Like any other body part, you should maintain the proper hygiene of your vagin*. Maintaining hygiene does not mean that you must smell like fresh flowers all the time. All you have to do is just make sure that you follow simple and effective hygiene practices to keep the vagin* clean. Hygiene practices will save you from a lot of troubles related to an unhygienic vagin*. The common one being in the form of urinary tract infections. And, of course, you would not want to face any of those troubles.
What to do after urinating to keep the vagin* clean?
Wash the vulva with plain water
Several people make the mistake of washing the vagin* instead of the vulva. Yes, you should wash your vulva with water and not the vagin*. The vulva consists of the vagin*l lips and the cl*tor*s that you should wash after urination.
You should also know the reasons as to why avoid washing the vagin*. Douching for the vagin* is a big no! It can disturb the normal pH of the birth canal (vagin*). If you frequently wash the vagin*, it causes harm to the good bacteria and may lead to vagin*l dryness. And as the good bacteria decreases, the vagin* becomes more prone to contracting infections.
Use gentle, mild soaps only if necessary
Sometimes, using only mild soap to keep the vagin* clean is fine. But it is not at all fine if you use soap (even a mild one) every time you clean the vulva and the vagin*. To use the mild soap properly, open the vagin*l lips and clean the folds with your hands gently. Just make sure that that soap does not enter the vagin*. Using scented soaps escalates the chances of irritation. Hence, only use non-fragrant mild soaps that won’t disturb the pH of the vagin*.
Also Read: What factors are Responsible for Imbalance pH Level of vagin*?
Wipe it and pat dry
Although it is a very simple tip, you must know the right way to wipe your vagin* after urinating. The right way to wipe your vagin* is from front to back. If you do it the wrong way (from back to front), it can be unhealthy for your vagin*. Wiping from back to front can bring unwanted bacteria from the rectal area in contact with your vagin*. And it may result in infection of the vagin*.
Just one or two wipes are enough to clean. If you tend to over wipe the vagin*, it irritates the skin. Sometimes, it may even result in either inflammation or infection. And you should only use unscented wipes to clean the vagin* after urinating. The scented wipes can increase the chances of irritation and inflammation of the skin of vulva and vagin*. And always keep it in mind to not insert the wipe inside the vagin* to clean it.
Also Read: Know The Facts Responsible for vagin*l Infections and How to Overcome?
Avoid excess wiping and washing of the vagin*
You do not need to use the wipes and the mild soaps every time. The vagin* is self-cleaning in nature, in the form of vagin*l discharge. If you try to keep it extra clean after every time you pass urine, you might drag yourself in trouble. Too much wiping and washing with scented products will surely disturb the natural pH. Rashes and irritation are common symptoms you might have to face after too much wiping off and douching.
What to avoid while cleaning the vagin*?
- Do not scrub the vulva and the vagin* just for the sake of cleaning it. This will do you more harm than any benefit.
- After washing the vagin*, only gently pat it dry with the wipe. Avoid rubbing the vagin* too roughly.
- Never use a rough cloth or loofahs to clean the vagin*.
- Do not use deodorants or scented products to keep the vagin* extra clean.
Also Read- Factors Causing vagin*l Dryness among Married Women
Tips for maintaining the health and hygiene of the vagin*
There are some things you can do to maintain vagin*l health. Some of the common tips are discussed below.
- After peeing, wipe from front to back.
- Never go from anal sexual activities to vagin*l before cleaning.
- Always pee before and after sex.
- Wear cotton underwear to keep your intimates airy.
- Change sanitary napkins regularly, if possible every 4-6 hours.
- Do not douche the vagin* with chemicals at all.
- Do not shave off pubic hair.
- Use soft wipes or tissues to wipe the vagin*.
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothes that can restrict air circulation around the vagin*.
- Rinse under-clothes properly with mild detergent.
- Change sweaty or wet clothes as soon as you can.
Always make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after urinating and cleaning the vagin*. Wash the hands with soap and wipe them clean. Plain water does not serve the purpose of getting rid of unwanted bacteria after urinating. Washing the hands properly with soap is even better than just using sanitizer, it does not completely kill the harmful bacteria.
Change your underwear every day for hygiene purposes. Also, you must change the sanitary napkins after 4-5 hours. This will keep your vagin*l health safe from unwanted bacterial growth.
If you notice any unusual changes such as rashes, itching, irritation, then reach out to a gynecologist. Other symptoms indicating an underlying infection or problem can be excess or foul-smelling vagin*l discharge. Also, if you experience vagin*l dryness, then do not leave it unattended. Leaving the above-mentioned symptoms unattended can cause the symptoms to grow severe with time.
Going for self-medication when you face any irritation in or around your vagin* can backfire. Popping in medicines without consulting a specialist can cause side effects and allergies.
When to see your gynecologist?
See a gynecologist if you experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms-
- Pain while urinating or during sex
- A pungent and fishy vagin*l odor
- Blisters, sores, or warts around your vulva or vagin*
- Unusual vagin*l discharge
- Thick white vagin*l discharge that resembles cottage cheese
- Continuous vagin*l itching
- Unexplained bleeding or spotting for many days
It is always a good idea to see a gynecologist near you about your vagin*l health if you have any other doubts, questions, and concerns. Also, make sure to undergo regular Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
Also Read:
- How Sexual Activities Affect vagin*l Health?
- What to do After Sex to Keep Your vagin* Healthy?
