Feminine hygiene refers to a daily regimen for maintaining and cleansing one’s vulva, such as using products such as menstrual cups, panty liners and tampons. Additionally, this requires visiting a gynecologist on an annual basis as well as maintaining healthy eating habits and remaining hydrated.
Always wash from front to back and avoid using products with fragrance that could disturb the natural pH balance, such as scented hygiene products or cotton-breathable undergarment liners that breathe, so as to maintain an ideal internal environment. Make sure to quickly change sweaty gym clothing or wet swimsuits as soon as they become uncomfortable or wet.
Washes
Female wash is a cleansing solution designed to gently and safely clean the genital area (vulva and external genitalia such as the clitoris), without irritating or drying delicate tissues. Selecting an incorrect cleanser could worsen vulvar dermatitis symptoms.
A good feminine wash should be designed with gentle ingredients in mind and without irritating or drying agents such as sulfates, parabens, or fragrances that could potentially irritate or dry out vulvar skin. Furthermore, its pH level will work to support rather than disrupt natural vulva balance.
Although some women choose to douche their vulva, it’s important to understand that doing so may alter its natural pH level and increase susceptibility to infection. Instead, look for an intimate wash that has been tested for health and comfort purposes and comes recommended by medical experts.
Wipes
Feminine wipes are convenient and portable, making them a popular choice for intimate hygiene. But their formula often includes chemicals that cause irritation and lead to genital contact dermatitis.
Preservatives are used to keep non-woven cloth moistened and prevent bacteria growth within packages, but these ingredients may leave behind residue on skin that disrupts its natural microflora and lead to allergic reactions in more susceptible individuals. Many contain perfumes and other scented ingredients which could trigger reactions in sensitive vulvas.
Some feminine wipes advertise themselves as pH balancing products, and it is essential to find one that complements your vaginal and external vulva pH range. Look for products without glycerin that use propanediol or formaldehyde releasers as preservatives instead of these chemicals.
Moisturizers
Moisturizing the vulva is an integral component of feminine hygiene practices. A moisturizer can provide much-needed relief from dryness, itching and discomfort while helping reduce abnormal odor. Furthermore, moisturization may increase vaginal elasticity while encouraging the healthy balance of bacteria flora.
Pick a gentle vulva moisturizer with pH-balancing properties to help restore natural acidity and salt balance to the vaginal ecosystem. A formula free from potential irritants like glycerin would be most appropriate.
Moisturizers come in various forms such as creams and gels as well as vaginal melts/suppositories (pronounced suh-PAH-zih-TOR-ee) that you insert directly into the body with an applicator similar to what tampon users use for application. Moisturizers should be applied at least twice weekly or as directed by product instructions; make sure your hands are clean before and after using moisturizer; for optimal results apply it before sleeping for maximum absorption!
Powders
Feminine hygiene products are used to maintain the vulvar and vaginal health, including wash, wipes and powders. These can assist with discharge, infections and odour issues related to both areas.
Mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina are permeable and absorb chemicals quickly, yet until recently little was known about how these toxins might enter the bloodstream and increase risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Feminine hygiene products are a billion-dollar industry and an indispensable part of women’s lives, but their use can have severe repercussions for vaginal health and wellbeing. From environmental effects such as used pads and wipes being dumped in landfills to their prohibitive cost and limited accessibility for lower income women – practicing basic vaginal hygiene habits and eating the appropriate food may help mitigate some risks associated with their use.
Creams
Feminine hygiene encompasses the care and maintenance of women’s vulva (outer and inner labia, clitoris, mons pubis) and vagina. Products designed to address this topic include cleansers, washes, wipes, douches and sprays that target this part of their genital area.
Douching can alter the vaginal ecosystem and alter its natural pH level, leaving it open to infection and potentially leading to burning, irritation and inflammation in the vulva. It may even result in burning sensations during or immediately following douching sessions.
Good feminine hygiene is an integral component of women’s wellbeing; unfortunately, many are unaware of its best practices or have difficulty with accessing and affording feminine hygiene products. If this becomes an issue for a woman, she may resort to unhealthy methods instead if she can’t afford these products such as using cloth, rags, or toilet paper instead as means for hygiene management.
