Maintaining feminine hygiene is essential to your health and overall well-being. Check that you should never do
Vaginal infections are a more common problem among women. In the US alone, an estimated 75% of women have at least one episode of a vaginal infection called vulvaginal candidiasis (VVC), with 40-45% having more than one thing in their life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Maintaining excellent feminine hygiene is essential for our overall health and well-being. The key to doing this is to understand the structure of your vagina and understand the various practices to keep it clean. But there are also many mistakes women make while they try to maintain feminine hygiene. Using the wrong product is just a small part of what you should avoid, covering your vagina.
What is feminine hygiene?
Feminine hygiene is a practice and product that helps maintain overall hygiene, especially when it comes to hygiene in the private parts of women. “It involves wearing hygienic menstrual practices, wearing sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups at the right time, wearing clean and airy underwear, and washing frequently with mild, unscented soap and water following hygienic menstrual practices.” Proper hygiene can prevent infection and support overall reproductive health.
UNICEF lists menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) as one of the key factors when talking about feminine hygiene. This requires maintaining cleanliness during the period with the help of appropriate menstrual products and guidance. Read on to learn how to maintain feminine hygiene and what to avoid.
What should you avoid to avoid feminine hygiene?
Using the right products and cleaning yourself well is the backbone of maintaining feminine hygiene, but it is also important to stay away from certain practices. This is what you shouldn’t:
1. Use of harsh or fragrant products
It is important to clean yourself there, but try to avoid using scented soaps, sprays, or washes. These are not part of practices that maintain feminine hygiene, as they can alter the natural pH balance of the vaginal area. A study published in Journal Women’s Health states that some vaginal products are harmful to Lactobacillus bacteria, a type of bacteria within the vagina, and can alter the vaginal immune environment. This can lead to irritation and infections such as bacterial vaginosis. Use only the mildest and most unscented products or rinse the vaginal area with water.
2. Wash or wash
Understanding the right way to clean your vagina is the first step to maintaining feminine hygiene. You won’t indulge in Dutch or Over Cleans. This removes good flora that fights infections, resulting in bacterial vaginosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Studies published in the Epidemiological Review have also been associated with many adverse outcomes, including pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Make sure to maintain a gentle cleaning habit without disrupting your natural balance.
3. Wearing non-abdominal or tight underwear
According to Dr. Kovi, wearing tight or synthetic underwear that contributes to the growth of bacteria and fungi traps moisture and heat. Wearing loose fit clothing made from breathable materials like cotton reduces the chances of infection and maintains airflow. This is very important when it comes to women’s hygie in.
4. Unsafe use of menstrual products
Whether it’s a tampon, hygiene pad, or a menstrual cup, using it the right way is a big part of feminine hygiene. Long-term placement of tampons, pads, or menstrual cups can cause bacteria to multiply and increase the chances of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that wearing pads or long-term underwear can lead to rashes and infections. It adds that it is important to keep the genital area clean by cleaning the outside (vulva) and bottom every day. Be sure to change the product every 4-6 hours or as directed by your gynecologist.
5. Ignore abnormal symptoms
An infection or other underlying health condition can be indicated by abnormal discharge, persistent odor, or itching. Dr. Kovi said that these symptoms should not be ignored. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider.
6. Do not wipe from the back to the front
It is extremely important to follow this while maintaining feminine hygiene. To prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus into the vagina, wipe it back and forth constantly using the toilet. The anus contains bacteria and can cause UTIs. Wiping it forward from the back can transfer this bacteria to the urethra (the opening where urine comes out of the body), increasing the risk of infection.
7. Do not clean reusable menstrual products.
Drying reusable pads in the home and storing them in the toilets has been found to be associated with a high prevalence of candida infections, according to a study published in the Journal of Gynecology and Obstetric Clinical Medicine. The study adds that bathing in a sitting position during menstruation without drying the genital area or using a cloth is all at a higher risk of genital infection, as it does not dry out the genital area and does not pay attention to hand washing.
The consequences of not maintaining feminine hygiene
Failure to implement basic feminine hygiene practices can lead to many health complications, including yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or UTIs. It leads to an increased risk of discomfort, irritation, malodor, and more serious conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Inadequate hygiene can disrupt the pH balance of the vaginal area and lead to poor reproductive health.
Related FAQs
Which food is best for feminine hygiene?
Not only your habits, but your diet can also determine your feminine hygiene. It contains probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods, which helps to keep your vagina clean and not infected. Do this by maintaining a healthy pH balance. Fruits such as cranberries and blueberries are good as they contain antioxidants and compounds that help keep your urinary tract healthy.
What are the common mistakes people make when it comes to feminine hygiene?
Common feminine hygiene mistakes include using harsh or scented products that destroy the pH balance, over-cleaning or dutching, and wearing tight or breathing underwear. Other mistakes include not having regular changes to menstrual products. This includes increasing the risk of infection, ignoring symptoms such as abnormal odors and discharge, and delaying necessary medical care. Finally, if you don’t maintain hydration or maintain a balanced diet, it can also affect your vaginal health.
