As you browse the feminine hygiene aisle, it can be difficult to know where to begin. But you don’t require all those products in order to achieve adequate intimate hygiene.
However, many of them can disrupt the natural vaginal pH level and microbiome balance, potentially leading to irritation and infections. So what are your alternatives?
Tampons
Tampons are an easy and cost-effective menstrual hygiene product used to absorb menstrual blood. Made of tightly compacted cotton, tampons can range in size, shape, and absorbency depending on their thickness and design; some feature plastic or cardboard applicators while others may simply be inserted with one finger insertion; leak protection and odor control features may be offered as additional bonuses. Tampons should be replaced every 4-6 hours as prolonged wear could result in toxic shock syndrome which may be life threatening!
Though feminine hygiene products provide many women with essential services, many also face difficulty when trying them. Financial constraints prevent some from having access, while others resort to using cloth, toilet paper or rags from public bathrooms as an alternative source. Therefore, providing more options and support services to these women should be prioritized.
Sanitary pads
Women often use menstrual underwear (or sanitary pads), known as menstrual sanitary napkins, to absorb their inner vaginal blood. These rectangular pieces of absorbent cloth attach securely to a woman’s undergarment with extra material on either side called wings preventing leaks and keeping it secure – also referred to as sanitary pads.
Many girls and women prefer tampons over sanitary pads for less messy exercise, sports playing and swimming activities. Tampons can be found at most stores as well as public bathrooms equipped with dispensers.
Women and girls require safe, high-quality feminine hygiene products in order to feel secure when using them. In an ideal world, these products would not damage or interfere with vaginal microflora; additionally they should be hypoallergenic, soap-free, pH neutral products able to protect vaginal dryness thereby ensuring no irritations or rashes.
Condoms
Condoms can help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You can buy them for low prices through distribution programs or pharmacies and grocery stores, and knowing how to use one properly – including lubrication with water-based lubricant is ideal – is essential. A regular-size condom should fit most penises. After sexual intercourse, squeeze it to prevent leaks before placing in your wallet or any other warm place where heat could break it apart; additionally spermicide may also be added for reduced infection risks.
Period poverty refers to the inability of women and girls to afford menstruation products, compromising health, education and economic opportunities. To combat this issue effectively, advocacy and education are needed.
Washing the vagina
An outing to the drugstore feminine hygiene aisle might leave you feeling as if you need to wash every inch of your vulva with soap and water, but it is important to remember that your vagina is self-cleaning; its discharge naturally removes dead cells and bacteria preventing infections such as yeast infections. Harsh soaps or fragranced products could throw this natural balance off and lead to issues like yeast infections.
To ensure proper vulva hygiene, use mild soap and warm water. Gently massage each fold while avoiding harsh scrubbing; rinse off any residue of soap to ensure maximum cleanliness.
Women should wear cotton underwear that is breathable and helps manage moisture, in addition to washing their vulva regularly. After using the toilet they should wipe front to back after wiping from front to back as douching is unnecessary and disrupts flora in their vulva leading to irritation. It is also wise to practice safe sex by using condoms to protect from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Furthermore, prior to and after sexual contact it is particularly essential that they wash their vulva before engaging in intimate activity – particularly before engaging in sexual contact.
