Proper hygiene for intimate areas: tips and rules. Rules of intimate hygiene for women Proper hygiene of the intimate area in women

The importance of a woman's personal hygiene cannot be overestimated. Such procedures allow you to maintain cleanliness in intimate areas, which greatly contributes to maintaining health. Manufacturers of cosmetics produce numerous types of products that are specifically designed to care for intimate areas. Improper care or lack thereof can lead to the proliferation of opportunistic microflora, the occurrence of various diseases and, as a result, disruptions in the functioning of the woman’s reproductive system.

Feminine hygiene for every day

One of the key points when caring for the intimate area is washing. This procedure should become a mandatory, daily event in the life of every woman. During washing, traces of physiological secretions are eliminated, which are acceptable in small quantities even normally. This cleanses the skin and eliminates the unpleasant odor caused by microorganisms that quickly multiply in a favorable environment. To wash, you can use different cleansers, not forgetting that they should be “soft” and not aggressive. However, it is better to stock up on special cosmetics, the composition of which is designed taking into account the scope of application. Such cosmetics will cope with their tasks more effectively and will not harm the delicate skin in the intimate area.

Which means are better to choose?

Separately, we note ready-made cosmetic preparations (gels, soaps, sprays), which are offered by almost every well-known brand. From a wide range of products, you should choose the right product based on your own preferences and manufacturer’s recommendations. Carefully study the composition of the product to avoid the risk of allergic reactions. The main task of any of the preparations intended for intimate hygiene is to maintain the acid-base balance at the desired level (3.8-4.5 pH). With the help of various additional components, the properties of the product are adjusted and significantly expanded (protection from irritation, from the development of pathogenic microflora, from unpleasant odors).

Among the special products that should be used while washing are:

Gel for intimate hygiene.

A soft emulsion that does not contain soap, very gently cleanses the skin. As a rule, such a product necessarily contains lactic acid, which normalizes the microflora of the mucous membranes. Some manufacturers add natural plant components that give the product special properties - moisturizing, disinfecting effect, pleasant smell. A convenient bottle equipped with a dispenser allows you to use liquid economically and maintain its hygienic properties. It is better to avoid using intimate hygiene gel, which contains dyes, chemical flavors and other substances that can negatively affect the “living” tissues of the intimate area.

Soap for intimate hygiene.

The product usually contains lactic acid, as well as other components of plant origin with an anti-inflammatory effect. Soap for intimate hygiene may be liquid or solid in consistency. When choosing a suitable sample, rely on ease of use. Regular soap is cheaper. However, the liquid product can be taken with you on a trip. It is consumed much more slowly due to the fact that only a small dose of the drug is needed each time.

Foam, mousse

Designed for very sensitive skin that does not want to accept the coarser consistency of the product. Typically, such products are chosen by women who are susceptible to irritation and specific diseases associated with imbalance of microflora in the intimate area. Among the most common pathologies are thrush and colpitis of various etiologies.

Deodorizing spray for intimate hygiene.

Dysbacteriosis can cause not only unpleasant sensations, but also a persistent, irritating odor, which a special deodorant will help combat. Under no circumstances use regular deodorant for these purposes. This will only make the negative situation worse and harm your skin even more.

Cream

Intended for external use after hygiene procedures. It is used to enhance the therapeutic effect of gel or soap, relieves irritation, “calms” the skin, and reliably protects it from the development of pathogenic microflora. The product is recommended to be applied as a protective agent before swimming in ponds and public pools. Some samples represent a reliable barrier to the spread of infections, so they can be used during sex.

Do not forget about the so-called folk remedies. Eg, chamomile for intimate hygiene has been used since time immemorial. A decoction of a medicinal plant is used for washing and for compresses, which help cope with unpleasant sensations and get rid of irritation. The flower has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. It is no coincidence that it is often a component of special mass production means. Chamomile for intimate hygiene is not the only plant substance that is added to preparations of this order. Common regulars: calendula, sage, aloe vera. Panthenol and vitamins are also often found among the ingredients used.

