How to care for women's intimate places. Proper nutrition and exercise. How to choose the right intimate hygiene product

28.04.2019

Caring for and maintaining a healthy vagina is no easy task. You need to regularly maintain hygiene, choose a healthy diet, wear the right underwear, control stress. If one of these rules is violated, the vagina becomes more vulnerable to various infections and diseases, which often have unpleasant consequences for the reproductive system and the health of a woman in general. Some habits and activities can seriously harm the vagina. What should not be done in the care of the intimate part of the female body?

1. Douching

Douching is one of the preventive or therapeutic methods of washing the inside of the vagina. If it is prescribed by the attending physician and is carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist, then such a procedure can be done. But at home, at your own discretion and with the help of self-prepared solutions (vinegar with water or potassium permanganate, herbal infusions, etc.), douching is not recommended. In the assortment of some stores you can find different compositions for douching, but they may contain antiseptics and flavors that can harm the health of the vagina.

Many women practice this kind of vaginal care to feel fresher, get rid of bad odors, prevent sexually transmitted diseases, and even prevent pregnancy after intercourse. But health experts believe that douching in all these cases is almost useless and even harmful. This procedure can disrupt the pH level of the vagina, leading to infections. The vagina itself cleans up quite well, to help him with this, it is enough to regularly wash himself and wear clean, comfortable underwear.

Modern women often include cosmetic spa treatments in their body care, where the skin is well moisturized and cleansed under the influence of water and steam. Some beauty salons offer a newfangled method of steaming the vagina. During such sessions, women take off their underwear and sit on special chairs, from below which steam is supplied with infusions of aromatic herbs, which is directed into the vagina. Most spas claim that this treatment improves feminine hygiene and balances hormones.

But representatives of official medicine do not consider the effect of the SPA to be beneficial for the health of the vagina. First of all, this method is dangerous because under the influence of steam, delicate and sensitive skin can be injured. If the burn is severe, it can impair the function of the bladder and rectum. In addition, steam can dry out quickly and upset the balance of the natural bacteria that live in the vagina, increasing the risk of yeast infections. Finally, hormones are not produced directly by the uterus or vagina, so it is not true to say that genital steaming improves hormonal balance throughout the body.

3. Piercing on the skin of the genitals

Ear and nose piercings have been around for a long time. Many women prefer to pierce the tongue, eyebrows, lips and even the genitals. The last of the methods is used most often to improve sensations during intimacy. Someone needs such a decoration on the skin of the vagina in order to emphasize their individuality or pay tribute to fashion. Typically, there are two types of genital piercings: either on the clitoris, or on the outer or inner labia.

But on whatever part of the genitals it is done, the sensitive skin of the vagina perceives this procedure very painfully. A puncture can cause nerve damage and long-term pain, and the wound increases the chance of skin irritation, increases the risk of infections and infection of the body with such dangerous diseases as tetanus, HIV, hepatitis, etc.

4. Poorly fitting underwear

Underwear should always be comfortable and clean. Tight and overly tight underwear contributes to skin and vaginal irritation. Over time, this can cause ingrown hairs in the bikini area, which will cause pain and discomfort. And getting rid of them is not so easy. Overly tight underwear increases the risk of fungal infections, because when it is rubbed against the skin, additional heat and moisture are released into the vaginal area, which creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

Plus, tight underwear is fraught with the formation of visible wrinkles and ugly bulges on the skin. You need to know your size well and select underwear strictly according to your measurements, giving preference to organic, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). Prolonged wearing of underwear made of synthetics and with an abundance of lace is undesirable.

Some women find that vaginal care can be made easier by completely shaving off their pubic hair. But a 2012 study published in the international Journal of STD & AIDS suggests that removing pubic hair may increase the chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, because epilation affects the membrane of skin cells and makes it easier for bacteria to enter the body.

