Vaginal care - the rules of female intimate hygiene. How to wash properly to maintain women's health

I think that all women understand the importance of intimate hygiene. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows how to follow it correctly. Many of the tips that are heard can sometimes hurt. And mistakes in this area can lead to problems on the part of the female genital organs. In this article I will try to analyze the most important issues.

How often do you need to wash and how to do it right

It is advisable to wash with warm water at least 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening, plus before and after intimacy. It is not necessary to use a gel or soap for intimate hygiene every time, it is enough to use special products once a day. The direction of water movement must be from front to back, so as not to bring bacteria from the rectum to the female genital organs (because microorganisms that, while living in the intestines, are beneficial, once in the vagina, can cause an inflammatory process).

After washing, delicate places do not need to be rubbed with a towel, just get wet. Naturally, this towel must firstly be individual, secondly, be used only for this area, and thirdly, it must be soft to the touch.

You can use wet wipes for intimate hygiene for hygienic purposes, but you should not completely replace washing with them, as they cause irritation with constant use. Although in some situations, such as when traveling by train or in a car, wet wipes can be a lifesaver.

Do I need to douche

Douching is a manipulation that consists in washing the vagina. In the normal state of the female genital area, douching is not required. Moreover, if a woman douches frequently, this can lead to a disruption of the normal microflora of the vagina, since frequent douching leads to the washing out of beneficial lactobacilli from the vagina, causes dryness of the mucous membrane and disrupts the pH of the vagina. As a result, conditions are created for the development of bacterial vaginosis (vaginal dysbacteriosis) or an inflammatory process.

Douching is sometimes prescribed for therapeutic purposes, but at the same time they are carried out in courses of several days, and not constantly.

After intercourse, douching is also not required. As a method of contraception, it will not work (spermatozoa penetrate the cervix already 30 seconds after ejaculation, you will not have time to stop them), but for hygienic purposes, ordinary washing is enough. Even if some amount of sperm remains in the vagina for a while, there will be no harm from this.

Douching is contraindicated during pregnancy and during menstruation.

How to choose an intimate hygiene gel

For intimate hygiene, it is necessary to use special products, since ordinary soap or shower gel can lead to drying of the mucous membrane of the genital organs. Intimate gel differs in that its acidity is close to natural for the vagina, and it contains more moisturizing ingredients and less dyes and flavors.

It is better to choose products containing a minimum amount of perfume fragrances, as various fragrances can cause allergic reactions.

It is best to use an intimate hygiene gel containing lactobacilli. This will help maintain normal microflora.

In the presence of a slight irritation in the vulva, gels for intimate hygiene with chamomile help well.

What to do if you have an unpleasant smell from the vagina

Normally, the smell is absent or may be sour.

A sudden unpleasant odor almost always indicates a pathological process. It can be either vaginal dysbiosis or an infection, so if you have this symptom, you should definitely consult a doctor, even if there are no other symptoms.

However, sometimes there is another situation - when the smell is constantly present. In some cases, a woman herself may not even feel this smell (a person gets used to her own individual smell), but unfortunately her sexual partner can feel it.

In folk medicine, there is advice: in order to have a pleasant smell from the body and genitals, it is recommended to brew and drink mint. In addition, you can adjust the diet. Spicy foods, onions and garlic can lead to an unpleasant odor. Some women report an increase in bad breath after drinking beer.

Underwear is best worn from natural "breathable" materials. When wearing synthetic underwear, the genitals sweat, this can also be the cause of an unpleasant odor.

To wash the genitals in the presence of such a smell should be more often. And be sure to do this before and after sexual intercourse.

Should I use intimate deodorants?

As mentioned above, in the presence of an unpleasant odor, there is most often some reason. Therefore, it is necessary first of all to look for this reason, and not to mask the smell.

Intimate deodorant can be useful if your partner is intolerant to your smell, if you have already made sure that you do not have any infection. Before using deodorant, be sure to wash yourself, as it can only be applied to clean genitals.

Try to use intimate deodorant no more than 1-2 times a week. With frequent use, such a deodorant can lead to a violation of the pH of the vagina. In addition, the skin in the genital area is very sensitive and irritation cannot be ruled out.