Selection of linen

The type of underwear plays a decisive role in preventing irritation and diseases in the intimate area. Doctors unanimously speak about the dangers of thongs, which with their narrow elements rub delicate skin, which inevitably leads to inflammatory processes. It is not recommended to frequently wear underwear made from synthetic fabrics. If you cannot refuse lace, fishnet panties, pay attention to the processing of the product. A gusset made of cotton fabric reduces the risk of negative consequences. The best option for underwear is natural, moisture-absorbing fabrics, a comfortable cut, thanks to which the panties protect the intimate area without irritating the skin in this area.

Hygiene on critical days

Most of all, a woman needs hygiene procedures on her menstrual days. During this period, the intimate area is most susceptible to the occurrence and development of infections.

In addition to special preparations for washing, the following are used:

Pads or tampons

Among gynecologists, pads are considered a safer option. Not every woman follows the instructions and changes the tampon every 2-3 hours, as expected. Therefore, menstrual blood stagnates in the vagina and forms a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms. However, tampons have their advantages - they are invisible under clothing, allow the skin of the perineum to “breathe”, and do not cause a feeling of excess moisture in the intimate area. Tampons should absolutely not be used if a woman has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection. In all other cases, the right to choose remains with the fair sex.

Intimate hygiene wipes

This indispensable product will be very useful when you have your period and you need to change your pad/tampon at work or in any other place where you happen to be. The wipes are impregnated with special substances that gently cleanse the skin and have bactericidal properties.

Hygiene during pregnancy

During this period, women complain of profuse sweating, more frequent urination, and increased secretion from the vagina. All these factors negatively affect the microflora of the intimate area, so more attention should be paid to cleansing the skin in this area. To avoid discomfort, you can wash yourself several times a day using special products. Use intimate hygiene cream and deodorant only if your doctor has approved it. These products may contain substances that are harmful to the unborn baby.

Sex life and hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene is essential if you are sexually active. Sexual contacts, even with a regular, trusted partner, can provoke various negative manifestations. During sex, microscopic wounds and scratches often form on the skin in the intimate area, which can become inflamed when pathogenic microorganisms enter.

One of the main points in people's lives is personal hygiene, which each of us must observe. Women should especially observe the rules of personal hygiene. What do they need to do to always look beautiful, well-groomed and attractive?

Water treatments

It is best to shower in the evening and in the morning. If this is not possible, then only in the evening. Washing your hands, feet, face, armpits, chest and rinsing should be a mandatory daily procedure. You can take a full bath once or twice a week, and you can add aromatic oils and sea salt. In short, the mood should be completely relaxed and positive. When taking water procedures, it is recommended to use special shower gels and washcloths, while sponges should only be made of natural fibers and individual ones. By the way, a towel is also an item for individual use.

Intimate hygiene

Personal hygiene of a person should include intimate hygiene. Washing should be done in the morning and evening using running water in the direction from the pubis to the anus. Doctors recommend using special intimate soap for these purposes; simple soap can disrupt the vaginal microflora. You should have a separate towel to dry your intimate area.

Underwear

Personal clothing hygiene also includes underwear; beautiful lace underwear may not be very practical or pleasant for everyday wear. It is better to choose panties from natural fabrics that will cover the buttocks, fit snugly to the body, but do not restrict movement. Gynecologists do not advise girls to wear bikini briefs, as the fabric can lead to chafing of the external genitalia, which leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane and discomfort. Remember not only the beauty of underwear, but, first of all, its cleanliness.

Heel and nail care

A huge number of different harmful microorganisms and bacteria collect under dirty nails, so personal hand hygiene is simply necessary. It is important to regularly care for your nails, not only on your hands, but also on your feet. Cleanliness is the key to health, that’s what folk wisdom says. Remember to clean your nails regularly and file or trim them. Our heels need special care. Avoid the formation of corns, abrasions and calluses on them. Systematically use pumice stone to clean the heels and soles of your feet from keratinized skin scales.