The hair covering the pubis absorbs moisture and protects the genitals from infections. Thus, instead of completely getting rid of the hairs in this area of the body, it is better to trim them from time to time and epilate only on the edge of the underwear. When shaving hairs, it is important to follow the rules of hygiene and safety, avoiding cuts or irritation. As skin softeners, it is better to choose products with a neutral pH level.

6. Care with scented cosmetics

In order to get rid of the unpleasant smell from the vagina, some representatives of the beautiful half of humanity prefer to use scented hygiene products and perfumes. But experts believe that such vaginal care can irritate delicate skin, as most heavily scented products contain many harmful chemicals.

It is not recommended to use scented wipes, sprays, deodorants and perfumes for vaginal hygiene. The surest way to keep your genitals clean and smell good is plain warm water. It is allowed to use detergents (but only outside the vagina) that are specially designed for intimate areas. Do not wash with very hot water, so as not to cause redness and dryness of the skin. If the unpleasant smell from the vagina has become too intrusive, then it is better to consult a doctor for advice in order to exclude possible diseases.

7. Prolonged use of a tampon or pad

Maintaining hygiene during menstruation is especially important. It is unacceptable to use a pad or tampon for a long time (more than 4-8 hours). The pH of menstrual blood is higher than that of normal vaginal flora. Therefore, the longer a pad or tampon is used, the higher the risk of a vaginal infection. Often, women catch such diseases during menstruation, because they forget to change hygiene products on time. The use of pads and tampons after the end of menstruation is not recommended, otherwise it will irritate the skin and prevent it from breathing freely.

8. Lubrication of the vagina with petroleum jelly

Until now, many believe that petroleum jelly is an affordable and safe lubricant. But doctors strongly warn about the dangers of using this well-known remedy inside the vagina. First of all, petroleum jelly can upset the pH balance and increase susceptibility to infections. In addition, this cosmetic product is inferior to conventional water-based lubricants and can cause a latex condom to break. After a while, Vaseline becomes sticky and viscous, which increases pain and discomfort during intimacy. In addition, it is quite difficult to wash it off afterwards. If additional lubrication is necessary, it is better to consult a doctor in order to individually select the most suitable option.

Acne and rashes can appear not only on open areas of the body, but also in the genital area. But no matter how painful and uncomfortable pubic pimples are, they should not be squeezed, scratched, or pierced. When pus is released from the wound, bacteria can get inside the vagina or spread over the entire surface of the pubis, causing new acne. When acne breaks down, bacteria can penetrate deeper into the body, leading to profuse redness, inflammation, swelling of the skin, and even permanent scarring. If acne does not go away on its own within 1-2 weeks, you should consult a doctor.

10. Injuries and wounds

The skin of the vagina is very delicate and vulnerable, especially inside. Any microcut, trauma or scratch increases the risk of infection. The blood supply to the inside of the vagina is very active, and placing any foreign, unsanitary object inside this organ increases the risk of tearing or cutting. Even a small scratch can cause prolonged bleeding. Caution should also be observed during intimacy: insufficient lubrication of the vagina can lead to irritation and injury. If you suspect that there are cuts or scratches inside the genitals, you should not try to examine them yourself, but you should contact a gynecologist as soon as possible.

Women often share their experience and, face, hair, but very rarely the topic of conversation is the rules of intimate hygiene. Maintaining hygiene in intimate areas is very important for women, not only to feel clean and well-groomed, but most importantly, to avoid health problems. Below you will see 10 basic rules for intimate hygiene, try to always adhere to them so that you do not have health complications.

Ordinary soap or ordinary shower gel is not suitable for washing female genital organs. The fact is that ordinary soap or gel is designed to maintain the natural pH level of the skin (5.5), while the pH level of the vagina is from 3.8 to 4.5. The use of ordinary soap can lead to the fact that the natural microflora of the vagina will be disturbed, thereby creating an opportunity for the development and spread of harmful bacteria. This can cause irritation, itching, odor, pain, abnormal discharge, or infections. Therefore, be careful when choosing intimate hygiene products. Most gynecologists advise using regular hot water, but if you think that this is not enough, then use only those products that are intended for intimate areas.

