Feminine Hygiene 101

Did you know that vagina is self-cleaning?

When it comes to taking care of the vagina, less is more!

We have been told our whole life that our vagina needs to be pretty and smell like flowers. So, many women use a wide variety of methods, such as soaping the vulva or douching.

What many don’t know is that both practices are harmful. They can make you prone to infections and inflammation.

Many women with infections try to clean it out with soap. Never do that because it will irritate the area further.

Taking care of your vagina is quite easy. It requires delicate handling. Over-cleaning it will mess with its pH which should be equal to or less than 4.5. The vagina has healthy bacteria to keep it clean.

So, how do you take care of your vagina and keep it clean?

When it comes to maintaining vaginal health, there are more don’ts than dos.

Do:

wear cotton panties
gently clean vulva lips if you want to clean your vagina
use unscented soaps for delicate skin
use your fingers to clean
mix a small amount of odorless soap and water
wipe or use water after peeing or intercourse
trim pubes lightly rather than fully waxing
use natural shaving creams to remove hair

Don’t:

never douche
don’t scratch the area if it becomes itchy
don’t scrub your vulva
don’t clean the inside of your vagina
avoid tight panties for regular wear
don’t use scented soaps
never clean your vagina too harshly
don’t use feminine hygiene products unless they are certified
use feminine hygiene products seldom unless they are prescribed by a doctor
never wipe from butt to vagina as anal bacteria causes infection or UTI in the vagina
don’t use dyed and overly scented lubes or condoms

Some important tips to remember:

Never douche no matter how many people suggest it. It has become a popular practice, but it destroys healthy vaginal bacteria and makes you vulnerable to infections.
It’s common to wax or shave off pubes completely. Many people see it as part of feminine hygiene. But having a small layer of pubes is good for you because there will be less itchiness, sweating, and friction. The delicate outer skin remains protected.
If your vagina has an infection, inflammation, tears, or scars alongside pelvic pain, you should consult a gynecologist. This can indicate STI (sexually transmitted disease).

Vagina being self-cleaning is an advantage. Rather than trying to mold it to popular culture standards, let it perform naturally.