Feminine hygiene involves more than simply cleansing your genital area regularly; it involves making sure you have access to tools to safely manage your period.
International guidelines recommend using a mild external wash that doesn’t disrupt the natural balance of microbiota in the vulva and that can be used daily without disrupting natural vulva microbiome, in order to help prevent infection spread and spread.
Cleanse
Intimate hygiene may be sensitive topic, but it’s also an integral component of overall health. Your vulva hosts billions of healthy bacteria which play an integral part in keeping it free from yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They also maintain normal pH levels while producing light sweet smelling bacteria which help protect from outside sources like external genitalia infection.
Maintaining a clean environment in this sensitive area is of utmost importance, yet commercial feminine hygiene products may do more damage than good. Feminine washes with fragrances or additives could strip away or alter bacteria colonies found therein.
Gynecologists advise their patients to regularly wash their vulvae with warm water after using the toilet and before sleeping to eliminate bacteria that could otherwise invade and cause irritation and itching. In addition, cotton underwear is preferable over synthetic fabrics as this will keep out outside bacteria that could potentially wreak havoc with vaginal health.
Moisturize
A healthy vulva and vaginal area require moisture. Wearing an absorbent pantyliner such as ALWAYS Dailies daily helps absorb any natural discharge, keeping you feeling fresh and clean.
Studies by experts indicate that using regular soap or body wash may disrupt the natural balance of bacteria around your vulva, potentially leading to infections like yeast infections. Douching may also harm by washing away lactobacilli found within your vagina.
Gynecologists note that feminine washes are an effective alternative to soap and shower gel in cleansing the vulva area, yet many contain ingredients which could irritate its delicate skin and mucous membrane. Instead, opt for a mild cleanser designed specifically for intimate areas and featuring hypoallergenicity, soap-freeness, pH neutrality and no fragrances or essential oils – products can often be found in feminine hygiene sections of supermarkets or pharmacies; additionally, the American National Standards Evaluation Service assesses internal sanitary products such as tampons and menstrual cups to ensure safety without excessive levels of chemicals being present.
Freshen
Keeping the genital area, or vulva, clean and healthy can be challenging, which is why maintaining its hygiene is essential. While women may recall disposable pads and tampons as the only solutions available for managing menstrual flow in years past, nowadays there are more choices such as panty shields, reusable cloth napkins and silicone cups that may better meet individual needs.
Utilizing appropriate products will help avoid irritation, infection and odor in vagina. Furthermore, any substance which alters pH levels or interferes with natural bacteria in vagina should also be avoided.
The Museum’s collection contains items that promote feminine hygiene during an era when discussing menstruation was still seen as taboo. Tampons, powders, and douches helped women maintain an appearance of health during menstruation cycles by “passing as healthy.” Today environmental and safety concerns have led to an explosion of alternative feminine hygiene products such as custom-made reusable cloth napkins or sea sponge tampons which pose less threat than high absorbency synthetic-material tampons for toxic shock syndrome risks.
Protect
The vulva includes the pubic mound, labia and clitoris of the vagina as well as its opening at the urethra (urinary exit). A healthy vagina remains clean through natural secretions; to minimize irritation and avoid potential infections it is wise to wash it daily with warm water-soap to ensure optimal hygiene.
Douching may disrupt the balance of genital microbiome, and should be avoided to protect its delicate balance. Relying too heavily on harsh soaps for personal care could irritate vulvae and cause abrasions that lead to Vulvar Dermatitis.
Internal feminine hygiene products like tampons and menstrual cups inserted into the vulva to absorb blood may carry the risk of menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an acute infectious condition caused by Staphylococcus aureus or “golden staph.” To protect women and health professionals against TSS when using these products, ANSES advises greater awareness on this matter when purchasing them.
