Feminine hygiene is an integral component of women’s overall health. Forming a daily hygiene routine helps ensure her vulva remains clean and healthy throughout her lifetime.
An effective feminine hygiene routine entails daily gentle cleansing of the vulva, including its pubic mount, inner and outer labia, clitoris and clitoris. Achieve optimal feminine health requires that harsh soaps such as douching are avoided as this may alter your natural vaginal microbiome and cause its disruption.
Tampons
Many women rely on tampons to control their menstrual flow. These cylindrical-shaped devices, made of absorbent materials and equipped with strings for easy insertion and removal from vagina, come in various sizes and absorbencies that accommodate fluctuating menstrual flows throughout the day or night.
Tampons have long been worn by women of many cultures for hygienic reasons. First recorded in Egyptian medical texts during the 15th century BCE, Roman women used wool tampons; traditional Hawaiian women created them from furry parts of native ferns called hapu’u; while early American women created them using soft papyrus.
Women often rely on pads, douching and lubricants to manage their periods in an ideal manner and live as normally as possible during menstrual bleeding. While these products help women overcome stigma associated with menstrual blood loss and live as normally as possible, they still contain plastic applicators and synthetic materials which contribute to an ever-increasing volume of garbage in American landfills as well as pose the small risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which can result in fever, rash, fatigue and lower blood pressure symptoms in some individuals.
Pads
Pads offer women an alternative to tampons that they may find more comfortable and convenient. Available in various absorbencies and lengths ranging from short slender panty liners to long overnight pads, some are designed for use during lochia (heavy bleeding after childbirth) while some feature adhesive patches to help secure them into place.
Cons: Pads require inserting, and may shift out of position or wrinkle under certain types of clothing. Furthermore, they may cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an often life-threatening condition caused by certain bacteria; to avoid TSS occurring regularly replacement pads should always be purchased and changed out regularly.
Reusable cloth menstrual pads are washable and last up to ten years. Their use reduces waste generated from disposable feminine hygiene products while saving money in the long run. Reusable pads also enable low-income families to afford proper sanitary protection without resorting to unsafe materials like newspaper, grass or cow dung – an invaluable service that could potentially save their daughters’ lives.
Wipes
Have feminine wipes handy is an invaluable way to quickly clean up after an accidental leak, or to provide an instant refresher during the day. Look for wipes with soothing aloe vera extract and hydrating Camellia Sinensis leaf extract for the best experience.
Avoid wipes with scents or preservatives that contain fragrance, as these can affect the intimate microbiome and leave harsh ingredients on your skin that could potentially trigger skin reactions in some women.
Feminine wipes may help with odor, but your vagina should naturally clean itself. If an increase in odor or discomfort persists, consult your gynecologist as this could be a telltale sign of bacterial vaginosis or another serious medical issue.
Bar Soap or Body Wash
Toiletries sections often offer special feminine hygiene soaps designed for use around the vulva region and often boast lower pH levels than regular soap. These may provide extra care and gentle cleansing of this area of concern.
The vulva is home to an intricate ecosystem made up of beneficial and harmful lactobacilli bacteria that keep it functioning at an optimum level, and any disruption of this balance may lead to yeast infections, bacterial infections, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Feminine washes must not only contain low pH levels but should also be free from fragrances, dyes, additives, and essential oils that are known irritants; such chemicals and ingredients could potentially irritate while also being drying to the skin.
Body wash offers another option for cleaning the body, yet its ingredients may be hard to discern. As dermatologists advise, read all labels of products used on your body carefully in order to find one with no chemicals, perfumes or essential oils added – such as gentle, unscented soap.
