Feminine intimate hygiene: all the tips for impeccable hygiene
Intimate hygiene is essential for the care and health of our body: the female sex is a particularly sensitive area and requires specific washing to avoid the proliferation of germs. It is therefore an unavoidable practice to prevent genital disorders (from simple irritations to cystitis) and should be taught to all women from an early age.
- How many times a day is it good to wash?
- · The right cleanser for your intimate hygiene
- Vaginal douches: yes or no?
- · Intimate hygiene and menstrual cycle
- · Practical advice for impeccable "intimate hygiene
For proper intimate hygiene just cleanse the external part of the vagina using a specific product and water: the internal part of the apparatus is in fact perfectly capable of keeping itself clean by itself. During the washing operation, it will be necessary to start by cleaning the vulva area, and then go down to the anus, thus avoiding to drag intestinal bacteria into the urinary tract area that could cause infections.
No to the use of sprays and deodorants for intimate hygiene: they could cause redness or allergies and certainly would not eliminate bad smells, which should be treated with the help of a gynecologist and not simply covered (the result would be counterproductive! ).
Even the drying phase requires a lot of attention: it is important that the genital area does not remain too wet. It will therefore be good to use a towel (strictly personal!) And pat the vagina without rubbing it, and then leave the cloth to dry to prevent germs proliferate there.
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How many times a day is it good to wash?
To avoid the proliferation of microbes in this part of the body, it is advisable to wash once a day. Attention, we are talking about an external washing (vulva, labia and clitoris) only, the inside of the vagina - we repeat - is self-cleaning.
You can do up to two washes in case of high temperatures and excessive sweating, but no more. In addition, an external wash is recommended after each sexual intercourse.
Be careful not to overdo it with intimate hygiene! If you overuse the cleanser, the skin could dry out or get irritated: we repeat, it is a very delicate area and excess cleaning could be counterproductive.
The right cleanser for your intimate hygiene
The vagina houses a set of bacteria that make up the bacterial flora, whose balance must be respected. It is therefore important to eliminate irritating and disinfectant products, which are too aggressive. For example, your usual shower gel should never be used: it is better to opt for a mild, soap-free and fragrance-free intimate cleanser with a neutral pH, which respects the natural acidity of your vagina. You will find it in the pharmacy or supermarket.
Consider that over the course of a woman's life, the vaginal pH changes and that is why every age should have its own specific product. In the prepubertal period and during menopause, for example, the pH remains at optimal levels, i.e. around 4.5 and 5: in these cases, therefore, one is exposed to a greater risk of infections. During the fertile age, however, the pH is slightly acidic and the ideal detergent will have to try to keep it as much as possible: it will be good then to choose one with a pH that is not higher than 7.
The cleansing product must have a non-foaming base, preferably enriched with active, moisturizing or soothing ingredients. It may be necessary to choose one with an antimicrobial action, but only on the advice of a gynecologist and never for too long a period of time. There are also specific products for those suffering from dehydration of the mucous membranes or itching: even in this case, it is better to contact to a specialist.
In general, avoid applying non-sex specific cosmetic products, such as oils or other creams. As for scented wipes, you can use them every now and then, as long as they're gentle and alcohol-free.
Vaginal douches: yes or no?
Vaginal douches, also known as "vaginal showers" or "irrigations", are a system to clean the vagina through a rubber cannula connected to a bag or pear which is inserted inside the vulva and which contains a liquid capable of cleaning it. In short, the system is similar to that of an enema (but be careful not to use the same tool for both practices, in order not to spread bacteria!).
Vaginal douches are sold in pharmacies and are used to eliminate period residues or bad odors. Some women also practice them after sexual intercourse, with the aim of decreasing the chances of getting pregnant by eliminating the spermatozoa present in the vagina. Yet, this method is not only ineffective as a contraceptive (its effectiveness is estimated at around 15-30%!), But also favors the development of mycosis and infections such as vaginitis. In fact, this type of washing upsets the balance of the vaginal flora and promotes the development of pathogenic bacteria, exposing the genital system to the risk of infections.
Be careful, therefore, to exceed with this practice, strongly discouraged by many gynecologists except for specific treatments and with detergents promptly prescribed. Generally speaking, you can do a water-based vaginal douch every month, after your period.
Intimate hygiene and menstrual cycle
During the period of the cycle, intimate hygiene is essential! Gone are the days of our grandmothers when it was said that "in those days" it was better not to wash ... and luckily! A better knowledge of the female body and its needs , in addition to a changed lifestyle, it allows us today to understand the importance of a woman's intimate hygiene when she has menstruation, first of all for her health and well-being.
Washing carefully and with a specific product helps you feel fresher and cleaner, removing bad smells and irritations that are created with the contact of the genital area with the absorbent. Washes should be done a couple of times a day with a detergent delicate. For proper hygiene, it is important to change sanitary pads at least 3 times a day and not to keep one inside for more than 4 hours straight.
Practical advice for impeccable "intimate hygiene
For a "truly impeccable feminine hygiene, there are some behaviors (simple, but fundamental!) That should always be followed. These are habits and gestures that require only a little attention, but that will help you not have problems at all" genital system.
First of all, remember to change your underwear every day and choose a slip rather than a string, which favors rubbing and therefore mycosis. Forget synthetic materials, conducive to maceration, and choose a 100% cotton underwear. Also remember to wash your laundry at a minimum of 60 ° C. If you are looking for some new models, let yourself be inspired by the novelties of this spring-summer:
Avoid wearing jeans or pants that are too tight as they could cause irritation in the private parts.
Wash your hands before any contact with your vagina: it is a very delicate organ and to keep it clean it is good that it never comes into contact with external germs and bacteria.
Don't wear a wet bathing suit for too long. Humidity favors the proliferation of bacteria: it is the same reason why it is always good to dry yourself after washing.
Finally, remember to consult a gynecologist regularly, at least once a year, to prevent and identify any infections. A specialist will be able to provide you with advice for perfect intimate hygiene based on your specific needs.