In addition to all of the above, personal hygiene requirements include having your own toothbrush and toothpaste, your own comb, and, of course, personal underwear.

Careful oral care

As you know, failure to maintain personal hygiene can lead to some diseases of the internal organs, and most diseases begin their journey in the oral cavity. Teeth should be brushed every morning with a special natural-based paste, and the spaces between teeth with a toothpick or dental floss. After each meal, it is recommended to rinse your mouth thoroughly. If you notice bad breath, it is recommended to visit your dentist immediately. In order to promptly remove tartar from teeth, detect caries or treat gums, it is recommended to visit the dentist twice a year. To prevent your gums from hurting, it is recommended to eat more foods that can strengthen your teeth and gums. Avoid fatty foods, which form acid and erode tooth enamel.

Perfect hair cleanliness

A girl’s personal hygiene must necessarily include hair care, and it doesn’t matter what length it is - long or short. Hair should be washed at least once or twice a week, and to preserve the natural color, as well as give hair shine and elasticity, after washing it is recommended to rinse it with an infusion of nettle or chamomile. A head massage is mandatory to stimulate and improve hair growth. This massage can be done either with your hands or with a massage brush. You need to dry your hair very carefully, picking it out with a towel.

How to deal with acne?

If you do not follow basic rules of personal hygiene, acne may form. Why is this happening? In the human body, absolutely everything is interconnected. If the rules of personal hygiene are not followed, the sebaceous glands begin to become clogged, resulting in the formation of acne on the face and other parts of the body. The most important thing: under no circumstances try to squeeze them out with your own hands, as you may cause an infection.

Try not to wash your face with plain water; it is best to wipe your face with a special lotion, and also use foam for washing. You also need to know that in most cases, the condition of the skin directly depends on the quality of sleep and nutrition. Pay special attention to these two steps. Salty, spicy and fatty foods, as well as a lot of sweets and starchy foods, can take a toll on your skin.

Healthy skin needs vitamin A (liver, egg yolk, butter and fish oil). It is also extremely useful to consume brewer's yeast, which can restore metabolic disorders. Also, the cause of acne is a stressful situation, so try to be less nervous.

Intimate hygiene is an integral part of personal hygiene, thanks to which a person takes care of the health of his genital organs, maintains their normal functioning, and also strengthens the health of the entire body as a whole.

This is a sensitive topic that many try to hush up. As a result, such negligence can result in serious troubles.

In order to avoid the occurrence of serious diseases due to non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene, we will talk about simple but important tips for men, women and children, and also consider popular and effective remedies.

Rules of intimate hygiene

Maintaining hygiene in intimate areas will not only help you feel clean and well-groomed, but will also help prevent a large number of problems. Failure to follow the rules for cleansing the intimate area may result in the following:

the appearance of inflammatory processes in the uterine cavity, in particular endometritis, which ultimately can even lead to infertility;
thrush;
human papillomavirus;
venereal diseases.

Women's intimate hygiene

Intimate hygiene for women has its own characteristics and may vary depending on age and physical condition.

The normal functioning of the genital organs directly depends on the following factors:

state of the immune system;
work of the endocrine system;
vaginal acid-base balance;
state of the vaginal microflora.

