Feminine hygiene products contribute millions to economies worldwide. Unfortunately, however, their scent-altering washes, douches and lubricants expose users to potentially carcinogenic and endocrine disrupting chemicals that increase exposure risk.
Personal hygiene is essential to healthy living. Regularly washing the genital area helps protect against infections like bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections, helping you live a full and happy life.
Feminine wash
As bathroom essentials go, intimate care products we use to clean our vulva and vagina are rarely the focus of Instagram posts or news cycles. But they exist – with many available on the market promising everything from reduced odors and itching relief to self-love promotion; but unfortunately many can also damage vulvovaginal health by unbalance natural bacteria levels in your system.
Gynecologists typically don’t advise using so-called “feminine wash” products because the external genital area (including clitoris and labia minora ) has its own natural balance of healthy bacteria that doesn’t need any soaps or chemicals for cleaning purposes. But for days when quick showering is not an option or for refreshing purposes before an appointment, an easily administered feminine wash could come in handy.
Be mindful to avoid anything scented or foaming that can disrupt the lactobacilli in your vulva and lead to yeast infections, bacterial infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Lubricating gels
Lubricants can bring comfort and pleasure when used alone or with another, while simultaneously reducing friction. The ideal lubricants are water or aloe-based and contain no harsh chemicals, perfumes or dyes; some even qualify as vegan or gluten free!
Silicone lubes are non-toxic, condom friendly lubes that outlive water for maximum efficiency and performance. These lubes may also be ideal for people with latex sensitivities who need something to keep their toys clean.
Though there may be numerous options out there, it is crucial that you choose products that support your vulva’s natural pH and microbiome. Products containing fragrances, harsh chemicals or dyes may irritate intimate area skin causing itching or even sensitivity issues; intimate hygiene products should be hypoallergenic, pH balanced and medically monitored to ensure safety.
Douches
Douches are solutions consisting of water, vinegar, baking soda, soap and fragrances that can be bought in kits from stores and online. Once these solutions have been purchased and flushed into your vagina by squeezing a bottle or bag, studies have found that douching increases sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia as well as pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Bacterial Vaginosis; although such findings come from cross-sectional studies; it remains unknown whether douching actually caused these results or whether these outcomes would have occurred anyway regardless.
Douching also disrupts the vagina’s natural pH balance and can make you more susceptible to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, while aggravating existing infections or spreading them elsewhere in your reproductive tract. Instead of douching, try gentle washes designed for use on external genitalia; use products with an unscented, pH-balanced formula as they will offer greater protection from yeast infections and spread.
Liners
Women today can live more carefree lives due to sanitary pads and tampons, yet sometimes light flow may leave stain marks on underwear that needs absorbing. Liners are specifically designed to do just that!
Panty liners provide everyday protection, or can act as backup to pads or tampons on heavy flow days. In addition, panty liners may help absorb light postpartum bleeding known as “lochia,” which may occur up to eight weeks post birth.
Some girls like to wear liners every day to protect against leaks and stains, while others find they work better as backup for their tampon or menstrual cup on heavier flow days. There are various kinds of liners available with breathable backings that keep you cool; change liners at least every 4 – 6 hours to prevent irritation.