You can buy intimate deodorant at a pharmacy.

Should I use panty liners?

Panty liners are undoubtedly a convenient invention. Any woman normally has a small amount of secretions during the day, which can leave a mark on the underwear, and “dailies” protect against this.

However, you should not get too carried away and wear them all the time, as the skin of the genital organs is more sweaty. Any pads, even the thinnest ones, break the breathability. With the constant use of panty liners, irritation may occur.

The gasket must be changed at least once every 4 hours, otherwise bacteria may begin to multiply in it, which in small quantities may be present in the vagina and on the genitals and is normal, but with intensive reproduction can lead to vaginal dysbacteriosis.

As you can see, it is quite simple to observe intimate hygiene correctly, there are no special tricks. And its observance is the key to a feeling of freshness and confidence.

First, it must be recognized that all women smell. You should not try to eliminate the normal smell.

Second, get to know your own normal smell - within a month. If you can recognize a normal smell, it will be easier to tell when there is a problem.

Thirdly, learn how to wash properly. Always wash from front to back, never wash from the anus forward (otherwise you will introduce bacteria from the anus into the vagina, in particular E-Coli). Do not insert soapy fingers or a soapy sponge into your vagina. Rinse the outside and separate the labia to wash the clitoral area and clitoral hood.

Fourth, wiping after a bowel movement, go back from the anus. Place your hand/arms behind your back while drying yourself.

Fifth, douching is not required for a woman. Avoid it, or only shower occasionally. Ask your doctor if you really need to use a vaginal douche.

Sixth, try to wear cotton underwear as much as possible. Nylon keeps moisture from being absorbed. Cotton "breathes" so it helps keep the genitals dry.

Seventh, if you have confirmed vaginal infections, you should wear pads (not tampons). Then you will be able to control the discharge and this will help you avoid the accumulation of odors. Also, when you are at home, you should wear loose-fitting cotton shorts so that more air can enter the genital area.

Eighth, do not put off a visit to the doctor, feeling an unpleasant or unusual smell. The genitals, the vagina, is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria because it is dark, warm, and humid. The sooner you start treatment (tablets, cream, or both), the sooner you can get rid of the bad smell.

Ninth, don't be embarrassed. Every woman has had at least one infection in her life. Most of the women had many infections (yeast usually). It's not pleasant, but doctors have seen it all before.

Tenth, teach yourself and your partner good hygiene. No one should put up with bad partner odor, especially the most common infections (yeast and trichomoniasis) that are easily treatable now.

From childhood, mothers teach their daughters that a woman should keep her intimate places clean and remember to wash herself in the morning and evening. However, not all girls and women know how important intimate hygiene is, and sometimes they neglect these simple procedures.

The modern market offers a variety of products for women's intimate hygiene - these are panty liners, special cleansers, wet wipes, tampons and much more. But their diversity does not mean that any of them will suit you. Each woman is individual, therefore, she needs special means for caring for herself.

To find suitable means for intimate hygiene, you need to listen to your body, perhaps consult with. We will try to answer the most frequently asked questions.

How often should you wash?

On ordinary days, it is enough to wash 2 times - in the morning and in the evening. Try to wash more often during the day. Each change of a pad or tampon should be accompanied by a light ablution. In addition, you should rinse the genitals after intimacy (with any method of contraception). Select a special towel that you will use only for wiping your intimate areaso as not to introduce foreign bacteria.

How exactly should you wash?

Manipulations should be carried out from front to back, that is, from to the anus, and not vice versa. By adhering to this rule, you will save yourself from getting bacteria from the anus into the vagina, which can cause microflora disturbance and other unpleasant problems. Use only clean, not too hot water. Do not wash with cold water!

What kind of cleanser to use?

Soaps and shower gels, so often used by many women, are suitable for hands and body, but for the mucous membrane of your intimate area, soap is the enemy. Instead of gently cleansing delicate skin and maintaining the acid-base balance, soap dries it out, killing all bacteria - both good and bad. There are special products for intimate hygiene - gels containing lactobacilli or infusions of medicinal herbs. The former will help preserve the sensitive microflora of the vagina, the latter will relieve irritation and soothe the delicate skin of the genital organs. But remember, high-quality intimate hygiene gel should only be found in pharmacies, and not in cosmetic stores.