Regular soap is not suitable for cleansing the external genitalia. The fact is that the acidity of the skin and vagina are different, and ordinary gels and soaps are designed to maintain the acidity of the skin. If you use products to cleanse the entire body, this can lead to disruption of the natural microflora of the vagina and the appearance of the following symptoms: itching, odor, pain, heavy discharge, etc.;
Only the outer part of the vagina should be cleaned; the inner surface does not need such cleansing. The cleansing procedure should be carried out after each act of defecation, if this is not possible, then at least twice a day. Movements should be performed in the direction of the anus, but not vice versa;
sponges and washcloths can damage the delicate and sensitive mucous membrane of the genital organs and lead to infection;
The stream of water should under no circumstances be directed into the vagina, because the protective smear can easily be washed off. The water should flow gently along the external genitalia;
you should have a separate and individual towel for your intimate area. It should be changed every few days. The towel must be soft and absolutely clean;
underwear should be made from natural fabrics. This is very important, since synthetic fabrics disrupt natural air ventilation and humidity increases in intimate areas, which in turn leads to the spread of bacterial infection. Beautiful synthetic underwear can be worn only occasionally, on special occasions, but they are not suitable for daily use;
The genitals should be cleaned both before and after intimacy;
During menstruation, you should wash your face five to six times a day. Pads need to be changed every few hours, depending on the amount of discharge this may be more often. Otherwise, the gasket will become a source of infection. If you use tampons, you should wash your hands before inserting them into the vagina. Tampons should also be changed every two to three hours and should not be left on overnight. During menstruation, it is better to avoid sexual intercourse; you should also not take a bath or swim in bodies of water;
douching should be carried out only on the recommendation of a doctor; frequent use can lead to an imbalance in the acid-base balance;
Sanitary pads should not be used unnecessarily; they should also be changed every two to three hours.

Intimate hygiene for girls

Discharge from the genital organs appears in a girl from the moment of birth, only this occurs in small quantities. During puberty, when hormonal changes occur, the amount of these secretions increases.

This is a completely natural process, but if leucorrhoea accumulates on the genitals and underwear as a result of poor intimate hygiene, this can lead to itching and inflammatory processes.

The basic rules include the following:

washing is carried out only with clean hands;
the water should be warm;
the movement of the hand when washing should be from top to bottom, that is, towards the anus;
the perineum should not be rubbed; after washing it should be carefully blotted;
a towel for intimate areas should be individual and absorb moisture well.

Features of intimate hygiene during menstruation:

It is best to wash after each change of a sanitary pad;
if it is not possible to wash yourself often, then you should use wet wipes;
intimate accessories should be changed with clean hands;
It is useful to keep a calendar of the menstrual cycle;
During menstruation, it is better to avoid physical activity and not visit the sauna, bathhouse or swimming pool.

Intimate hygiene for men

Absolutely everyone knows that they should brush their teeth, wash their face, and wash their hair; parents teach their children to do this from childhood. But the nuances of intimate hygiene are often kept silent and not spoken out loud.

While women are accustomed to carefully caring for their intimate area, this topic is alien to many men. They often use ordinary soap, and consider the use of special products to be a manifestation of narcissism.

Still, despite the mentality and peculiarities of upbringing, intimate hygiene in men is very important and, unfortunately, representatives of the stronger sex begin to think about it only when serious problems arise from the genitourinary system.

Proper care includes the following:

toilet. You should wash your hands with soap before and after using the restroom. You should try to avoid getting drops of urine on your underwear;
bathing. Cleanliness of the genitals is extremely important, since harmful substances that have an unpleasant odor are formed in the groin. Don't forget about scrotal hygiene;
tight synthetic underwear can lead to diaper rash and inflammatory processes;
high temperatures. Saunas, steam baths, hot baths - all this should not be a habit, but rather an exception to the rule. It has been proven that high temperatures negatively affect the reproductive capacity of men;
sexual intimacy. As you know, women are not recommended to have intimacy during menstruation; it turns out that this can also negatively affect men’s health. The fact is that if a blood clot gets into the urinary canal, an inflammatory process may develop. As a last resort, it is necessary to use condoms;
see a doctor. Every man should undergo a preventive examination at least once a year. When the first alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Early diagnosis is the key to a speedy recovery.

The best intimate hygiene product

If some part of people knows and follows the above rules, then when it comes to using special means, only a small part understands the importance of this. Many people think that this is a waste of time and the lot of the rich, but in fact much more money will be spent on treating diseases that arise as a result of such savings.

