Top Recommended Feminine Hygiene Tips

Maintaining feminine hygiene is essential, but not difficult. With a little care and effort, you can keep your intimate area clean and free of infections. Not sure what to do or what not to do? Then, this is for you!

What is Feminine Hygiene?

Feminine hygiene refers to maintaining the cleanliness of the external genital area. This involves managing menstruation, preventing infections through gentle washing, eating healthy, wearing breathable underwear for freshness and ventilation, etc.

A woman’s vagina is self-cleansing and has a delicate pH level, which is instrumental in protecting against infections, including STIs. Feminine hygiene is important to maintain this balance to ensure the vaginal pH does not increase or decrease beyond safe levels.

Tips to Maintain Feminine Hygiene

A woman goes through different phases throughout her menstrual cycle. The way you maintain the intimate area can differ depending on the menstrual cycle. Let’s break down the tips according to these phases, to make it easy:

Daily Hygiene

Here is what you can and cannot do regularly to maintain feminine hygiene daily.

Wash - Wash your vulva, the external genital area, every day. Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap. Avoid using soaps or solutions with strong fragrances, as they can disrupt the pH balance.
Don’t Scrub – Scrubbing your body may seem necessary to remove dead cells, but avoid doing that with your vulva. Use only your hands and don’t use a loofah or any scrubbing sponge to clean the area. Wash with gentle strokes.
Avoid Douching – Douching is the process of cleaning the insides of your vagina with liquids or solutions for hygiene and odour. Doing this can disrupt the pH balance and lead to infections.
Wipe Right – Always wipe from front to back. When you wipe from back to front, which many people do, because it may feel more convenient, it introduces the gut bacteria into the vagina, thus leading to infections.
Dry Well – Pat your intimate area dry rather than rubbing it vigorously or leaving it wet. Drying it roughly will irritate the skin, and leaving it wet will promote bacterial growth due to moisture buildup.
Breathable Fabric – Always opt for underwear made from breathable fabric like cotton. If you do wear any other material, ensure you don’t do so for long. Wear it for a short while and change into cotton underwear as soon as feasible. Also, ensure the underwear is not too tight, as it can affect ventilation.
Remove Sweat – After a workout or any activity that causes excess sweating, wash your intimate area well with water and dry it thoroughly before putting on clean underwear. Letting sweat stay in the folds of your skin will lead to bacterial growth and infections.
Sleep Free – If feasible, sleep without underwear, especially after a hot or sweaty day. This allows the area to breathe and prevents infections. You can wear a loose pair of shorts or pants without underwear for such ventilation.

Menstrual Hygiene

Most women struggle to keep their intimate area clean and dry during menstruation. Here is what you can do -

Change Frequently – When using tampons or sanitary pads, ensure you change them frequently and not wait for them to overflow. It is advisable to change them every 4–8 hours or more frequently if necessary. Even when you have a light flow, avoid using the pad or tampon for more than 8 hours.
Clean Menstrual Cups Thoroughly – If you are using menstrual cups, empty the contents and rinse the cup after every use. If washing is not feasible, ensure you do so at least once in the morning and once before going to bed. After your period, sterilise the cup properly in boiling water as per the given instructions.
Wash Well – Wash your intimate areas well with water and mild soap as and when necessary. Ensure you wash off all the blood to avoid moisture and bacteria build-up.
Avoid Scented Products – Menstruation can cause an odd odour from your vagina due to the blood, sweat, and lack of proper ventilation. Avoid using any perfumes, powders, or scented products to camouflage this smell. Such products can irritate and worsen the pH balance, which is already disturbed by menstruation.

Diet

Did you know the food you eat can also affect your feminine hygiene and vaginal pH balance? Here is how your diet can help maintain your feminine hygiene –

Hydration – Drink plenty of water and other liquids without any added sugars for good hydration. Hydration is essential for flushing out toxins and bacteria from the body.
Low on Sugar – Consuming heavily processed foods or foods high in sugar can disrupt the vaginal pH balance, leading to infections and irritations. Eat a balanced diet that includes probiotics, prebiotics, and whole foods.
Healthy Fats – Avoid heavily processed meats and opt for healthy fats instead. It can help with lubrication and maintain natural moisture in your vaginal area.
Probiotics – Include foods like yoghurt, kimchi, or kefir. These are rich in probiotics, which can help maintain pH balance and support good bacteria. Garlic and onions contain natural antibacterial qualities, which can help maintain feminine hygiene.

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Conclusion

Maintaining feminine hygiene is essential for overall health as well. A disruption of the vaginal pH balance or infections can negatively impact overall health and other parts of the body, too. With a little extra care and patience, feminine hygiene can be easily maintained. If necessary, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor to clarify doubts or seek treatment for infections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash my vaginal area?

Wash your vulva (the external genital area) once a day, with water and mild soap. The insides of the vagina are self-cleansing and do not require any washing. Overwashing the vulva can disrupt the pH balance and lead to skin dryness and irritation.

Can I use scented products for feminine hygiene?

Avoid using heavily scented products for feminine hygiene, as they may contain irritants that can cause dryness or itching. They can also increase the risk of bacterial and yeast infections. Opt for unscented products recommended by doctors.

How can I prevent odour in the vaginal area?

To prevent odour from the vaginal area, you should practice good feminine hygiene that includes keeping the area clean and dry, wiping from front to back, wearing underwear made from breathable fabrics, and seeking medical help in case of infections or issues. Sufficient hydration and a balanced diet can help maintain overall health, including the vagina.

Is it safe to use wipes for feminine hygiene?

Yes, it is generally safe to use wipes specifically formulated for feminine hygiene. Avoid heavily scented wipes and refrain from using wipes regularly. You can use the wipes during menstruation or to clean up after a sweaty workout. Other times, opt for plain water and use a mildly scented soap just once a day. Also, avoid using scented or baby wipes as their pH levels can disrupt your vagina’s natural pH balance.