Personal hygiene really goes a long way, especially when it comes to our intimate region. With women’s anatomy making them more prone to infections and discomfort. While the vagina does have its in-built mechanisms to fight off infections, good hygiene practices and the use of natural solutions really goes a long way.
As we go through the day, things like sweat, bacteria and other germs can get trapped in and around the intimate area. This makes it essential for women to build a good intimate hygiene regime, proactively maintain cleanliness and protect their bodies against things like bacterial vaginosis, UTIs and yeast infections.
But to build said regime, it’s important to go back to the basics and understand what the vagina needs and how we can aid its functioning and immunity.
Understanding Vaginal Hygiene
The female reproductive system culminates at the vaginal canal and vulva and has it’s unique self-cleaning mechanisms. So contrary to popular belief, using scented perfumes or douching is not advised as it can only increase the risk of infections or irritate the vagina.
The vagina regularly expels a discharge, which washes away any germs or dead skin cells. It also hydrates the vaginal canal and reduces dryness and friction. Additionally, the vaginal contains powerful strains of good bacteria that maintain immunity through low acidic levels.
However, the vulva is more complex and can trap bacteria, germs or sweat in its folds. Based on the climate and your personal hygiene, it requires thorough care and cleaning and must be integrated into your personal hygiene. Here, intimate washes created with natural ingredients can be very useful and can help you maintain all-day freshness and vaginal hygiene.
How do intimate washes help?
Intimate washes are naturally created cleansing solutions that are specially formulated for the sensitive skin of the intimate area. These are created with lower alkali levels and contain no parabens as compared to body soaps or washes. The intimate washes are to be used around the vagina and vulva to wash away any remnants of sweat, bacteria, urine and other harmful residue that builds around the skin.
These washes do not mess with the vagina’s internal pH and thoroughly clean the region without irritating the skin. Vaginal washes are also crucial in reducing vaginal dryness, irritation and reducing foul odor that could occur due to sweat build up.
What You Should Seek in a Vaginal Wash
There are some things to keep in mind when buying a vaginal wash. As your vagina is very sensitive and at a risk of infections, here’s what you should look for:
A pH-balanced product
To maintain the acidic balance down there, make sure that the vaginal wash has pH range between 4.5-7
No parabens or additives
Harsh chemicals can have adverse reactions; hence it is recommended to check the ingredients.
Natural ingredients
The vaginal wash should help hydrate and repair intimate skin, hence look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, bamboo extracts and lactic acid.
No added fragrances
These can cause irritation to the vaginal canal and create pH imbalance.
How often should I use vaginal wash?
Sometimes less is more when it comes to frequency. Experts recommend using feminine wash every day, mostly during the shower.
Occasionally, you may need to use it a bit more frequently after exercise, during your period, after intercourse or on hot, summery days.
How to use intimate wash -
- Pump few drops of the intimate wash on your clean palm
- Gently apply and clean around your vulva
- Wash around the vulva thoroughly and you're done!
Other ways to maintain intimate hygiene
1. Choose cotton underwear
This porous fabric allows for air circulation and helps prevent moisture from rising, reducing the risk of irritation and infection. Cotton underwear is breathable, clean and light on your skin.
2. Avoid tight clothes
Tight clothes can trap moisture and cause friction, all of which can cause discomfort and irritation. Choose loose-fitting clothes with cotton or linen to help your skin breathe and feel more comfortable.
3. Wipe from front to back
Always wipe from front to back with toilet paper after urinating or defecating. This simple habit helps prevent bacteria from spreading from your rectum to your vagina and reduces risks of UTIs or BV.
4. Quickly changing sweaty clothes
Especially during exercise or intercourse, sweaty gym clothes should be changed immediately. This reduces exposure of the intimate area to germs and avoids any bacterial build up down there. Also take a shower, if possible, to eliminate risks completely and maintain cleanliness.
