Feminine hygiene is a crucial aspect of womanhood. For girls who are transitioning to womanhood and for females who have attained womanhood, having good feminine hygiene is one of the major contributors that can influence your health and result in a healthy life. Feminine hygiene focuses on understanding the unique qualities of the vagina and vulva and how to care for them. Before we delve in further, let’s understand the differences between the vagina and the vulva, as most people still mix them up.
The vulva is the external part of the female genital system, and it includes the labia majora, labia minora, vestibule, clitoris, and pubic mount. The labia major and minor are informally referred to as the lips. The vagina is the internal part of the female genital system, and it includes the vaginal canal and cervix. The cervix is what restricts the vagina from the uterus.
What Does A Typical Feminine Hygiene Routine Consist Of
When it comes to feminine hygiene, it is a sensitive topic because a lot of women have questions but are scared of asking them for several reasons. Some include cultural and societal taboos and stigmas associated with talking about women’s bodies and vulnerability. Also, there are a lot of misconceptions about the vagina and vulva.
Dr Alyssa Dweck, MD, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, states that most people think that the vagina is one of the dirtiest places on the planet. This perception stems from the lack of proper sex education, cultural taboos, and historical stigma that is centered on certain misconceptions about menstruation and vaginal discharge. All of these factors contribute to the lack of proper knowledge and awareness about feminine hygiene. Let’s discuss some feminine hygiene tips.
- Good and healthy diet
- Keep the vagina dry
- Keep the vagina and vulva clean
- Avoid douching
- Practice good menstrual hygiene
- Proper grooming
1. Good and Healthy Diet
Every female vagina has its own particular thing and smell that is not indicative of physiological problems and is normal and healthy. Your diet plays a private role in your vaginal and vulva health. Eating right and maintaining a healthy diet is beneficial to your vagina’s health. Cut down and avoid sugary foods and drinks, as sugar provides a good medium for bacteria and yeast to alter the normal microbum of the vagina.
Diets that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin C, proteins, and antioxidants are highly recommended. It is encouraged that females take probiotics such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, miso, and more daily to not only promote vaginal health but also urinary and digestive health.
2. Keep the vagina dry
Moist underwear can be a breeding spot for yeast and bacterial growth. To avoid these, it is best to keep the vagina dry at all times. When selecting underwear, cotton should be your first choice because it’s breathable, prevents a buildup of moisture, and allows the skin to feel cool and dry. Unlike other fabrics, cotton underwear prevents irritation and friction.
Also, you should always change your underwear at least twice a day. Finally, after a workout session, swimming, or any activity that causes you to sweat, it is advised that you change your underwear.
3. Keep the vagina and vulva clean
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, but the vulva is not. This means it must be washed and cleaned. Daily washing of the vulva with a fragrance-free soap and clean water is good enough. Avoid the use of fragrance soaps, vagina steaming, and feminine wash, as they disrupt the normal flora and increase the risk of bacterial and yeast infections.
Cleaning the vulva is not limited to only bathing; it also extends to what is done after using the toilet. Standard feminine practices state that you should either wipe the anus and the vulva separately using separate wipes after defecating, or you can wipe from the vulva to the anus after you pee. This is done to prevent the spread of infections and reduce the chances of a UTI. Finally, after sex, it is advised that you urinate, as that will help cleanse your urethra and vagina and reduce the risk of infections.
4. Avoid douching
Douching is the process of washing a vagina with fluids and water via a douching bag. This unhygienic practice has been in vogue for decades, as most females believe that douching prevents bacteria and yeast infections. However, this is false, as this unhygienic practice disrupts the normal vaginal pH and destroys the normal bacterial flora. The vagina is self-cleansing and can naturally get rid of bacteria and germs, so douching is not necessary.
5. Practice good menstrual hygiene
During menstruation, it is advised that you change your sanitary materials regularly. Sanitary pads, cups, tampons, and pantyliners should be changed every four to eight hours. Menstrual cups should be changed every 4 to 8 hours, and the cup must be thoroughly washed before re-use, but now there are disposable cups. All these rules are put in place to prevent irritation, itching, and the spread of infections.
6. Proper grooming
The decision to either shave your pubic hair or shave it is a personal choice that is based on so many factors. However, proper grooming is important. Although shaving is not 100% advised because of the increased chances of infection and irritation, if it must be done, it has to be done the right way.
Get a separate blade that will only be used for shaving, and it’s recommended that you use a new blade for every shaving. But if for some impossible reason, always store your used blades in a place that is free from mold, dust and rust. In some females, shaving causes bumps, rashes, itching, burns, or even the presence of ingrown hairs. To relieve yourself, get a warm compress, which will aid in opening the pores. However, if a foul-smelling odour or pain accompanies your bumps or rash, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Also Read: Curating a Self-Care Routine for Busy Women in 5 Simple Steps
Conclusion
Feminine hygiene is a crucial aspect of womanhood, and it has a significant effect on the health and well-being of women. A lack of proper hygiene can lead to a lot of medical conditions, which include bacterial and yeast infections, irritation and sometimes infertility. Also, the lack of social awareness and education is one of the primary reasons why there should be constant education and awareness on the importance of feminine hygiene. Finally, the above hygienic tips have been carefully curated and will address some of the issues with feminine hygiene.
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