Wash only the outside of the vagina, moving from front to back, that is, from the pubis to the anus. It is not necessary to wash the inside of the vagina, and even harmful, as it can lead to serious diseases. It is recommended, of course, to wash yourself after every visit to the toilet, but if you cannot wash yourself regularly, then wash your genitals at least 2 times a day.

When taking an intimate shower, do not use sponges or washcloths. The fact is that you can damage the delicate skin of the genital organs, and this will lead to various infections and diseases, it is enough just to wash with a clean hand.

Do not aim the jet of water directly at the vagina, as this can wash off the protective lubricant and cause infection. During intimate hygiene, direct the water so that it flows from above along the genitals.

Buy yourself a separate towel for intimate hygiene. It should be soft and absolutely clean. Only you should use this towel, and also do not forget to change your intimate towel for a new one every 2-3 days.

It is better to wear underwear made of cotton or linen, rather than synthetics. Cotton clothing allows your skin to breathe. And underwear made of synthetic materials, unlike cotton or linen, blocks air circulation and increases humidity in intimate areas, thereby creating an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. Beautiful synthetic underwear can be worn, but it is recommended to wear it only when it is really necessary.

Wash your private parts before and after. In addition, it is important not only for your intimate hygiene, but also for the health of your partner.

Sex during menstruation carries an increased risk of contracting various infections. It is best to refrain from sexual intercourse until your period is over.

During, it is necessary to change the pads every 2-4 hours, depending on the discharge. Don't forget to change your pads to keep out odor and block the spread of bacteria. Before using tampons, remember to wash your hands first, and only then insert it into the vagina. Change the tampon every 2-3 hours to avoid stagnation of secretions. Also, don't use tampons while you sleep at night.

Some families have items that are closed to discussion. For example, the rules of intimate hygiene. Some parents consider it shameful to talk about this topic with their children, while others do not think about such “nonsense” at all. At the same time, both groups do not understand that the lack of information on hygiene issues leads children, and then adults, to an untidy appearance, problems in their personal lives, and even diseases. Communication on intimate topics is an integral stage of education. Get ready for it!

Genital hygiene

An untidy appearance is a guarantee of a person’s unpopularity in a “normal society”, and the smell in the intimate area will certainly lead to relationship problems. Non-observance of hygiene negatively affects the appearance and psychological health, contributes to the development of infectious diseases. In half of the cases, inflammation of the bladder - cystitis - occurs "due to" improper intimate hygiene.

How to properly wash a woman

Compliance with the basic rules of intimate hygiene should be as elementary as brushing your teeth:

It is advisable to wash twice a day. Leading sexual life - and even more often: before sex and after it.
Wash your hands with soap before the procedure.
Use warm water. The intimate zone is not the place to be tempered.
Women are washed from front to back, to the anus. If the procedure is carried out in the opposite direction, there is a chance to bring E. coli into the genital tract.
Do not direct the shower jet into the vagina, so as not to wash away the natural lubricant that helps resist the attack of harmful microbes. Therefore, douching is prohibited without a doctor's prescription.
Do not rub the intimate area with a sponge, microorganisms accumulate in it. In addition, a rough washcloth will easily injure the delicate mucous membrane.
Don't use regular soap. Feminine hygiene includes products only with a neutral level of acidity.
Towel for intimate hygiene - separate, clean and soft. It is recommended not only to wash, but also to iron.

penis hygiene

Many men, not accustomed to this since childhood, believe that the rules of intimate hygiene exist only for women. However, for brutal machos, keeping their genitals clean is a guarantee of health and a normal sex life. In old age, mandatory trips to the urologist (at least once every six months) are added to everyday intimate hygiene procedures.

