70% of women in the world get vaginal infection one way or the other, however, there is a way to care for your underwear when you have a toilet or yeast infection.
Many women till date refrain from talking or sharing tips on how to maintain feminine hygiene. However, it is important to know about vaginal hygiene to keep your genitals clean and your reproductive tract healthy.
No matter what age you are, there are few basic vaginal hygiene rules every woman should know about.
This is the best time to pay particular attention to your hygiene and ensure it is at its peak.
1. Keep the undergarments dry
As a woman, it is expected to wipe off your vaginal after urinating.
It can cause the panties to get wet, which can not only lead to bad odour but put you at risk of vaginal infections, hence, it is always advised to wipe the area using toilet paper or a soft cloth so your underwear is always dry.
2. Clean the vagina after intercourse without fail
After sex, most women are advised to properly clean their vagina. This is because body fluids and particles from condoms can cause irritation. Also, not cleaning up after the act can make you prone to vaginal infections. So always clean the vagina after sex with water to prevent infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs).
3. Avoid using soap while washing your vagina
Soaps are not the best way to wash your vagina as it can have harmful chemicals such as glycerol, perfumes and antiseptics which can affect the healthy balance of the bacteria in the vagina.
Moreover, it can also change the pH in the vaginal region, which can cause irritation and lead to the growth of unhealthy bacteria.
Instead use plain soap and water, preferably lukewarm water to wash the area around the vagina.
4. Avoid wearing tight clothes
Underwears should be very free on the body to make air accessible to the private parts. Most experts recommend that you should wear undergarments made from breathable fabrics like cotton. This is because wearing tight clothes and inners made from synthetic fabrics cause sweating due to reduced air circulation.
Excessive sweating and moisture can lead to the growth of bacteria and yeast, causing vaginal infection. Avoid using leather pants, tight spandex, and wet bathing suits for a long period of time. Also, do change your clothes after working out or exercising or any activity which can be sweaty.
5. Never try self-medication
Most women are reluctant to consult a gynaecologist when it comes to infections or diseases of the genital areas such as ringworm infection, pubic lice infection, vaginal dryness, or itching. They, in fact, try some quick home remedies such as using baking soda solution to wash the vagina or applying some homemade paste to get rid of the odour. Moreover, using over the counter antifungal or antibacterial ointment or creams is the go-to remedy if home remedies fail to provide any relief. But this approach is completely wrong. It is best to consult a doctor for all these problems.
