Maintaining good personal hygiene is an integral component of maintaining healthy skin on your body, including in your vulva.
Douching, taking too many baths and not changing panty liners regularly are all activities which may compromise the vaginal environment’s natural microbiome and lead to decreased health in your vagina.
Consider these feminine care tips when maintaining proper intimate hygiene:
Wash the Outside of Your Vaginosis
Maintaining the exterior of your vulva with proper hygiene is of utmost importance, since bacteria can accumulate within its folds and cause unpleasant odors or lead to yeast infections like bacterial vaginosis.
Avoid douching or other vaginal cleaning products as these may spread harmful germs into deeper parts of your body, including the uterus and ovaries, potentially causing painful periods, bacterial vaginosis or other serious conditions.
Use warm water and a mild soap or feminine hygiene wash to gently cleanse the outside of your vulva with warm water and gentle detergent, such as one carefully formulated and clinically tested so it won’t alter your natural microbiota – this can reduce side effects like itching and irritation.
Don’t Wash Inside Your Vaginosis
The vagina is not dirty and should not require frequent bathing with perfumed soaps or other feminine hygiene products, as doing so could damage its natural ecosystem of beneficial bacteria and cause issues like bacterial vaginosis.
BV (bacteria Vaginosis) is an extremely common infection, typically marked by abnormal grey or yellow discharge and an unpleasant fishy scent. While not an STD, it can still cause considerable discomfort.
Addition of water, soap or intimate products can alter the acidity of your vaginal ecosystem and make conditions less favorable for good bacteria to flourish, creating an imbalance. Bad bacteria could take over more easily as well, which leads to imbalance [1]. For optimal care of the vulva it is best to use unscented soaps and shower from one direction only when showering [2]. However during periods or after unprotected sex playback the pH level can drop and make conditions less suitable for good bacteria survival [3. This is why condom use must not only protect but also ensures [3! ].
Don’t Use Scented Hygiene Products
There are an assortment of feminine hygiene products marketed specifically to women available on the market, such as scented soaps and sprays, wipes, deodorants and douches that women may use to maintain personal hygiene. Unfortunately, none of these help reduce odor and may actually worsen it; douching in particular has the potential to disturb vaginal microbiomes and cause irritation.
Women seeking feminine hygiene products that won’t compromise the natural pH balance or healthy bacteria in the intimate area should use gentle foam washes that don’t disrupt it, such as those from Evvy’s Extended PCR Panel that test for four common STIs. Also consider adding natural fragrance-free lubricant for extra comfort during intimacy.
Don’t Change Your Underwear Too Often
Women often don’t realize they may not be changing their underwear frequently enough, which is crucial when participating in sweaty workouts or menstruation. Regular changes help maintain cleanliness and reduce bacteria that cause itching, odor or infection symptoms in their underwear areas.
Change your underwear after using the restroom and before bedtime; as a general guideline, this should occur every day or two depending on how much vaginal discharge or sweat has occurred.
Underwear made of breathable cotton fabrics should help wick away moisture, and should always be washed separately from clothing containing bodily fluids such as vomit or blood.
Wash Your Bedding
Your bed may be your oasis for restful slumber, but it can also become home to millions of bacteria, fungi and mites that take refuge there too. They’re attracted by sweat, saliva and dead skin cells accumulated on textiles that accumulate over time – washing fabrics regularly will help remove these unwanted visitors and maintain a hygienic sleeping environment – sheets should typically be washed every week while blankets and duvet covers can go two weeks between washes; individuals with allergies or sensitive skin may benefit from washing more frequently as needed.