Sexual hygiene of men has its own characteristics. These rules must be taught from childhood:

Babies are washed at least once a day. A boy should take care of his genitals on his own from the age of four, but under the supervision of his parents.
After washing, dry the baby's skin with a diaper and treat with powder. The penis does not need to be lubricated with baby oil or cream.
After water procedures, it is desirable to carry out air procedures - leave the baby for 10 - 15 minutes naked, completely undressed.
Some men like to “disinfect” their scrotum under a hot shower. In vain. This area must not be overheated!
During intimate hygiene, thoroughly rinse the penis between the foreskin and the head. This area is very delicate, so do not use shower products - just water.
Don't forget the base of the penis and the scrotum. They can already be put in order with the help of detergents for intimate hygiene.
During the shower, regularly examine the reproductive organ. If you find rashes, seals, bleeding - see a doctor!
Women already know about this, but men should be reminded: after a shower, put on clean underwear.
Panties - only from natural fabrics, not dragging.
Complete the process of urination by gently squeezing the foreskin, which will prevent the accumulation of urine in the genital area.

Intimate hygiene for girls

The mucous membrane of the vagina secretes a secret from childhood. During puberty, the process intensifies. These so-called pubertal leucorrhoea accumulate on the external genitalia and underwear, with a regular absence of a shower, cause skin irritation, itching and inflammation. A teenage girl should know everything about observing the rules of intimate hygiene:

If you use panty liners, then change them twice a day.
Do you like thongs? It's a pity! These mini panties are dangerous. Firstly, like any slimming underwear, they disrupt blood circulation. Secondly, it is easier to “run across” microbes from the anus to the vagina along the “thin thread”.
Teenagers have active sweat glands, and if you do not take a shower twice a day, then their blockage can occur - you will know about it by a terribly unpleasant smell. Or maybe you don’t recognize, unlike others.

Intimate hygiene products for women

What is the best way to wash? Give the soap an unequivocal “no” answer. It contains a large amount of alkali, therefore it destroys the natural microflora that protects the vagina from bacteria. There are special products for intimate hygiene. You will learn about them below. Another important tip - do not take the product from the street stall. Follow them to the pharmacy or cosmetic store.

intimate gel

Instead of the usual soap for many, it is better to use a gel for intimate hygiene. Due to its neutral acidity (pH), it preserves the natural environment of the vagina and protects the genitals from the growth of bacteria. The basis of a quality gel for intimate hygiene should be natural ingredients, dyes and fragrances are unacceptable.

Oil

Such a tool for intimate hygiene, according to marketers, gently cleanses delicate areas of the body while taking a shower. Only natural ingredients are used to make high-quality oils. Plant extracts and essential oils - a noble composition that will quickly restore the natural microflora, relieve inflammation, itching. In the latter case, you can’t put all your hopes on the oil - find out its reasons at the gynecologist’s appointment.

Deodorant

Deodorant is the most uncommon and controversial means for intimate hygiene. Ladies argue on the forums why it is needed, considering it an obvious marketing ploy to increase consumer spending. In the case of a long trip, wet wipes are better refreshed. From an unpleasant smell from the vagina, salvation should be sought from a doctor, not in a perfume shop. Do you want to be fully armed on a date with your loved one? There are longer-term remedies here.

Cream for the intimate area

One of the most fashionable means today is the Swiss Neogin cream. Young girls can easily do without it. But for older ladies, this care for the intimate area will help moisturize the skin and relieve irritation. In addition, the antiseptics contained in the cream will reliably protect the microflora from the invasion of various microbes - it will come in handy before going to the pool and to the beach. It is better not to use it during pregnancy.

Wet wipes

Adults and children are familiar with this option. Intimate hygiene wipes are a great way to maintain intimate hygiene while traveling when there is no access to water. They will not take the place of the shower, but will temporarily return the feeling of freshness. Napkins are impregnated with an aqueous solution with additives based on lactic acid and herbal extracts. They never contain alcohol and harsh aroma compositions.