American scientists conducted a study in which the majority of women surveyed admitted that they use conventional body products to cleanse their genitals.

Tests taken from these women confirmed the opinion of doctors that the use of conventional products for intimate areas leads to disruption of the natural microflora of the vagina and the spread of infection.

Criteria for choosing products for women

The main task of special intimate hygiene products is to maintain normal microflora and prevent infection. The best choice would be to use mild soap that does not contain fragrances or chemical additives.

Another important point when choosing a product is the phase of the menstrual cycle. For example, during prolonged periods and during the period of ovulation, there is high humidity in the vagina, so products that will maintain an acidic environment are best suited.

In case of menstrual irregularities, as well as before menopause, dryness is observed in the vagina, so in this situation it is better to use neutral products.

If vaginal dysbiosis has developed, then it is important to use products that contain antiseptic substances that can fight the spread of bacterial infection.

Criteria for choosing products for men

For intimate hygiene, men need to choose gentle products that, on the one hand, will thoroughly remove dirt, and on the other hand, will not disturb the natural balance.

A good product for men should contain the following components:

the soap base must contain lactic acid. Thanks to this, normal skin acidity will be maintained;
glycerin remarkably softens the skin and prevents overdrying;
vegetable oils;
extracts of medicinal plants with a wide spectrum of action to prevent the inflammatory process and strengthen local immunity.

Intimate hygiene wipes

Wet wipes are an excellent tool that will be useful to a man both at home and on the road. This is a good way out of a situation where there is no way to wash. You can use them as a daily application after going to the restroom.

Napkins are a great find for the fair sex as well. Special wipes have an antibacterial component and perfectly soothe and moisturize the skin.

However, there is another side to the “coin”. There have been cases of allergic reactions due to the body's increased sensitivity to the components of the wipes. And the second point is the dishonesty of some manufacturers

Intimate hygiene gel: which one to choose?

Gel is a common and popular form of genital care products. This is due to the fact that it is similar to a regular and well-known shower gel. It is easy to apply, foams well and is quickly washed off with water. The gel can be used daily.

gentle gel for delicate care from TianDe. The product contains soft and delicate ingredients that effectively cleanse the skin in the most delicate areas. The gel does not cause burning, allergic reactions or dryness. The antibacterial component included in the gel prevents the active reproduction of pathogenic microflora;
intimate hygiene gel with aloe from Carefree. The product is intended for sensitive skin and does not contain alcohol or soap base. Suitable for daily use.

Lactacid for intimate hygiene

Lactacid is a popular intimate cleanser that was created in France. Scientists meticulously worked on the product formula to ultimately create a delicate product that will prevent irritation.

Lactic acid is the basis of lactacid. Thanks to the presence of this component, the natural microflora is maintained and the occurrence of infections and irritations is prevented.

Lactacid is a hypoallergenic product that has undergone clinical trials. It can be safely used for daily hygiene from the age of twelve.

Thanks to its unique composition, the product effectively combats such unpleasant symptoms: itching, irritation, pain, unpleasant odor.

Lactacid is available in various dosage forms:

gel is a ready-to-use, non-concentrated product that does not need to be diluted;
mousse is used in the same way as gel;
emulsion is a concentrated product, so it should be diluted with water and washed off with water after treatment;
the liquid is used in the same way as the emulsion;
napkins. You should not rinse your genitals after treatment.

As for side effects or contraindications, they have not been identified. Lactacid can be safely used even by pregnant women.

So, maintaining intimate hygiene is an integral part of every person’s life. This is not a matter of preference, but rather an important part of maintaining health.

Special products are not a luxury; they are as necessary as shampoo and toothpaste. Don't be lazy, simple recommendations will help you prevent many serious diseases and stay healthy. Compliance with hygiene rules is the key to excellent health and good mood!

Women's health is a special thing. Here the slightest problems can lead to serious consequences. How often do women run around clinics, undergoing numerous examinations and taking various tests. But gynecologists constantly remind us that daily adherence to simple rules of intimate hygiene can prevent many inflammatory and infectious diseases. The only thing ladies should do is follow the recommendations of doctors.

