Feminine Intimate Hygiene: What no one tells you, but everyone needs to know!

(5 minutes reading)

Feminine intimate hygiene is much more than a simple cleaning routine - it is an essential care for a woman's health and well-being. However, there is still a lot of misinformation about what is actually beneficial and what can actually harm the vaginal flora. Many women make daily mistakes without even realizing it, increasing the risk of infections, irritation and discomfort.

But how do you properly care for your intimate area? In this article, we will demystify common myths, explain the main health problems related to intimate hygiene and share the best practices for maintaining the natural balance of your vagina.

Get ready to discover what no one taught you in school!

The biggest mistakes in intimate hygiene (and how to avoid them!)

Our intimate hygiene routine may seem simple, but some seemingly harmless practices may be doing more harm than good. From using inappropriate products to daily habits that unbalance the vaginal flora, there are mistakes that many women make without realizing it. Let's explain what they are and how to correct them!

❌ Use vaginal douches: Many women believe that washing the vagina internally helps maintain hygiene. Wrong! The vagina has a self-cleaning system and douches can eliminate beneficial bacteria, unbalancing the vaginal flora and increasing the risk of infections.

❌ Wash yourself with regular soap several times a day: excessive use of unsuitable soaps alters the vaginal pH and can cause irritation, dryness and infections. Choose soaps specifically for intimate hygiene, with a balanced pH.

❌ Using scented products: sprays, intimate deodorants and scented wipes may seem like a good idea, but they invite allergies and changes in the vaginal microbiota. The ideal is to keep the area clean only with water and suitable products.

❌ Believing that menstruation "dirties" the body: menstruation is a natural process and does not represent dirt. Just maintain normal hygiene and change menstrual products frequently.

❌ Do not urinate after sexual intercourse: urinating after sexual intercourse helps eliminate bacteria that may enter the urethra, preventing urinary infections.

Health problems that can arise with inadequate intimate hygiene

When intimate hygiene is not performed correctly, the body can give warning signs, and these signs are often ignored. From uncomfortable infections to more serious problems, knowing how to identify and prevent these complications is essential for intimate health. See the main related problems and how to protect yourself.

1. Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections are one of the most common problems resulting from inadequate intimate hygiene. The main infections include:

• Vaginal candidiasis : This infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans and is characterized by intense itching, thick, whitish discharge and a burning sensation when urinating. Excessive use of harsh soaps can alter the vaginal pH and encourage the growth of this fungus. In addition, factors such as prolonged use of antibiotics, stress and a weakened immune system can increase the predisposition to candidiasis.
• Bacterial vaginosis : This occurs when there is an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, resulting in the proliferation of harmful bacteria. This condition manifests itself through a grayish discharge with a foul, fishy odor. Using vaginal douches and scented products can significantly increase the risk. Treatment includes the use of prescribed antibiotics and maintaining a balanced vaginal pH.

2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a serious infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, usually caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. It can result in severe abdominal pain, fever, abnormal discharge and, in severe cases, infertility. Prevention involves adopting good hygiene practices, using condoms and having regular gynecological exams.

3. Vaginal Dryness and Lubrication

Vaginal dryness affects many women at different stages of their lives, and is particularly common during menopause due to decreased estrogen levels. This condition can cause discomfort, irritation, pain during sex and even increase the risk of urinary and vaginal infections. In addition to menopause, factors such as the use of hormonal contraceptives, stress and certain medications can contribute to vaginal dryness. Products such as vaginal moisturizers and gels with hyaluronic acid are recommended to relieve symptoms and restore natural lubrication.

4. Changes in Vaginal Microbiota

The vaginal microbiota is made up of beneficial bacteria that help maintain a balanced pH and protect against infections. Frequent use of inappropriate products, such as regular soaps or vaginal douches, can compromise this protection, increasing the risk of infections and intimate discomfort.

Essential tips for healthy intimate hygiene

Maintaining good intimate hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated! Small daily habits can make all the difference in avoiding discomfort and maintaining balanced vaginal health. Discover the best practices that will help you always feel fresh and protected.

• Use pH-balanced soaps: The vaginal pH is naturally acidic, between 3.8 and 4.5, and the use of alkaline soaps can alter this balance, favoring the growth of harmful microorganisms. Products with lactic acid help maintain healthy vaginal flora. Related products: Intimate Hygiene
• Avoid douching: Douching can wash away beneficial bacteria and increase the risk of infections.
• Clean the intimate area after sexual intercourse: to prevent urinary and vaginal infections, it is recommended to urinate and wash the area with warm water and suitable soap.
• Wash only with water and suitable soaps to avoid irritation.
• Dry the intimate area well after bathing to avoid excessive moisture.
• Change menstrual products frequently to avoid infections. Related products: Sanitary Pads & Tampons

Products that make a difference in your intimate routine

Choosing the right products for intimate hygiene can prevent many problems and ensure a feeling of comfort and well-being. Here are some recommendations that can be your best allies in your daily life!

• Intimate soaps with lactic acid: help maintain a balanced vaginal pH, reducing the risk of infections. Related products: Intimate Hygiene
• Fragrance-free panty liners: absorb moisture without causing irritation.
• Cotton underwear: allows better ventilation and reduces excessive humidity that can encourage the proliferation of fungi.
• Vaginal probiotics: help repopulate the microbiota with beneficial bacteria, preventing recurrent infections. Related products: Vaginal probiotics
• Unscented wet wipes: suitable for hygiene outside the home, as long as they do not contain alcohol or irritating fragrances. Related products: Wipes
• Vaginal moisturizers: specially formulated for women in menopause or with vaginal dryness, providing comfort and preventing irritation. Containing hyaluronic acid, they help combat vaginal dryness, restoring natural lubrication and reducing intimate discomfort. Related products: Moisturizers
• Water-based lubricants: essential for improving comfort during sexual intercourse, especially for women who suffer from vaginal dryness. Related products: Water-based lubricant

Conclusion

Taking care of intimate hygiene is essential for a woman's health and well-being. Small adjustments to your routine can make all the difference and prevent unpleasant problems. Information and education on this topic are essential so that all women can take care of their intimate health effectively and safely. Here are the main points to remember:

✔ The vagina cleans itself internally - avoid vaginal douches.

✔ Choose intimate soaps with an appropriate pH.

✔ Avoid scented products that may cause irritation .

✔ Urinate after sexual intercourse to avoid infections .

✔ Wear cotton underwear and stay well hydrated .

As always, your favorite online store is always available to help answer any questions you may have so you can make the best choice for you! Find all women's health products here .

Bibliographic References:

Gandhi, A., Madnani, N., Thobbi, V., Vora, P., Seth, S., & Shah, P. (2022). Intimate hygiene for women: Expert practice points. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Manukhin, IB, Manukhina, EI, Safaryan, IR, & Ovakimyan, MA (2022). Female intimate hygiene is a relevant addition to preventing vulvovaginitis. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health.

Graziottin, A. (2024). Maintaining vulvar, vaginal and perineal health: Clinical considerations. Women's Health.

Murina, F., Graziottin, A., Bagot, O., Panay, N., Thamkhantho, M., & Shaw, S. (2021). Real-World Practices and Attitudes Towards Intimate Self-Care. Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction.

Chen, Y., Bruning, E., Rubino, J., & Eder, S. (2017). Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health. Women's Health.

Vale, F., Rezende, C., Raciclan, A., Bretas, T., & Geber, S. (2019). Efficacy and safety of a non-hormonal intravaginal moisturizer. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology.

*This article was written with the help of Artificial Intelligence.