Maintain Feminine Hygiene
Maintaining feminine hygiene is important to your overall health because in addition to preventing odors, itching, and discomfort, practicing feminine hygiene can also prevent bacterial infections from occurring. In some cases, bacterial infections may lead to sterility, disease, cancer, and other health problems. To maintain your feminine hygiene, you must bathe regularly, develop healthy habits in regards to your menstrual cycle, and wear fabrics that allow your vaginal region to breathe. .
Steps
- Wear loose, breathable, bottom clothing. Tight pants, shorts, or panties made from synthetic fabrics can reduce the air circulation around your vagina and cause it to sweat, which can increase your chances for odors and infection.
- Wear loose panties that allow for air circulation or that are made from a natural, breathable fabric such as cotton.
- Wear thigh-highs, or pantyhose made with a cotton crotch to reduce the vaginal sweating caused by nylon and other synthetic fabrics.
- Remove wet, sweaty bottom clothing as soon as possible. Wet or sweaty panties and pants can cause bacteria to multiply and increase your likelihood for getting odors and infections.
- Take a shower and wear fresh, clean clothing after you have gone swimming or performed exercise.
- Wash your vaginal area daily with mild soap and water. Mild soap will help prevent your vaginal region from becoming irritated or infected due to exposure from harsh chemicals found in antibacterial or astringent soaps.
- Rinse your vaginal region with fresh water after washing with soap, then dry off immediately with a clean, towel to prevent moisture build-up.
- Wipe your genital area thoroughly after urination. This will help keep your vaginal area dry and clean throughout the day.
- Use soft, white, unscented toilet paper that does not contain dyes or other irritating chemicals.
- Wipe yourself from front to back after experiencing a bowel movement to prevent fecal matter from coming into contact with your vagina, which can cause a bacterial infection.
- Change tampons, sanitary napkins, and pantyliners frequently. When these menstrual products become soiled and are worn for long periods of time, they can cause you to experience foul odors and increase the risk of infection.
- Use menstrual products that do not contain scents or dyes, as these products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health.
- Wash your vaginal area after sexual intercourse. Bodily fluids and residue from condoms and other intimate products can cause infection, irritation, and odors if not removed from your vaginal region following intercourse.
- Eat a balanced diet high in nutrition. A diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as brown rice will help prevent your body and vagina from experiencing infections or ailments.
Tips
- Sleep without wearing panties or pajama bottoms if possible, as this will provide your vagina with the air circulation needed to maintain proper hygiene.
Warnings
- Never wear new panties, shorts, pants, or other clothing bottoms before you have washed them with mild soap or detergent. Dyes and other chemicals may be present on new clothing and cause your vaginal area to become irritated or infected.
- Never use feminine products in or around your vaginal area such as douches, deodorants, sprays, and powders without consulting with your health care provider first; as these products may cause infections or negatively disrupt your natural hormone and chemical balance.
Related Articles
- Keep a Girl's Body Clean
- Shower While on Your Period
- Avoid Common Hygiene Mistakes
- Maintain a Clean and Healthy Vagina
Sources and Citations
- http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/womens_health/hic_vulvar_care.aspx
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/yeast-infection/healthy-hygiene-to-prevent-yeast-infection.aspx
- http://www.vaginal-health-guide-remedy.com/vaginal-hygiene.html
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health-pictures/hygiene-rules-for-a-healthy-vagina.aspx#/slide-3