If you do not have the opportunity to take full-fledged water procedures, you can use wipes for intimate hygiene. They must be PH-neutral and contain no alcohol. But as good as wet wipes are, using them too often can lead to irritation. Therefore, keep a small package of wet wipes for intimate hygiene in your purse in case of an emergency, and at home try to wash yourself with water.

How often should you change panty liners?

If you use panty liners, change them every 4 hours. If you are concerned about abundant vaginal discharge, this is a reason to contact a gynecologist. The secretions tend to contain bacteria that, in a warm, humid environment, begin to multiply very quickly, especially during the hot seasons. Therefore, a rare replacement of sanitary pads can cause vaginal dysbacteriosis, which, in turn, leads to very serious problems - inflammation, adnexitis, or even cystitis and urethritis. Launched, not detected in time and not cured, diseases of the female genital organs can become a cause in the future.

What to use during menstruation?

A modern woman, according to her preferences for collecting menstrual flow, can choose pads or tampons. Each of these means has its pros and cons. Gaskets are good because they do not come into contact with the walls of the vagina and cannot injure the delicate skin of the genital organs. Bacteria develop very quickly in pads, so you need to change them every 2-3 hours. Tampons, on the other hand, do not come into contact with the external environment, so bacteria develop somewhat more slowly. But, being in the vagina, especially if inserted incorrectly, the tampon can injure the mucous membrane and cause inflammation of the vaginal wall. If you experience discomfort while using tampons, for the good of your health, you should refuse them, no matter how convenient they may be. But even if tampons do not cause discomfort, you can not use them all the time, try to alternate with pads.

When choosing pads or tampons, pay attention to their level of absorbency. The ability to absorb moisture is indicated by the number of droplets shown on the package. The more droplets, the more moisture they can absorb. Choose the right products depending on the intensity of your secretions. In the first days of the cycle, the discharge is usually the most abundant.

Can I douche to keep clean?

Douching should be done only as directed by a doctor. The treatment course is several days. Douching cannot be done constantly and without the control of a gynecologist, because the natural microflora of the vagina is washed out, and this threatens with dryness of the mucous membrane and the appearance of discomfort. Abuse of douching can lead to very serious negative consequences.

What underwear should be preferred?

For everyday wear, gynecologists recommend underwear made from natural materials. Cotton panties are well breathable, absorb excess moisture and prevent the genitals from overheating. Synthetic underwear, on the contrary, becomes fertile ground for the reproduction of harmful bacteria. But in a woman's life there are special cases when convenience fades into the background, giving way to beauty and grace. Of course, nothing terrible will happen if sometimes you wear beautiful lace underwear for a short time. The main thing is to observe all other hygiene rules.

Take these simple recommendations for daily self-care rules. By following them, you will feel fresh and confident throughout the day. By observing intimate hygiene, you will save yourself from the risk of vaginal dysbacteriosis, infections or inflammation of the female urinary-genital system.

Issues of female intimate hygiene only in recent decades have been covered in the countries of the post-Soviet space. Modern girls pay more attention to personal hygiene, but still most do not know how to properly wash a woman. Such ignorance often ends with an appointment with the attending gynecologist and leads to long-term treatment.

Basic rules for daily care

Naturally, the first rule of personal hygiene is daily washing. The common belief that it is enough for a woman to wash her genitals once a day with soap is erroneous. Let's look at how often and what is better for a woman to wash:

Wash the genitals 2-3 times a day;

The correct option would be to carry out the procedure after each visit to the toilet, however, the existing reality often does not provide such an opportunity. Asking how often to wash a woman , you need to understand that twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, this is a mandatory minimum that helps to maintain health. Using wet wipes and panty liners will not replace a full bath, but will help keep you fresh throughout the day.

Do not wash with too hot or cold water;

The temperature regime is an important part of the proper care of the genitals. Too hot water negatively affects the natural moisture balance, and overdried skin in the intimate area brings a lot of inconvenience. However, the flow of cold water can lead to a number of intimate diseases. Choose the most comfortable water temperature, that is, close to natural body temperature.

