Taking Care of Our Feminine Hygiene
Although we all learn the basic rules of intimate personal hygiene growing up, feminine hygiene is still one of the hushed topics in our society. There tends to be a lot of confusion over what is right, what is safe, and what is not in terms of caring for our vagina. However, it is particularly important to understand how to maintain vaginal hygiene to keep the genital area clean to avoid infection and bacterial growth. For more information, you can talk to the best GYN in Brownsville at Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center.
Here are some of the important dos and don’ts to stay fresh, clean, and healthy “down there”!
Keep your vagina dry
The vagina produces natural fluids. But excess moisture buildup can be the ground for bacteria to grow. So, it is important to note how to eliminate extra moisture. This includes:
- Wearing breathable undergarments
- Changing out of wet and sweaty undergarments
- Wiping after urination (the right way to wipe is from front to back)
Change sanitary pad every 4-6 hours
Not changing sanitary pads and tampons for a long period of time can lead to rashes and unpleasant odors. At certain points, it can also lead to infection. It is recommended to change pads every 4 to 6 hours but during heavy flow, it is best to change pads every 3-4 hours. If you are using tampons, change them every 6 hours.
Don’t use soap
Strongly perfumed soaps affect your vagina’s natural pH which can disrupt your vaginal balance making you more at risk of infection. So, skip the soap and use warm water instead.
Clean up the vagina after sex
Always make it a habit to clean up after sex. Body fluids can cause irritation too. Cleaning up after sex can also prevent infection, such as urinary tract infection (UTI).
Do not shave off pubic hair
The pubic hair is especially important in vaginal hygiene. Do not shave it off as it may cut the skin which can cause irritation, leaving you more prone to infection. It is better to trim with scissors than shave it all off completely.
See your gynecologist annually
Making an appointment and taking the time to talk to your gynecologist regularly will ensure that you are keeping up with the necessary tests and procedures. This will also give you the chance to address any questions and concerns related to your reproductive health.
Do not ignore signs of infection
Do not ignore any signs and symptoms of vaginal infections. From the stinky smell to colored vaginal discharge, it is best to consult your doctor immediately. Also, an itchy vagina or pain in the vaginal region could already be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Every woman should know the most basic feminine hygiene to ensure a healthy vagina. You know yourself and your vagina better than anyone else, so if you notice something is not right, call your gynecologist immediately to book an appointment.
At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we have the best GYN doctor in East New York, and we provide women with quality healthcare services. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us on 1-347-384-5690 or 1-347-955-3465. You can also visit our website to book an appointment online at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@doralhw.org if you have any queries.