adjust the intensity of the water flow and have a soft-close system.

• Do not use the water jet directly towards the vagina

When you spray water directly into your intimate organ, it is possible to make the process of bacteria penetration into the body more efficient, a fact that you do not want. So opt for a light, delicate wash in which the water flows from top to bottom.

• Do not wash the vagina inside

The vagina has the ability to clean itself through the secretions it produces. If you wash the vagina inside, you will destroy the PH balance and the bacterial flora that protects against infections. Vaginal washes are indicated only in special cases and upon the recommendation of the specialist doctor.

• Do not opt ​​for washing with a sponge or gloves

The skin in the intimate area is very delicate, which makes your attention and care high. Do not use abrasive materials that can be aggressive with the skin and can have negative effects. Use only your hands to wash yourself.

• Use a soft towel

Use a soft, cotton towel that is completely dry to absorb water and prevent bacteria from spreading. At the same time, be sure that you do not repeatedly use the same bath towel, on the contrary, it is recommended to have a new, clean one every time you take care of the intimate area. Never use the same towel that your partner or another family member has previously used. The towels you use must be washed at least 60° for complete and correct disinfection;

• Wipe and wash in one direction

Always, when you go to the toilet, it is good to clean the intimate area from front to back, especially when using vaginal napkins. You will thus avoid the transmission of certain bacteria with the elimination of the stool;

• He wears cotton underwear

Cotton allows the skin to breathe, unlike synthetic materials that can cause an increase in the level of humidity in the intimate area, thus creating a favorable environment for the development of harmful bacteria. At the same time, avoid wearing tight pants, and during the night you can give up underwear;

• Pay attention to the epilation of the intimate area

After the epilation of the groin area, the skin becomes more vulnerable and thus increases the risk of infections, so always pay attention to the underwear you wear and the way you take care of the area. Use a new, clean blade every time and keep the epilator in a place protected from moisture. At the same time, try not to use depilatory creams that contain aggressive ingredients.

Specific intimate hygiene in different periods of life

2.1 Intimate hygiene during menstruation

During menstruation, you must make sure that you follow the steps of proper hygiene. In these moments, you need to increase the number of washes per day, reaching up to 3-4 washes. The amount of blood removed increases the risk of bacteria development, so you must be very strict and rigorous during this period.

At the same time, be sure to change the absorbents once every 2-4 hours. Wearing one for more than 4 hours can cause harmful bacteria to multiply. If you respect this time interval and change the absorbents regularly, you will feel clean and you will keep your genital organ in a normal, healthy state.

Avoid having sex during menstruation because this can cause infections. Wait until the end of the period, especially if you are prone to infections, itching or skin pain in the intimate area.

2.2 Intimate hygiene before and after maintaining sexual relations

The best advice to clean your intimate area after sexual intercourse is to urinate. This way you will clean any bacteria that could have migrated into the urethra and later cause certain infections. In addition to this, it is necessary to wash the area, of course with special products. If you notice certain irregularities such as irritation, inflammation or unusual secretions, consult a doctor in order to prevent or treat the problem.

2.3 Intimate hygiene during menopause

After menopause, the skin of the vulva needs more moisture, because this area will become more sensitive and dry. There are products specially designed for menopausal women to maintain the PH level and balance the vaginal flora

To ensure that you maintain an optimal state, it is good to integrate foods rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, protein and collagen into your routine.

Intimate hygiene - How do you know if your vagina is healthy

To maintain the health of your intimate organ, you need to observe the signs that your body sends. See what you should pay attention to, when you can be sure that you are completely healthy and when you need to take measures.

Signs that show you that your vagina is healthy

To find out if your vagina is healthy and your intimate hygiene is adequate, you just have to pay attention to what your body is sending you. See what are the signs that should not give you cause for concern:

• The presence of a whitish secretion - there are certain glands in the cervix that produce a natural lubricant that travels down to the bottom of the vagina, helping it to stay moist and healthy. It has a faint odor that is neither unpleasant nor foul, has no unusual color and does not cause itching;
• A familiar smell - when you do not notice a change in the smell and it is not disturbing or unpleasant, then most likely your vagina is in good condition.

Even if you consider that you are in good condition and perfectly healthy, it does not mean that routine consultations with the gynecologist are no longer necessary.

Signs that show that your vagina is unhealthy

Try to be attentive to any change, new or unusual symptom because these could represent the signs of a health problem that will require a consultation from a gynecologist. Here are the signals that your body sends in these moments.

• Frequent and painful urination;
• Pain during sexual intercourse or bleeding after it;
• The presence of a dark colored secretion (green, gray) or with blood (without having anything to do with menstruation);
• The presence of a bad, unpleasant, unusual smell;
• Itching or irritation in the intimate area;
• Swelling in the vagina.

Intimate hygiene rules - Recommended foods to keep the intimate area healthy

The food you eat affects the intimate organ in the same way as it affects the other organs in the body. So for your body to function optimally, you must consume a wide range of nutrients. Opt for a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, proteins and probiotics. Here are 5 foods that will ensure that your vagina stays healthy:

Yogurt - Yogurt carries good bacteria, balances the PH level, eliminating the risk of dryness, itching or unpleasant odor;

Eggs - Due to the fact that the egg contains vitamin D, you will be less prone to the risk of bacterial infections, which will lead to an unhealthy vagina;

Citrus fruits - Lemons or oranges successfully contribute to vaginal health and can prevent the discharges or infections you face, thanks to vitamin C. This reduces the risk of vaginal infections by half due to the presence of ascorbic acid;

Fish - Eating fish or foods rich in omega-3 helps prevent endometriosis (a condition in which the functional endometrial tissue is outside the uterine cavity - being the main cause of infertility);

Brocolli - Whether you like it or not, it fulfills a really important role in maintaining the health of your genital organ, by the fact that it contains the antioxidants necessary for the body in large quantities.

Myths about intimate hygiene

Considering all the information available on the Internet, it is possible to be overwhelmed and not be able to distinguish between what is indicated and what should not be done. Here are the myths or preconceptions of many women about intimate hygiene and what are the aspects that you should actually pay attention to:

MYTH - Vaginal secretions indicate an infection

Vaginal secretions are absolutely normal. They have several important purposes such as cleaning and moistening the vagina along with preventing and fighting infections.

MYTH - Vaginal odor is a sign of a sexually transmitted infection

Each vagina has its own specific smell, and it varies and can be different at the time of the menstrual cycle, when you sweat or immediately after sexual intercourse. So if you feel a smell, but not an unpleasant one, there is no need to worry.

MYTH - Washing the vaginal canal with a soap-water or vinegar-water mixture keeps the PH balanced

This can alter the natural microbiome of the vagina. Women who take such regular showers have a higher risk of cervical cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease.

MYTH - Choosing a certain type of underwear is not necessary

When it comes to underwear, it is advisable to choose those made of 100% cotton because this natural fabric is the gentlest on the skin. In addition, it allows the skin to breathe and easily absorb moisture, a fact of great help at the time of vaginal discharge.. Wearing synthetic underwear (nylon or polyester) on a regular basis can cause redness, irritation which can lead to various ailments.

In conclusion, pay special attention to the care of your private area. You must take into account the fact that this is a sensitive area that requires specially designed products, with ingredients that have a gentle action and do not cause irritation or imbalances. Follow the essential cleaning steps strictly, especially during menstruation or after maintaining intimate relationships. At the same time, learn to observe and understand your body. When you notice certain unusual symptoms, consult a specialist doctor for your safety, who can give you the best indications in this regard.

Source: pexesl.com