Use special means for intimate hygiene;

The skin of the female genital organs is very delicate, so the use of simple soap is strictly prohibited. Violation of the acid-base balance can lead to severe irritation, disruption of the integrity of the mucous membrane and the formation of microscopic cracks, which will lead to a decrease in protective functions and, as a result, a high risk of gynecological diseases.

Daily use of special gels will help cleanse and disinfect the skin. The washing procedure should be carried out only with clean hands, without the use of washcloths or sponges. The flow of water is directed from the pubis towards the anus, which helps to avoid infection by bacteria that live in the intestines. Among the preparations for intimate hygiene, there are also a number of highly targeted ones, created for daily care during the menstrual cycle or answering the question of how to wash with thrush.

Many girls are interested in how to properly wash women inside.

A healthy body will provide reliable protection and clean the inside of the genitals on its own. Douching is necessary only as a medical procedure. Independent attempts to clean the vagina lead to the fact that women wash off the protective film and thereby deprive themselves of a significant part of the protection.

You can also watch a video on the topic "Intimate hygiene".

Doctors recommend washing at least 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening. Adult women need to perform this hygiene procedure before and after sexual intercourse. This is necessary in order to wash away all the accumulated bacteria in the intimate area and prevent their penetration deeper inside.

Many women do not even realize that such a disease as cystitis, in half of the cases, occurs not due to hypothermia, but due to improper hygiene of the intimate area.

It is necessary to wash only with clean hands. Therefore, pre-wash them with soap, paying attention to the subungual zone, because bacteria and microbes accumulate there in large quantities. In addition, it is worth remembering that the water for washing must be warm. This is due to the fact that washing with cold easily leads to the development of inflammation.

During the hygiene procedure, it is important to act strictly in a certain direction. Women should wash only from front to back - from the vagina to the anus, which is very close. This is due to the fact that if you change direction, you can easily and quickly bring a serious infection into the genital tract. After all, Escherichia coli comes out of the anus, which, if not properly washed, quickly moves forward and begins to actively multiply, causing serious infectious diseases that require long and painful treatment.

By the way, wiping in the toilet and wiping the anus after defecation is also necessary from front to back.

When washing, do not direct the shower jet inward. So you quickly wash off the internal natural lubricant that protects the female genitals from infections. As a result, they will become defenseless against microbes. Many ladies claim that washing with chlorophyllipt, for example, helps them achieve freshness. However, experts are sure that douching and washing the vagina is a medical procedure, and it can be performed only on the recommendation of a doctor with strict adherence to the instructions. They resort to this method only if there is a burning sensation of the vagina or an unpleasant odor from the genital tract. In any case, you must first consult a doctor.

Rubbing the delicate intimate area with washcloths is also not worth it. Firstly, the risk of injury to the delicate mucosa is quite high. Secondly, bacteria accumulate on sponges and washcloths, which then easily transfer to the genitals, causing inflammation.

Particular attention should be paid to the means that ladies additionally use for personal hygiene. It is impossible to use ordinary soap for washing - it is too harsh for a delicate and sensitive area. It is recommended to use special products with a neutral level of acidity.

After washing, the genitals must be dried. This will require a special towel, which must be soft. Naturally, it must also be clean - it is desirable not only to wash it, but also to boil it and carefully iron it with an iron. It is necessary to dry the genitals by blotting - in no case should you rub the delicate area.

If it is not possible to fully wash away, for example, you are on a long road all day, etc., you can use special wet wipes designed for intimate hygiene. They, of course, will not replace the shower, but will help to restore the feeling of cleanliness and freshness for a while.

How to wash pregnant and lactating mothers

Particular attention should be paid to personal intimate hygiene for pregnant women and new mothers. This is due to the fact that active hormonal changes take place in the body before childbirth, which also affects the intimate area. And after childbirth, a woman begins to discharge, which must be thoroughly washed out so as not to infect the infection.

Ideally, future and already established mothers need to wash themselves after each trip to the toilet. If it is problematic to do this, for example, a woman works, it is worth using disinfectant wet wipes.