Means for intimate hygiene for men

The line of products for men's intimate hygiene is much narrower. Pharmacists and cosmetologists, who have thrown all their efforts into maintaining the beauty of women, have long deprived the attention of representatives of the strong half of humanity. The situation is changing, however, as statistics show, men's hygiene is more of a women's issue. In 70% of cases, caring wives buy these goods for their spouses.

Cream

Men's cream for intimate areas has recently appeared on the market. Its main purpose, in addition to moisturizing, is to increase the sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes, increase erection during sex. The composition of the miracle remedy includes herbal extracts that improve microcirculation. Cream for intimate comfort is applied with light movements. Given the peculiarities of the application, manufacturers have made a composition that is fully compatible with condoms.

intimate soap

In the list of unpopular products for men, specialty soap is at the top of the list, sharing the first place in the list with deodorant for intimate hygiene. It is difficult for brutal guys to come to terms with its presence. Women and cosmetologists, on the other hand, hope for the full recognition of the product. As part of an intimate soap there is no alkali, very few perfume additives, but a lot of useful substances.

What are panty liners for?

Unlike their predecessors - panty liners for critical days - "dailies" have not won wide recognition. At least, there are still disputes about their necessity - many gynecologists believe that a healthy woman does not need them, and to feel fresh, you need to take a shower in time and wear high-quality underwear. But the shower is not always nearby, and pads do a good job of their purpose - to give a feeling of comfort.

Hygiene rules for menstruation

Try to shower 4-5 times a day, changing your pads or tampons each time after.
No chance to wash? Change at least the gasket, having previously carried out intimate hygiene of the genital organs with a damp cloth.
Before inserting a tampon for the first time, read the instructions. Better yet, go see a gynecologist.
On "women's" days, a bath, a pool, and even more so, open water bodies are prohibited.

Vera Shtukensia tells in this video about how to maintain hygiene, the better to wash, who panty liners help and why some intimate hygiene products are a real harm. The research of gynecologists, the fashion beauty blogger's own experience, and the comments of her followers will instruct you. You can easily and easily learn about the most secret from the video below.

We all know the tricks and secrets of healthy hair and skin, but what about a healthy vagina? Most women have been taught to use "feminine hygiene" soaps or sprays since childhood, but they can do more harm than good. If you know how to stay clean, choose foods that will help you stay healthy, and even how to exercise your vagina, you can keep it in top condition. Read on to find out how to care for your vagina.

Steps

Keep your vagina clean

Wash with hot water only. It may seem counterintuitive, but cleansing your vagina with soap, whether solid or liquid, is not the best way to keep it clean. The vagina is cleaned without the help of detergents. Like other parts of the body, the vagina has a pH level that needs to be maintained within certain limits - 3.5 and 4.5 - to prevent the growth of bacteria and promote the development of a good microflora. Using strong cleansers can upset this balance, which can lead to infection, irritation, and even bad breath.

People usually mean the whole area "down there," but remember that the vagina is actually a tube-like muscle that sits inside the body. The vulva, the skin around the vagina, can be cleaned with regular soap as long as it does not irritate the skin.
If you do wash your vagina with soap, rinse it well with water afterward so that no marks remain. Soap inside the vagina can cause irritation.

Do not use feminine perfume sprays. They are supposed to give your vagina the scent of flowers, but in fact the effect will be just the opposite. They flush out all the good bacteria that cleanse and protect the vagina from infections. Spray chemicals can cause irritation and even a burning sensation. If you use all other hygiene methods, you will not need to hide your smell.
- Scented creams, which are offered as a way to change the smell of the vagina, cause the same problems, so they should also be avoided. The same can be said about scented pads and napkins.
- If you feel like you just need to hide the smell of your vagina, buy natural products without chemicals. You can create your own body spray by mixing a few drops of an essential oil like rose, lavender or lemongrass with water in a spray bottle. Spray after showering and dress only when skin is completely dry.
- There is no evidence that douching prevents infections and STIs.
Take care of hygiene during menstruation. For many women, infectious diseases escalate during menstruation, as the blood in the vagina changes the pH level and upsets the balance. To stay healthy during your period, adopt the following habits:
- Change your tampon frequently. Tampons absorb menstrual blood, and if you leave it in for a long time, the blood will continue to change the pH of your vagina. Change your tampons every few hours to prevent this from happening.
- Do not use panty liners (including panty liners) for longer than necessary. Pads, both regular and daily pads, can be irritating if used for an entire month.
- Consider installing a menstrual cup. These rubber cups are inserted into the vagina to collect blood and need to be washed every few hours. Menstrual cups are a chemical-free alternative method, and they can help you if tampons and pads are causing irritation.
Wipe from front to back. It is very important to move in this direction, and not vice versa, so that particles of feces or any other product containing flavoring or chemicals do not enter the vagina.

