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Intimate hygiene helps prevent infections, keep the area clean and fresh and prevent odor nuisance. But intimate hygiene is not always done correctly. There are widespread practices that are thought to help maintain intimate health, but actually have the opposite effect.
Below you can see what are the best methods for intimate hygiene and what common mistakes you should avoid from now on. The article also includes video resources so you can learn everything you need to know about proper intimate hygiene.
Which hygiene products and methods are unsafe?
Women's intimate hygiene is important for health. Good hygiene can prevent infections and protect your health. But there are some common mistakes that are made out of carelessness or thinking that they are the best practice for intimate hygiene.
It is e.g. It is widely believed that intimate showering several times a day can help keep the vaginal area clean and free of infections. However, there is no scientific evidence for this claim. In fact, showering too frequently can actually strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to irritation. Among the most unsafe intimate hygiene practices are:
- Use of harsh soaps or detergents
- Excessive showering
- Wearing tight underwear that does not allow the skin to breathe.
- Using intimate hygiene products that contain perfume, alcohol or other chemicals
- Using the same pad or absorbent material for a long time during menstruation
- Drying from back to front after going to the toilet
- Using expired intimate hygiene products.
Why is it recommended to use cotton or other natural underwear?
Panties made of cotton and other natural materials are recommended because they allow air to circulate around the intimate area, helping to keep it dry. This is important because moisture can lead to the growth of bacteria and create a breeding ground for infections. It is also important to change into wet swimwear or tracksuits as soon as possible. Again, moisture can sustain more problems in the intimate area.
Intimate hygiene performed correctly
Good intimate hygiene includes washing with soap and water specifically for the intimate area, rinsing thoroughly, drying it and wearing clean underwear made of natural materials such as cotton.
Women should avoid tight clothing, douching and the use of intimate hygiene products that contain harsh or toxic substances. Tampons or pads should be changed regularly during menstruation, and women should wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Showering is also an important part of intimate hygiene. Old intimate hygiene products should be replaced with new ones.
Tips for proper intimate hygiene at a glance
1. Keep the area clean and dry.
2. Wear underwear that allows the skin to breathe.
3. Avoid douching.
4. Wipe yourself from front to back after using the toilet.
5. Change menstrual products regularly.
6. Choose skin-friendly, unscented soap for washing the intimate area.
7. Avoid using scented cloths, sprays, powders or perfumes in intimate areas.
8. Avoid tight clothing.
9. Practice safe sex.
10. Do not insert long fingernails or blunt objects into the vagina.
11. Go for annual check-up.
12. Go to the doctor when you notice changes or have pain in your intimate area.
Why is it important to see a doctor if we notice changes in vaginal discharge?
One of the most important intimate hygiene habits is to consult a doctor if changes in vaginal discharge occur. This is because different secretions can be signs of different conditions, some of which can be serious. For example, a change in the color or smell of vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection. It is therefore important that any change is checked by a doctor to rule out a serious condition.