The basic rules are no different from those recommended for all women. The only thing: when performing the washing procedure, women in position will have to choose a position that is comfortable for themselves. After all, not everyone, because of the growing belly, is convenient to wash away traditionally while standing.

Tip 2: How to properly conduct female intimate hygiene

A lot depends on the health of intimate organs and proper care for them. Due to an imbalance of lactobacilli and other microorganisms of the vaginal biocenosis, a shift in the acid balance to the alkaline side, such unpleasant diseases as bacterial vaginosis, urogenital candidiasis (thrush) can develop, and the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (trichomoniasis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis) also increases several times. , ureaplasmosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, etc.).

In a normal vagina, 90% of the microbial mass is made up of various types of lactobacilli - our good bacteria, and only 5% are other microorganisms - cocci, mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, etc. At the same time, the pH of the medium is normally acidic 3.8-4.5. This level of acidity creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of good bacteria (lactoflora) and prevents the reproduction of other microorganisms. Hence the relevance of proper intimate hygiene, maintaining a normal pH range, the desired ratio of flora.

Intimate hygiene rules

You need to wash at least 1 time per day, and on critical days at least 2 times. Ideally, toilet the external genital organs after each trip to the toilet, if possible (bidet, special wipes for intimate hygiene);

It is necessary to wash the genitals only with your hand, no washcloths. Hands must be clean!

Movements should be from front to back so that microorganisms from the rectum do not enter the vagina.

Use only special products for intimate hygiene, which are sold in a pharmacy marked "tested by obstetrician-gynecologists and dermatovenereologists."

Water should be at a comfortable temperature.

Do not wipe the skin with rough movements, but blot with a towel, which should be soft, clean and individual (only yours, and only for the genitals).

It is better to wear underwear made from natural fibers. You need to change your underwear every day.

If you use sanitary napkins, pay attention to their thickness and materials, and try not to wear one sanitary napkin all day long.

During critical days, you need to change the pad every 4 hours, and the tampon every 2-3 hours, even if the pad is not completely saturated.

Do not use douching as part of your basic care for the intimate area. If you feel an unpleasant odor, then this is an occasion to consult a doctor and start treatment.

Intimate hygiene should precede and complete every sexual intercourse, regardless of the method of contraception you choose.

Sources:

• Intimate hygiene rules for women and men and care products

How to wash properly, the girl is usually told by her mother, but for some reason we forget about these rules, and we remember only when we get any disease of the intimate sphere. Therefore, every girl (woman) needs to know how to wash herself properly and what is the best way to do it.

How to properly wash a girl (woman)?

Here are some tips to help you maintain intimate hygiene properly:

1. What is the best way to wash a woman? The ideal option would be a special gel for intimate hygiene with a neutral level of acidity (pH). Such gels will not dry out the vagina, keep its acidic environment, which will protect the genitals from the growth of bacteria. Also gels for intimate hygiene moisturize the vaginal mucosa. You can not wash with soap, it violates the natural environment of the vagina and creates an alkaline, and bacteria multiply very well in it. Washing yourself with soap, you risk infecting and acquiring a disease of the genital organs.
2. You need to wash only with clean hands and only warm water. A huge amount of microbes settles on the hands during the day, so before washing your hands, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. Cold water is not suitable for washing, there is a high risk of getting serious inflammation. And they, as we know, require a long and unpleasant treatment. Movements must be made from the pubis to the anus, in no case vice versa - otherwise you risk infecting from the anus.
3. Do not direct the jet of water directly into the vagina. This will wash away the protection the body needs and allow infectious agents to get inside. Some experienced women will say that this rule is stupid, because they wash the vagina during douching. Firstly, such a procedure is therapeutic in nature, that is, it is carried out when the problem has already appeared. Secondly, douching is carried out with medicinal compositions. And thirdly, this procedure is prescribed by a doctor, although now many have begun to refuse it, recognizing the harm of washing the vagina. So rinsing the vagina with running water is not worth it, only harm yourself.
4. In no case should you wash the genitals with sponges or washcloths, your hands will perfectly cope with this function. And with a washcloth, you risk damaging the mucous membrane, which will enable infectious agents to enter your body. If you already use a washcloth to treat the bikini area between epilations, do it carefully so as not to hurt the genitals.
5. Towel for intimate organs should be separate, always clean and soft. A hard towel can scratch the mucous membrane, which, as mentioned above, is dangerous to health. Wipe the intimate organs should be gently, gently wetting them. The cleanliness of the towel must be maintained very carefully - it should be washed as often as possible (boiled ideally) and ironed with a hot iron to reduce the risk of bacteria getting from it to the genitals.
6. How often should you wash? Gynecologists advise doing this at least once a day, and preferably twice - in the evening and in the morning.
7. Few people care about the question of whether it is necessary to wash before sex; not a single woman will miss this procedure. But not everyone knows whether it is necessary to wash after sex. Experts answer this question unambiguously: no matter how much a woman wants to fall asleep, it will be right to wash herself after sex, and this should always be done.

