The term “Feminine Hygiene” refers to regular cleaning and sanitizing of the vaginal and breast area and in recent years women have become more conscious of the importance of feminine hygiene. The advent of products that revolve around feminine hygiene, such as soothing wipes and washes with antibacterial and antifungal properties have further created awareness of problems that can occur as a result of poor feminine hygiene. While you may or may not be using feminine hygiene products; this article aims to bring to light; effective feminine hygiene tips and suggestions. Read further for 20 effective ways to maintain feminine hygiene and avoid bacterial or fungal infections that the vaginal and breast area is often vulnerable to.
#1. Use Hot Water & Avoid Soap for Cleaning The Vaginal Region
The ideal way to wash the vaginal area is with hot water with an emphasis on avoiding the practice of cleaning the vagina region with soaps. Hot water is sufficient for washing off sweat and moisture while soap can affect the pH balance of the vagina, which is a protective shield against bacterial and fungal growths. Washing with hot water is one of the best ways to maintain good feminine hygiene.
#2. Avoid Sprays & Douches
Many sprays and douches come with the promise of artificial floral scents for the vaginal area; however, these products have proven to be hazardous. They upset the pH balance within the vagina and can even cause rashes and breakouts. So avoid using any sprays and douches to your private parts and to maintain good feminine hygiene.
#3. Change Your Sanitary Pads Every 3 To 4 Hours
Menstruation leaves the vaginal area moist for a prolonged amount of time and increases the chances of fungal and bacterial infections. Periods are a time for extra hygiene measures which means more washing and wiping with soft anti-corrosive tissue. So it is important to frequently change your sanitary pads during menstruation to maintain good feminine hygiene.
#4. Use Vaginal Cleansing Wipes Recommended By Doctor
Before purchasing vaginal cleansing wipes and products; you might like to seek out a recommendation from a dermatologist or gynecologist. These medical professionals are in the best position to give you advice on the best and safest products. So, it is always recommended to use vaginal cleansing wipes and products prescribed by doctor to maintain good feminine hygiene
#5. Always Use Cotton Underwear
Cotton underwear is your best bet for vaginal hygiene. Cotton absorbs sweat and moisture, which when concentrated around your vaginal area can lead to fungal and bacterial infections and some serious discomfort. Using cotton underwear is an effective way to maintain good feminine hygiene.
#6. Avoid Tight Fitting Clothes
Avoid wearing tight fitting lowers for extended periods of time. Skinny jeans, stretch pants and other such skirts and trousers can cause excessive perspiration around the vaginal area that can ultimately lead to fungal and bacterial growths.
#7. Change Wet Undergarments ASAP
Changing out of wet undergarments or a swimsuit as soon as possible is an important factor for vaginal or feminine hygiene. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to breakouts caused by yeast infections. So it is important to get out of wet underwear immediately to maintain good feminine hygiene.
#8. Wash Up After Sex
Penetrative sex is best followed up with thorough washing of the insides of and the area surrounding the vagina. Bodily fluids exchanged during sex; can lead to infections that are not strictly limited to STDs. This is one of the best ways to maintain good feminine hygiene.
#9. Urinate After Sex
Urinating after sex is a great way to flush out semen and other fluids from the vaginal opening. This can effectively minimize the chances of upsetting the pH balance of the vaginal interiors. Semen is primarily alkaline while the pH of the vaginal interiors is acidic. Leaving semen within the vagina after sex can upset this pH balance and promote the growth of fungi and yeast.
#10. Eat Plenty Of Yogurt
Eating plenty of yogurt is one way to foster good bacteria that promote vaginal health. Additionally; eating yogurt has proven to be an effective way to prevent and even treat vaginal yeast outbreaks along with maintaining good feminine hygiene.
#11. Consume Garlic Everyday
Garlic has anti-fungal properties that support vaginal health. Eating plenty of garlic is an additional way to prevent and even treat vaginal yeast outbreaks. Daily consumption of garlic is a effective way to maintain good feminine hygiene.
#12. Follow A Fruit Rich Diet
A diet that includes many fruits like strawberries, cranberries and even pineapple can have perfuming effect on the vagina. Vaginal fluids tend to smell fruity when one is on a fruit-heavy diet. This is one safe way to eliminate unpleasant vaginal odors and also a great way towards good feminine hygiene.
#13. Always Consult Your Doctor For Treating Any Yeast Infections
Over the counter remedies can be a great way to treat yeast infections but to stay on the safe side; talk to a dermatologist about the best course of action.
#14. Use Condoms for Good Feminine Hygiene
Condoms are intrinsic to vaginal health and can protect a woman from a wide range of genital infections as a result of penetrative sex with unreliable partners.
#15. Perform Kegel exercises
Vaginal exercises or Kegel exercises not only tighten the vagina, but also prevent incontinence to a large degree. Incontinence can be an area of concern for vaginal hygiene in your latter years.
#16. Use Unscented Vaginal Wipes
Unscented vaginal wipes are the best variation when you need to use wipes for convenient cleaning of your private part to maintain good feminine hygiene. Scented variations generally have added chemicals that may cause a reaction or upset the acidic pH balance of the vaginal interiors.
#17. Seek Medical Attention For Vaginitis
One of the most common vaginal hygiene problems faced by women is Vagintis, which is characterized by an unpleasant odor and itching around the vaginal area. Vaginitis should not be mistaken for poor feminine hygiene that requires extra cleaning and sanitization. One should seek medical intervention as soon as possible for Vaginitis.
#18. Get Regular Testing For STDs
Unprotected sex should be followed up by testing for STDS which when diagnosed on time are largely treatable in most cases. Having made this point; unprotected sex should be avoided at all costs not only for good feminine hygiene but also for overall health.
#19. Use Mild Soaps To Wash The Breasts Area
Feminine hygiene can arguably include the breast area, which should be kept clean with gentle and mild soaps and washed with antifungal and moisturizing properties. This is one of the best ways to maintain good feminine hygiene in the breast area.
#20. Take Daily Showers To Maintain Good Feminine Hygiene
Daily bathing can help keep the breast area clean and effectively washes the sweat and grime that could lead to yeast and fungal infections under the breasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion; feminine hygiene largely governs your comfort and a healthy sex life. Any medical issues with the female genitalia should be treated by a qualified doctor; however, feminine hygiene and preventing infections is largely your responsibility.
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