Personal Hygiene for Women

Time to Talk About Some Private Things! Vaginal Health may not be taking up much space in your mind yet, but having a healthy vagina inside and out is a great way to keep it clean, comfortable, and infection-free.

What is Vulva?

If you're confused, let's clear things up a bit more. The vagina is the passageway to the womb, while the area outside and around it is the vulva.

How Is Vulva Irritation Treated?

Remember that your vulva is skin, so like any other part of your body, it can become inflamed or irritated. If it gets worse, see your doctor. To prevent inflammation and irritation of the vulva, you can try the following:

• Rinse your underwear very well so that no detergent residue remains.
• Use a good fabric softener for your underwear or not at all.
• Try not to scratch! Scratching can injure the sensitive skin in that area, causing itching worse. Use antiseptic talcum powder to reduce itching.
• Avoid tight clothing that can increase irritation in that area.
• Don't wax or shave your hair until the irritation is gone.
• How is Vagina Hygiene Provided?
• Some bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms live in and around the vagina, which help maintain the health of the vagina. Lactic acid bacteria are good bacteria that keep other bacteria in check. These keep the vagina slightly acidic and thus prevent the occurrence of vaginal infections. But sometimes, external factors such as stress, illness, gastritis, antibiotics can cause these organisms to overgrow, which can lead to problems such as vaginal yeast infection.

To keep your vagina clean and infection-free;

• Wash your hands before and after wearing tampons.
• Always clean from front to back with toilet paper.
• Maintain personal hygiene every day; Take a shower or bath once or twice a day.
• Avoid vaginal cosmetics such as powder or perfume.
• Use unscented soap when washing.
• Don't share your towel with other people.
• Exercise regularly and eat well.
• If possible, wear 100% cotton underwear.

How to Prevent Vaginal Irritation?

We all want to feel comfortable. So how can we do this? Here are a few suggestions:

• Do not wash that area with an antiseptic, harsh soap or shampoo. Better to just wash it with water.
• Do not stay long in wet swimwear or workout clothes.
• Don't wear jeans that are too tight for long periods of time, especially if you have an itchy discharge.
• Change your pad and tampon regularly.

What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Problem?
Vaginal problems can be caused by:

• Infections (especially sexually transmitted)
• Dirty toilets
• Birth control pills
• Diseases such as diabetes or a weak immune system
• Condoms can cause irritation (especially latex allergy)
• Pregnancy

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:

• Itching, irritation, or soreness around the vaginal entrance
• Burning sensation while using the toilet
• More or different discharge than normal
• Swelling in the genital area
• Abnormal bleeding
• Bad smell

Making sure your vagina is healthy is very important, so if you are experiencing any of the above, you should act now.