At first glance, it seems that a woman’s intimate hygiene does not imply anything complicated, the main thing is to wash yourself daily and change your underwear regularly. But as practice shows, being clean and healthy are two different things. Often, women make a number of mistakes during hygiene procedures, which lead to a weakening of the microflora of the genital organs and an increased risk of contracting infectious diseases. How to do everything right to maintain your health?

Intimate hygiene rules for women

How to wash yourself properly?

Before washing, be sure to wash your hands with soap. During water procedures, it is not recommended to use sponges and washcloths, so as not to injure the mucous membrane of the genital organs and not cause irritation or even inflammation. We wash only with our hands and direct the stream of running water from front to back so as not to transfer bacteria from the rectum to the genitals. Those microorganisms that perform beneficial functions in the intestines can cause an inflammatory process in the vagina, so you need to be careful. It is not advisable to wash yourself while sitting in a basin or bathtub. This will also increase the risk of dangerous bacteria entering your vagina.

It is advisable to wash yourself at least 2 times a day, morning and evening. In one of these two times, you can use intimate hygiene gel. The second time we wash with just water. Doctors also recommend that women take a shower before and after intimacy.

At any time of the year you should use only warm water. A towel for intimate hygiene should be soft. And after washing, you need to wipe yourself with gentle blotting movements. It is very important that the towel is not only your personal, but also used only for the intimate area.

Do I need to douche?

Douching is washing the vagina with water. And if the woman is healthy, there is no need to douche. Ordinary daily intimate hygiene involves only washing. A procedure such as douching can only be prescribed by a doctor for medicinal purposes. In this case, the course of douching lasts only a few days. If you douche every day for no reason, this will lead to disruption of the vaginal pH, dryness of the mucous membranes, leaching of beneficial lactobacilli from the vagina and disruption of its normal microflora. All this can lead to bacterial vaginosis and provoke the development of an inflammatory process in the vagina.

Afterwards, you just need to wash your genitals with water. If there is some sperm left inside, there is nothing to worry about. Sperm cannot lead to such negative consequences as frequent douching.

During and during douching is especially dangerous. Therefore, on critical days, doctors do not recommend that women even take a bath. It's better to use the shower.

How to get rid of unpleasant vaginal odor?

An unpleasant odor from the vagina is most often a sign of genital disease. Therefore, before trying to get rid of it, you need to visit a doctor and get tested, especially if the smell has appeared recently.

If a faint odor is constantly present, this may be due to the characteristics of the body. People themselves very rarely smell themselves, but, nevertheless, it can be unpleasant for a sexual partner. And in this case, it is necessary to take action.

First of all, you need to review your diet, exclude onions, garlic, peppers, and beer from your diet. You should also try to drink more mint or plain green tea. In addition, you need to wash yourself more often and be careful about your choice. It is worth taking panties only from natural materials to avoid damage to the genitals due to synthetics.

Products for intimate hygiene for women

Soap for intimate hygiene

Regular soap is not suitable for use in delicate areas, as it dries out the mucous membrane. In addition, it creates an alkaline environment, while the natural environment of a woman's genitals is acidic. Violation of the normal level of acidity leads to a weakening of the protective properties of the internal environment of the vagina and provokes the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is imperative to use a special gel for intimate hygiene, which acts on the mucous membranes of the genital organs very gently and carefully, cleansing and relieving irritation. Its acidity is close to the natural environment of the vagina, and it also contains more moisturizing components.

When choosing a gel, you should pay attention to its color and smell, or rather, their absence. Intimate hygiene products should not contain dyes or fragrances that can cause allergic reactions. It would be good if the gel contains lactobacilli, which help maintain normal microflora of the female genital organs, as well as chamomile extract, which helps relieve irritation.