Get Healthy Habits

Wear cotton underwear. Cotton linen dries quickly and allows air to circulate in the fabric. This prevents the formation of moisture that promotes the growth of fungus and harmful bacteria that can lead to infection. Underwear made of synthetic fabrics, silk, lace or other materials also does not breathe.

If you like to wear underwear made from other materials, make sure that the part of the underwear that touches your vagina has a cotton pad.
If you have frequent vaginal infections, try to choose underwear made from organic, undyed cotton that has not been treated with chemicals.

Wear loose clothing. Tight pants, tight jeans, and tights trap moisture in the skin and block the passage of air, which often leads to fungal infections. Try to wear looser, lighter fabrics that are well ventilated. Wear skirts and dresses more often, choose tights with a low fit, and not to the waist. Choose shorts with a loose fit.

Always change wet clothes. If you walk around in a wet swimsuit or tracksuit after a workout, you will develop a fungal infection. If necessary, take an extra clean, dry underwear with you, and put it on as soon as possible after swimming or training. You may also need an additional emergency kit.
- If you decide to shave your intimate area, be very careful not to cut yourself with a razor. Use shaving cream (it shouldn't get into your vagina) and shave slowly to avoid unwanted cuts.
- Waxing is another method that many women use. If you choose one, make sure you first choose a salon with a good reputation, clean tools, and quality wax. Beauty salons with unsanitary conditions can cause the spread of bacterial infections.
Wash after sex. During sex with a partner, it is literally open to bacteria and other microorganisms, which can irritate the vagina and lead to infection. Solution? Wash your vagina with warm water after sex. This will greatly reduce the chances of an unpleasant side effect from the date.
- It's a good idea to ask your partner to wash before sex, especially if you don't use condoms.
- Washing other parts of your body before sex can help too! If you are prone to infections, shower with your partner to reduce the risk of bacteria entering your body.
- Use rubber dams and gloves for extra protection during oral sex or finger stimulation.
Urinate after sex. Urinate after sex, even if you are about to bathe. When you have sex, unwanted bacteria can enter the urethra, which is connected to your bladder. Urinating after sex can help you flush out bacteria from your vaginal area and avoid urinary tract infections.

Use condoms. Sperm and vagina have different pH. If sperm remains in the vagina after sex, it disturbs the pH level in the female reproductive system and creates a favorable environment for the development of bacteria in it. Condoms or another barrier method of contraception will help you deal with this problem. If you don't want to use condoms, wash your semen immediately after sex so it doesn't have time to affect your vaginal pH.

Proper nutrition and exercise

Eat lots of yogurt. Yogurt contains the same type of beneficial bacteria that your vagina needs to stay healthy. You can restore the amount of bacteria in your body by including yogurt in your diet. Yogurt can help prevent and treat fungal infections.

Other foods can help your body too. Fermented foods can replace yogurt if you don't like it.
If you don't want to add yogurt to your diet, yogurt capsules are available.

Eat lots of fruits. Cranberries, pineapple, strawberries, and other fruits help to freshen up the smell of secretions that the vagina secretes. Your vagina won't start to smell fruity, but the smell might get nicer if you've ever been embarrassed by it. Fruits are also high in water, and hydration helps the body flush out toxins that can cause bad breath.