How to wash pregnant women?

Pregnant women are advised to more carefully monitor their health and the cleanliness of the genitals as well. Ideally, it is recommended to wash yourself after every urination or bowel movement, but working women will find it difficult to do so. Therefore, it is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly and use disinfectant wipes, and thoroughly wash your hands in the morning and evening. All other rules for this hygiene procedure are the same as for a woman who is not expecting an addition. True, pregnant women have difficulty in the very implementation of the process, so you need to choose a comfortable position. With a short period, you can wash yourself as usual, but when the tummy is already large, it is better to wash yourself while sitting on the edge of a low bench or lying down.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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

1. 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.
   • If the infection doesn't go away for more than a week, make an appointment with your doctor to be prescribed medicines to help fight the infection.
   • 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.

Many women carefully monitor their appearance: they visit spas, a hairdresser and a beautician, pay special attention to makeup and figure. After all, you must admit that in order to be desirable and successful, you must definitely take care of yourself. But today we will talk about an issue in which even the most sophisticated fashionistas are sometimes ignorant - this is intimate hygiene.

Perhaps someone will be surprised: what's so difficult? However, there are a number of rules, the observance of which will help a woman (or girl) avoid many female diseases. So, let's talk a little more about how to wash properly.

How to properly wash a woman?

For a long time, the delicate question of how to properly wash a girl (or woman) in our country did not stand at all - it was considered something taboo and almost indecent. Women knew to wash themselves with soap at least twice a day. As a result, the acid-base balance of the vagina is disturbed, and we have such an unpleasant disease as thrush. But that's not all. Few people know that cystitis occurs only in half of the cases as a result of hypothermia, while the remaining 50% of women get sick due to violation of the rules of intimate hygiene.

What is the best way to wash?

Choosing a personal care product involves following a few simple rules:

• it is undesirable to use ordinary soap for washing: it creates an alkaline environment, which is an ideal place for the spread of bacteria;
• the best option is an intimate hygiene gel containing lactic acid and a pH level of 3.3;
• when choosing a gel, pay attention to its composition: it is desirable that it does not contain fragrances, dyes, soaps or other alkaline compounds;
• also, you should not buy a gel with a strong odor and a long shelf life (over 1 year);
• it is not necessary to use washcloths and sponges for washing - there is a risk of damage to the mucous membrane of the intimate area. You may not feel micro scratches, but they are a great breeding ground for bacteria.

We wash only with our hands! Naturally, they must be clean. In rare cases, you can use a sponge to care for the bikini area, but only very carefully.

How should you wash?

This part of daily hygiene should be carried out at least 2 times a day (morning and evening), as well as before and after sexual intercourse. Of course, ideally, you should wash yourself after each visit to the toilet. But being at school or work, it is not possible to do this, so you can use special wipes for intimate hygiene.

Of course, the method of carrying out the procedure is also important:

• when washing, the water should not be too cold (this is fraught with inflammation) or hot - the ideal temperature is about 30 degrees;
• you need to direct the stream of water from top to bottom (from the vagina to the anus), otherwise there is a risk of infection from the anus;
• it is also impossible to direct the jet directly into the vagina: this washes away the protective natural lubricant that prevents the penetration of pathogenic microbes;
• do not roughly rub the genitals with a towel, it is better to gently blot them.