Pads and tampons

Doctors advise ladies to give preference to pads and use tampons only in special cases. Although tampons help get rid of unpleasant odor during pregnancy, and are also more reliable. Therefore, many women still often use them. Both tampons and pads need to be changed every 4 hours. If a dirty pad is in contact with the vagina for a longer period of time, this can lead to the development of an inflammatory process, since it creates a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria.

Panty liners

Despite the fact that this hygiene product is popular among women, doctors do not recommend using such pads every day. They are made of synthetic materials and interfere with the normal breathability of underwear. Any woman experiences a small amount of discharge during the day, which leaves a mark on her panties. And pads help keep your favorite underwear clean. But still, for your health, it is better to use simple cotton panties and just wash them. And if you use pads, you need to change them every 3-4 hours.

The need for daily intimate procedures is directly related to maintaining a woman’s reproductive health. After all, if you adhere to proper hygiene, you can avoid many gynecological diseases.

Intimate hygiene is such a sensitive topic that people usually try not to touch upon it. However, such silence can lead to big troubles.

To wash, you should not use soap, but only warm water or special compositions for intimate hygiene that contain substances that do not disturb the acidity of the vaginal environment and create conditions for the growth of lactobacilli. You need to wash yourself with clean hands, at least twice a day.
The direction of the water jet when washing and hand movements should be directed from front to back, so as not to introduce infection into the vagina from the anus (by the way, after bowel movements, the movement of toilet paper should be in the same direction). After washing, moisture is not wiped off, but blotted so as not to accidentally scratch the delicate surfaces.
The area around the anus should be washed with regular toilet soap, because intimate hygiene gels do not provide the necessary disinfection for this area.
The towel should be clean, soft, and should only be used by its owner.
During menstruation, you should not take a bath or swim in a pool or body of water. It is better to avoid sexual intercourse. During menstruation, sanitary pads should be changed at least four to five times a day.
If you use vaginal tampons, remember that you need to change your tampon every two hours. In most developed countries, doctors do not recommend using tampons regularly.
It is advisable not to constantly use sanitary pads unless there is a special reason for it. Women's daily discharge is normally so insignificant that they do not require the use of pads. If you are concerned about increased vaginal discharge between periods, it is better to consult a gynecologist.
Douching (rinsing the inside of the vagina with various solutions) should only be done if prescribed by a gynecologist. They are not only unnecessary for regular hygiene, but can also seriously damage the vaginal microflora.

Why is it necessary to pay so much attention to such seemingly simple things?

The fact is that the “center” of the female reproductive system - the uterine cavity - should normally be sterile so that the developing embryo is not damaged by bacteria or viruses.

The vaginal opening is anatomically located near the anus, so it is necessary to pay increased attention to the peculiarities of feminine hygiene in order to avoid infection in the woman’s internal genital organs. It is also necessary to avoid creating favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogens in the perineal area.

The uterus becomes especially vulnerable to infections during periods such as menstruation, since during menstruation there is no protective plug of mucus in the cervix.

In addition to the mucus barrier in the cervix, the path to microorganisms is blocked by bacteria that inhabit the vagina. The normal microflora of this organ consists of 90% lactobacilli that secrete lactic acid. The acidic environment of the vagina inhibits most pathogenic bacteria. If for some reason the environment in the vagina becomes alkaline rather than acidic, the number of lactobacilli is greatly reduced, and other microbes can occupy the vacated space. This condition is called dysbiosis, and if the anaerobic flora predominates - bacterial vaginosis.

The simplest and most common cause of a violation of the acid-base balance in the vagina is the entry of alkaline soap suds into it while washing. It's okay if this happens once. But constant alkaline “blows” lead to serious microflora disturbances, the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and, accordingly, inflammatory disease of the female genital area.

The protective capabilities of the genital organs depend on the woman’s age. Until the age of 17-18, that is, before the onset of puberty, the microflora of a girl’s vagina is easily disrupted by any adverse effects. Its stability also decreases in women who have reached menopause. During these periods of life, the rules of intimate hygiene must be observed especially carefully.