Eat less sugar, processed carbs, and alcohol. Sugar can make a yeast infection worse, so it's important to limit your sugar intake. Don't add sugar to your food, and read the labels on your food to make sure there are no added sugars. Also, stay away from processed carbs and alcohol, as they are high in sugar.

Eat garlic. Garlic kills fungus and prevents and treats fungal infections. Eating roasted or raw garlic a few times a week is a great way to keep your vagina healthy.

Do Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and vagina. These muscles lose elasticity and strength with age and after childbirth. Strengthen them to avoid urinary incontinence problems and also increase sexual pleasure. To perform Kegel exercises, follow the instructions:
- Find out where these muscles are. To do this, pretend that you have stopped peeing in the middle of the process. It is on the muscles that you are now squeezing that the Kegel exercise is directed.
- Squeeze your muscles and hold for three seconds, then relax. Repeat 15 times.
- Keep doing the Kegel exercise every day, holding longer intervals and doing more repetitions.
Learn more about how to exercise your vagina. The vagina is also strengthened by sex and pleasure, as sex keeps it supple and toned. Regular sex is a good way to keep fit. Squeeze and relax your vagina during sex to exercise it as much as possible.

Infections and other diseases

In case of fungal infections, use pharmacy medicines. Most women experience fungal infections from time to time, which can be treated with antifungal creams and suppositories. Depending on how severe the infection is, treatment may last 1, 3, 5, or 7 days. Most yeast medicines are also sold with a cream for vulvar irritation and burning.

If you are pregnant, be sure to check with your doctor before taking any medication, even if you are sure you have a yeast infection.
If you are not sure if you have a fungal infection, you need to see a doctor. A fungal infection can be identified by a cheesy yellowish discharge with a bad smell, itching and burning in the vaginal area, a rash on the vulva, burning and pain.

Get tested regularly for STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, chlamydia, and others can cause irreparable damage to your body. If you are having unprotected sex and there is a possibility that you may have contracted an STD, get tested accordingly.

See a doctor if you notice anything unusual. Many women don't know what their vagina should look like, so it's hard for them to know if something has gone wrong. Every vagina is different, so it's important to know what your vagina should look like, how it should feel, and how it should smell so you can see your doctor if things change. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice a sudden change in color, warts or other bumps, a change in appearance or color, or if you experience pain.

Be mature by following our instructions. Vaginal care should be part of your routine.
If you know you have vaginal problems, do not have sex or masturbate.
Drink natural cranberry juice
Get tested for STDs with your partner. So you will be sure that everything is in order with you. Don't be afraid, your health depends on it.
Removing hair from the intimate area will make your vagina fresher and cleaner.
Do not wash your vagina with soap or other products that contain chemical ingredients. They cause irritation and infections.
Always take a bath regularly and use plenty of water. ESPECIALLY if you're on your period.
Drink plenty of water.
Wash immediately after sex.
Keep your vagina dry and wear cotton underwear.

Warnings

If you have an STD, start treatment as soon as possible. Running STDs can create many problems.
If you're experiencing vaginal breakthrough bleeding - a small amount of blood between periods, bleeding that lasts a week, or very heavy bleeding - see your doctor. You may have some kind of disease.
If you're having problems with persistent vaginal odor (especially if it's a "fishy" smell), see your doctor. You may have vaginosis.

Anna Mironova

Reading time: 12 minutes

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As a rule, more recently, talking about intimate hygiene was considered inconvenient and even indecent. However, today we have taken a step forward - this applies to medicine, and issues of body care, and the production of products to create comfortable conditions for a woman in the most vulnerable area for her - the field of intimate hygiene.

But many women have superficial ideas about how to care for the intimate area in order to ensure not only cleanliness, but also maintaining the correct acid-base balance, as well as the necessary microflora. Often known to all inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs are the result of improper or insufficient care for the intimate area, so the issue of hygiene for a modern woman is nothing less than a matter of her women's health.

