On International Women’s Day, we offer some feminine hygiene tips that shouldn’t be ignored, as they help prevent infections.
On March 8th, we celebrate the attainments of women, regardless of their national, ethnic, linguistic, economic, political, or cultural differences. This day is celebrated annually as International Women’s Day. On this day, when we celebrate women and their accomplishments, it’s also essential to pay attention to feminine hygiene. To prevent infections and maintain good reproductive health, women should practice good feminine hygiene. Continue reading to learn the best time to start practising good feminine hygiene. To learn all about the most essential rules of feminine hygiene, HealthShots spoke with Dr Tejaswini J, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals in Electronic City, Bangalore.
What Is Feminine Hygiene?
We’ve repeatedly heard about the importance of washing our hands and showering. Feminine hygiene, according to Dr Tejasvini, consists of a set of regular measures and procedures that women follow to maintain the health of their genitals and reproductive system. The genital area covers bacteria, sweat, and other contaminants that can cause infections if not cleaned regularly. Maintaining proper feminine hygiene includes:
- Washing the vulva daily with water and mild soap
- Wearing clean, breathable underwear instead of synthetic, seamless underwear
- Frequently changing sanitary pads or tampons during menstruation
- Trimming pubic hair
Using feminine hygiene products such as wipes, powders, and deodorants can also help. However, the expert points out that it’s important to choose gentle, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced products to avoid disrupting the vagina’s natural bacterial balance.
When Should Feminine Hygiene Be Emphasised?
While maintaining hygiene is essential from birth, women should begin paying special attention to feminine hygiene at the onset of puberty. During this stage, significant hormonal changes occur in the body, and girls start to menstruate. It is crucial to explain to them the importance of proper hygiene to prevent infections and maintain good overall health. They should be taught how to use hygienic pads correctly, the consequences of not changing them regularly, and how to properly wash their genitals with water and mild soap. They must also be encouraged to change their underwear daily and avoid tight clothing.
The Importance of Feminine Hygiene
Practising proper feminine hygiene is crucial for a woman’s overall health and well-being. Poor hygiene can lead to contagions such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast contagions, and urinary tract infections.
These conditions can cause uneasiness, pain, and, in severe cases, infertility and other complications, says Dr Tejasvini.
Maintaining good hygiene also helps prevent sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer. Women should also keep a healthy diet, exercise often, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to support reproductive health.
Trends in vaginal douching and steam baths
Just look at social media to see how many women are promoting vaginal douching and steam baths. However, health professionals do not recommend these procedures, as they can disrupt the natural bacterial poise of the vagina and increase the risk of infection, according to one expert. Vaginal douching involves rinsing the vagina with water or other solutions. This may seem like the best way to keep the intimate area clean, but this process can remove beneficial bacteria and irritate the vaginal lining.
As for vaginal steaming, it involves sitting over a container of hot water infused with herbs, which can also cause burns and infections. That sounds quite painful! You should avoid these practices and focus on simple feminine hygiene practices, such as washing with water and mild soap and wearing clean, breathable underwear. If you experience symptoms such as vaginal discharge, itching, or a foul odour, consult a doctor for proper treatment.