We all know that talking about the vagina and sex issues is a taboo in our country, even today. Although over the years, there has been a gradual change in people’s mindsets about such subjects, there are still many women who refrain from talking about their feminine hygiene issues. Maintaining vaginal hygiene is very important, hence, here is a list of rules concerning your nether regions, which many women do not know about.
1. Wet and Sweaty Bottoms Can Cause Bacteria: Women often get their panties wet due to vaginal discharge, sweat or not cleaning the vagina after urinating. Wet bottoms for a long period can cause bacteria to develop, resulting in bad odour or infections. Hence, always keep your vagina clean and dry.
2. Not Changing Your Sanitary Napkin for 9 Hours: It’s very important for menstruating women to change their sanitary napkins every 5-7 hours. If sanitary napkins are worn for long, they can cause rashes, bad odour and put you at the risk of infection.
3. Wearing Tight Clothes Can Cause Sweat: It’s always recommended that women wear breathable innerwear, made of cotton fabric. Tight inners and synthetic fabrics can reduce the air circulation causing sweat, which puts you at a higher risk of developing vaginal infection.
4. Not Maintaining the pH Level May Cause Harm: The vagina naturally keeps itself safe from bacteria and infections by maintaining an optimum temperature and moisture with a specific pH balance. Normally, the pH level of a vagina is around 3.8 to 4.5, which can be drastically altered by using harsh soaps or chemical cleansers. This can permanently damage your vagina and cause constant irritation and infections. To maintain this pH level, use a mild soap and water to clean your sensitive parts. In case if you find a strong and unpleasant odour, consult your doctor immediately.
5. Cleaning Vagina After Intercourse Is A Must: Body fluids and particles from condom and other innate products can cause infection in the vagina. Hence, it’s very important to clean the vagina with a mild soap and water to keep it safe from infections and bacteria.
6. Remove Pubic Hair: Always keep your pubic hair short or remove it completely in order to keep your private parts clean. To extent possible, avoid using razors, but if you still need to, then always use a new blade.
7. Talcum Powder Helps You Keep It Dry: Make it an everyday after-bath routine to apply some talc on your vagina. This will help your vagina stay clean and dry for hours.
8. Avoid Douching: Douching means to wash or soak in French. The douching involves rinsing your private parts with an acidic chemical fluid and is often done post-intercourse to kill the sperms. But douches interfere with pH level and can cause infection and more over it is an ineffective contraceptive at best. Hence, abstain from this practice.
9. Avoid Scrubbing Your Nether Regions: The skin on your private parts is sensitive and can easily peel off when scrubbed with a harsh product. Hence always opt for products that are gentle and easy on the skin.
10. Coloured Fluid Discharge is Not Normal: It’s very important to know about the kind of fluids that your body discharges. If your innerwear stinks or you witness coloured (green/yellow) urine or vaginal discharge, consult your doctor immediately.