How to properly wash during pregnancy and during menstruation?

It is very important to observe all the rules of intimate hygiene during menstruation. On such days, you should wash yourself with each change of tampons or pads. Recall that pads need to be changed approximately 1 time in 4 hours, and tampons - 1 time in 3 hours. During menstruation, you can not take a bath, go to the pool and swim in the reservoirs.

During pregnancy, it is also important to approach this procedure very carefully, because possible inflammatory processes will threaten not only the health of the mother, but also the unborn baby. In the first trimester of pregnancy, you need to carry out the procedure in the same way as usual. But at a later date, due to the discomfort caused by changes in the figure, it is better to use a special bench for washing, which can be placed in the bath.

Sanitary pads for every day

Probably, almost all women know that they need to change daily pads once every 4 hours, because on their surface there is an accumulation of secretions, which are an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.

Every woman strives for the perfect appearance in the eyes of both men and women. Only a few do not resort to cosmetics to give more expressiveness to facial features. The image of a woman has become a kind of ideal in our hearts, a girl should always be irresistible, clean and smell delicious. But in fact, the boundary of the circle of personal hygiene does not end on the external appearance. Any girl should pay attention not only to the external component, but also to the intimate area of ​​\u200b\u200bher body. Surprisingly, in these places, not every woman can boast of cleanliness. Even today, seemingly well-groomed ladies do not pay attention to the hygiene of the intimate area at all, some do not even know that some care is also required there. Even those ladies who keep the vaginal area clean make a number of mistakes and do it fundamentally wrong. And only a few properly care for the vagina.

Therefore, the topic of our article will be devoted to female intimate hygiene, the rules for caring for the vagina, the mistakes and consequences of improper or impaired vaginal hygiene.

What is female intimate hygiene and why is it needed?

Care of the intimate area is not just regular washing of the vagina, which, by the way, many do fundamentally wrong - it is a whole series of actions aimed at maintaining the cleanliness of the intimate area and the list is not limited to water procedures. Parents should instill intimate etiquette in girls from childhood. In particular, this will help to avoid many diseases that develop due to improper hygiene of the intimate area. But bad luck, often even parents have an erroneous idea about these procedures.

So if washing the pussy is not enough, then what else needs to be done? Hygiene of the female genital organs is a whole system, a single cycle of interrelated things that must be observed:

• Of course, washing is one of the main actions that must be performed every day. But everyone has their own opinion about how this should be done. Below we will dwell on this point in more detail and tell about everything.
• Maintaining hygiene during menstruation - as it turns out, some women do not even have an idea what this means. Many people think that all you need to do is wear pads. But it's far from it
• Follow the rules of wiping both after urination and defecation
• It is necessary to choose the right underwear. It also plays a significant role in the hygiene of your intimate area.
• It is necessary to find a compromise between fashion and convenience when choosing clothes. You also need to follow the rules for wearing clothes.
• Long hair in women is beautiful only on the head. But in the intimate area, they are not only not aesthetic, but also create a favorable environment for the development of bacteria.
• Proper sexual hygiene will also reduce the risk of developing a number of unpleasant diseases of the female genital organs.
• Physical exercises aimed at maintaining the vagina in good shape
• Nutrition. At least periodically, you need to eat foods that help maintain the correct microflora inside the vagina

As you can see, intimate hygiene is a whole complex. But this does not mean at all that you need to abandon all your affairs and deal only with the vagina. These procedures do not take much time. Below we will talk in more detail about each of the above points and find out what is included there.

Vagina Care Rules

Water procedures

Of course, water procedures are indispensable. It's just that a lot of people do it wrong. The vagina has its own microflora, which is not recommended to be violated. Inside, you don’t need to wash anything, it’s enough to wash the pussy outside. If you wash the inside of the vagina, too, then you disrupt the microflora, making the organ more vulnerable to bacteria, which can contribute to the development of various kinds of diseases. If it is necessary to wash the genitals from the inside for any reason, then you do not need to use soap, it disrupts the natural balance and pH. Imbalance, as we have said, leads to infections. Irritation and an allergic reaction may also occur. You can say that you always do this and nothing happens, everything is fine with you, but you don’t have to do it once in a while.