Correct balance of intimate microflora

Intimate care is an important part of women's health, but, unfortunately, many women are not sufficiently aware of the rules for its implementation. Violation of the rules of intimate care can lead to disastrous consequences - dysbiosis (dysbacteriosis) of the vagina, which, in turn, can be the cause of many inflammatory processes in the female genital organs.

Every woman should know how to properly care for herself in the intimate area, how to recognize disturbances in the vaginal microflora, and how to restore and maintain the correct balance of the intimate microflora.

Taking a shower correctly

Various reasons can lead to imbalance of intimate microflora. One of the most common is improper water procedures. Under no circumstances should you bathe too often - no more than 2 times a day. In addition, there is no need to wash the vaginal opening itself with soap - it is enough to treat only the external genitalia with soap. You need to use delicate soap, or best of all, a special intimate soap, gel or other product designed specifically for these purposes.

It is advisable to use boiled water to cleanse the genitals. It should be warm, but not too hot and certainly not cold. There is no need to use a washcloth, as the skin of the intimate area is very delicate. The direction of movement during this intimate procedure is from front to back. Other movements can cause bacteria to enter the vagina from the anus.

Other causes of vaginal dysbiosis

Very often, dysbiosis is a consequence of taking antibiotics, decreased immunity, and poor hygiene during sexual intercourse. A man should also be very careful about his intimate hygiene, because many bacteria are introduced into a woman’s vagina by her partner. Both participants must wash themselves before sexual intercourse. For men, it is also enough to use warm, clean water and mild soap without a washcloth.

If you use disinfectants on your intimate area, do not use them too often. Ordinary antibacterial soap with triclosan, for example, can completely kill all beneficial bacteria that enter the vagina. Adhere to reasonable limits, because very often women, in pursuit of cleanliness, upset the balance of the intimate microflora of the vagina, and, as a result, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms colonize there.

Another common cause is the abuse of tampons. If you experience discomfort in the vagina, a strange smell and color of discharge, an increase in its quantity, or discomfort during sexual intercourse, then you should avoid using tampons altogether. They should not be used in the last days of menstruation, and should not be changed less than every 4 hours. Either way, using pads is much safer when it comes to maintaining proper balance in the vagina. During menstruation, you should refrain from sexual activity, visiting the pool, sauna and taking baths.

It is very important to wear the right underwear. Panties made from synthetic non-natural fabrics, thongs and tight trousers are reasons that can also lead to disorders in the intimate sphere. Ideal underwear should be made from pure natural fabric, preferably cotton. Panties should not pinch or “cut” into the skin.

How to restore the normal balance of intimate microflora?

The natural environment for the vagina is acidic. Soap is an alkali, so excessive washing with soap only harms our intimate area. Lactic acid, which is secreted by special “friendly” bacteria living in the vagina, is aggressive for various microbes, but at the same time it is gentle on sperm. That is, disturbances of the intimate microflora in some cases even prevent the desired pregnancy from occurring.

Treatment of vaginal dysbiosis involves the use of special suppositories with lactobacilli and ascorbic acid. Be sure to consult with your gynecologist and take a flora smear at the beginning and end of treatment. It is also very important to stimulate the protective properties of the immune system, a proper and balanced diet, eating fermented milk products, and taking vitamin supplements.

You can also get rid of microflora disorders using folk remedies. Fermented milk products help fight the occurrence of dysbiosis not only from the outside, but also directly at the site of its occurrence. An excellent folk remedy that is absolutely safe and time-tested is washing with kefir.

Simply take any kefir, dilute 2 tablespoons of it in a glass of warm boiled water, and wash with this solution for a week. You can also use douching with the addition of kefir or natural whey.

Intimate hygiene is necessary for every person. Proper care of delicate parts of the body provides comfort and convenience. If you follow all the recommendations correctly, there will be no unpleasant sensations, odors, or various diseases caused by dysbacteriosis.