Don’t Miss This Ready Guide To Vaginal Hygiene!

The overall hygiene and health of your genitals is too essential of a subject to ignore. Unfortunately, vaginal hygiene remains a topic of taboo and shame in many parts of the world. Simply put, vaginal hygiene focuses on the health of your vaginaThe vagina is a flexible and muscular reproductive organ in ... More.

Gynecologists and doctors agree that the vagina can keep itself clean, but a bit of extra attention to vaginal health is always advisable. In this post, we share all you need to know about vaginal hygiene and tips that every woman should consider.

Keep An Eye On Vaginal pH

The pH of your vagina is anywhere between 3.8 and 4.5, and it can change for many reasons. Any sudden change in odor could be a reason for concern. Avoid trying any DIY that you randomly find on the internet, and talk to your doctor, especially if the problem seems to be persistent. Avoid using any harsh cleaning agents that can only adversely impact Vaginal pH.

Undergarment Hygiene Is Important

Wet and unclean undergarments are often a source of vaginal infections. Wet undergarments, in particular, can cause unwanted odor, which you may eventually associate with your vagina. A simple hack is to wipe your vagina clean with tissue after using the bathroom. Avoid using anything extra, such as powder, to keep the vagina clean because it can make room for bacterial growth.

Find The Right Vaginal Wash

Using a mild Vaginal Wash is always recommendable, instead of harsh shower gels and soaps. There are excellent brands that specialize in vaginal washes, and these products have been formulated to protect the pH of your vagina. Also, the vulvaThe vulva is the external genitalia consisting of clitoris, ... More is not capable of cleaning on its own. The best product is a mild one, doesn’t have any fragrance, and doesn’t foam a lot.

Try A Menstrual Cup

During your periodPeriods are commonly known as “mensuration”. This is the... More, your vaginal area needs more attention and care. Even if you have normal to light periods, you need to clean the intimate area at least once in five hours. If you haven’t tried a menstrual cup, this is the time for a switch. There are many known and popular brands, including PeeSafe, which has menstrual cups, and these are way better than your tampons and pads. You can even go scuba diving with a cup.

Menstrual cups are great for vaginal hygiene in general and will not harbor bacteria like reusable cotton pads. Just follow the instructions and keep the cup clean, as recommended. If you are comfortable with sanitary pads, find a brand that cares more for the planet and has better options.

Safe Sex Is Important

Both male and female condoms are great for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For women, female condoms are a boon and can be used easily without fuss. Contrary to popular opinion, female condoms are safe, effective, and work just like male condoms. If you are into oral sexOral sex is the way of stimulating the genitals using the mo... More or want to try anal sexAnal sex is a kind of sexual intercourse in which the erect ... More, you need to change the condom before you do so. Do not practice unprotected anal sex and use a dental dam instead. Immediately after sex, ensure that you clean your vagina.

Understand Vaginal Odor

We did mention how changes in pH can impact the vaginal odor, but some changes are natural. The odor of your vagina can change depending on the menstrual cycle and hormonal changes in the body. For instance, your vaginal smell is stronger when you are ovulating because your body produces more cervical mucus. If you are on the pill, this can impact your vaginal odor too.

Wear The Right Clothes

Just like other body parts, your vagina needs air circulation too! Always wear undergarments that are made of cotton or organic fabrics instead of synthetic variants. Avoid extremely tight-fitting clothing items, such as pants, and if you are going for a run, ensure that you change your panties right after. If your vaginal dischargeThis is a fluid that is discharged by the body and is expell... More is more than usual, consider changing the underwear more than once a day.

Check With Your Doctor, When Needed

One of the best vaginal hygiene tips is to check with a doctor when needed. If there is a sudden change in vaginal odor, or you have irritation, itching, or similar symptoms, it could be a sign of infection. Talk to a doctor to get treatment in time. Also, if you are over 30 and sexually active, you need to go for cervical screening once in three to five years.

Final thoughts

Truth is majority of women often taken vaginal hygiene for granted. The good news is there are more vaginal hygiene products in the market today than ever before. Right from female condoms to menstrual cups, quality sanitary pads, there’s something for everyone out there. Also, when it comes to sexual healthSexual health or Sexual wellness refers to the physiological... More, vaginal hygiene is an aspect you cannot afford to ignore.