Myths about the benefits of panty liners

Panty liners are known to every woman, they are advertised everywhere and sold in any store and supermarket that has a personal care section. Just a few years ago, there was a rush about these, at first glance, indispensable, feminine hygiene products - manufacturers proved their many-sided benefits, emphasizing that with "dailies" a woman will feel comfortable everywhere, in any situation.

Over time, competing companies began to produce Huge variety of panty liners for women - of any shape and thickness, with the scent of flowers and moisturizing cream, antibacterial, for any shape of panties, from a variety of materials and with different fillers, a variety of colors ... Manufacturers, of course, continue to claim the benefits of these feminine hygiene products , but here gynecologists are increasingly talking about the dangers of "daily" for women's health.

Can't say for sure , whether panty liners, if used constantly, are harmful to women's health. But gynecologists say that a healthy woman who pays enough attention to intimate hygiene does not need such means of maintaining cleanliness and freshness She only needs a shower and clean linen. No matter how thin it may be, daily the pad creates a "greenhouse effect" in the most delicate area of the female body - and this contributes to the rapid reproduction of microbes.

Lactobacilli, which are beneficial for the female body, exist and multiply only with free access to oxygen, and daily panty liners prevent this , forming a barrier to ventilation. Daily pads are necessary when a woman is expecting her period, or if cervical mucus is secreted on ovulation days - it is better to refuse to use them on other days.

So that daily pads do not harm health, you should observe basic rules for their use:

Panty liners should be certified, made from environmentally friendly materials .
Herself package "daily" must be sealed without letting moisture and bacteria in.
As part of the daily must not be none synthetic materials.
A woman must Avoid colored panty liners because the dyes in their composition can cause allergies.
Daily gaskets need to be changed every 2 hours, maximum 3 hours. For 6 hours of use in the "daily" develops pathogenic microflora, harmful to the health of women.
Panty liners can not be used during night sleep, they can be harmful as a result of prolonged use and become a source of inflammatory diseases of the female genital area.
It is best to choose daily pads without various perfume fragrances . A large number of aromatic components can cause severe itching, allergies, and irritate the delicate mucous membrane.

Tampons or pads - that is the question

On days when a woman needs special care and protection, namely during menstruation, she can use sanitary napkins, sanitary tampons in order to absorb secretions. But what means of intimate hygiene is preferable, or rather safer, more reliable and more comfortable?

Advantages and disadvantages of hygienic tampons:

Undoubtedly, when the production of tampons became widespread, and women had the opportunity to compare them with pads, many were convinced of their undoubted benefits before the last ones:

If the tampon is selected and inserted correctly into the vagina, then it absorbs well menstrual flow and does not miss them outside.
Tampons completely invisible under clothes , a woman can wear tight and light-colored things on critical days.
Using tampons on critical days makes a woman freer - she can dance, swim, take a bath, play sports.
Tampons are much smaller than pads, so they are more convenient to carry .

Unfortunately, the use of tampons has flaws , which a woman needs to know when choosing:

Tampon absorbs not only menstrual flow, but also secret from the walls of the vagina causes their dryness . Some women note that due to dryness, soreness when removing a tampon.
Tampon necessary replace new every 4 hours . But he is not noticeable even to the woman herself, and she can easily forget about him. The use of a tampon for more than 4 hours causes the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria in it, which can cause inflammatory diseases of the female genital area.
Cases of a very serious disease are known - female toxic shock syndrome while using tampons. These cases are quite rare, but every woman should be warned about this risk.

Advantages and disadvantages of feminine sanitary pads:

Today, there are many more types of feminine sanitary pads than there are varieties of tampons. Many women prefer them because they consider them more hygienic or comfortable. Is it so?

Today, a huge number of types of pads for women's intimate hygiene are produced, they can be with wings, breathable, discreet, flavored, embossed and… Compared to tampons, pads have a number of benefits .