Water should have an optimal temperature and be flowing. It is not recommended to wash yourself in a basin, since with this approach, bacteria and fecal particles can get inside the vagina, provoking microflora disturbances. Surely you have seen advertisements on TV for remedies for thrush, this disease appears just because of this.

Intimate vaginal hygiene during menstruation

During menstruation, it is recommended to pay more attention to vaginal hygiene. Wash frequently and change your pads or tampons regularly. Quite often, the rules for using these funds are violated, girls do not observe the frequency of changing pads and can take place in one all day. If you do not have abundant discharge during menstruation, this does not mean at all that the replacement should be done only when it is completely wet. Even if the gasket looks clean, it must be replaced. Replacement should be done every 2-3 hours. Blood in the vagina disturbs the internal balance, you already know the consequences. It also contributes to the development of various kinds of microorganisms and with prolonged contact of your pussy with the pad, they can penetrate inside.

Wiping rules

After you pee, you need to get rid of the rest of the urine. To do this, a girl should always have sanitary napkins with her. Give preference to non-flavored products, as the ingestion of chemicals and perfume components into the female genital organs is highly undesirable. you need to strictly towards the anus, so you will avoid getting feces inside.

What kind of underwear contributes to the maintenance of intimate hygiene?

The intimate area must be ventilated. There are many sebaceous glands and elevated temperature, together these factors create a favorable environment for bacteria. Therefore, you need to choose underwear made from natural materials - cotton. It is not recommended to wear tight pants, give preference to more spacious and comfortable underwear. Briefs should always be dry, if you get wet to the skin, then if possible you need to change clothes, wet underwear contributes to the development of fungal infections.

What clothes should be preferred?

As mentioned above, the intimate area needs ventilation. But not all clothes meet the requirements for the care of the intimate area. Try to wear tight clothes less often, give preference to loose-fitting clothes. Wear skirts more often.

Pay attention to pubic hair

Long hair in the intimate area is not only unaesthetic, but also unhygienic. Bacteria linger on the hair. Also, excessive vegetation in the genital area creates a greenhouse effect and increases the temperature, preventing ventilation. Especially on hot days, due to densely growing hair, active reproduction of microorganisms begins.

Not necessarily on a bald head, you can simply shorten them with scissors, which will already be good.

Hygiene before, during and after sex

If this is not possible, then use a condom. Many people think that it is only meant to prevent unwanted pregnancies or reduce the risk of contracting some kind of sexually transmitted disease. But in fact, it can save you from other diseases associated with non-compliance with intimate hygiene.

After sex, you also need to take a shower and pee. During sexual intercourse, microorganisms enter the urethra and can provoke inflammation - urine will wash them away.

If you do not use a condom, then you must wash the sperm from the vagina at the end of sexual intercourse. The fact is that it changes the microflora inside the female genital organs, and we have already talked about the consequences of these violations more than once.

Train your vagina

Vaginal care includes more than just keeping the intimate area clean. You also need to pay attention to the physical shape of your genitals. With the help of simple exercises, you can strengthen the muscles of the vagina. In turn, stronger intimate muscles will make your sex life more vibrant.

To do this, you need to do the following: imagine as if you need to interrupt the process of urination. At this time, just those muscles that we need are involved. Try to train every day by tightening the vagina, first for 3 seconds, then for a longer time. Over time, you will begin to feel and control these muscles better.

Trained intimate muscles allow you to forget about such a common problem among women as.

Nutrition to maintain the microflora of the vagina

The main part of the diseases occurs precisely because of a violation of the microflora. Therefore, it is necessary not only to take measures to prevent the penetration of uninvited guests into your cave, but also to strengthen the defense, so to speak. To do this, you need to eat foods that help maintain microflora, and these are yoghurts and other dairy products.

The use of garlic is useful not only in the prevention of the appearance of worms, but also to prevent the development of fungus in the vagina.

As you can see, the circle of vaginal care is very wide, but despite the fairly large number of procedures necessary to maintain the hygiene of a woman's intimate zone, they will not take much time. Remember that the hygiene of the female genital organs is, in particular, the guarantee of the health of your reproductive function.

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