The female intimate area stands out for presenting some very peculiar characteristics. They are the ones that make their care and hygiene have to be much more delicate than other parts of the body.
To achieve good intimate hygiene, it is very important to be careful when washing the genital area and protect it from possible irritations or infections, which, in addition to causing discomfort, can become chronic problems. For this reason, in the following article we are going to explain some tips to take care of intimate hygiene in this sensitive area that will need all your attention.
Characteristics of the intimate area
The intimate area is characterized by being mucous, odorless and having abundant desquamation cells, as well as a reduced and specific number of microorganisms. Its pH, which is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a medium, is optimal when the values ​​oscillate between 3.5 and 4.5 and it is essential that it always stays between these values ​​because they are the ones that guarantee the survival of the flora. vaginal bacteria, which is beneficial, as it is the main one in charge of maintaining and protecting the health of the vagina. Thus, if the pH increases above the values ​​considered normal, there may be a risk of infection. These infections can be caused by both bacteria and fungi. To avoid this type of problem, it is very important to maintain meticulous hygiene in the area. To get it, we have the possibility of resorting to specific products for vaginal care. Keep in mind that any hygienic neglect could affect the health of your vagina.
Tips to take care of your intimate hygiene
Below we explain some of the measures that are recommended to follow to keep your intimate area healthy, but remember that if you feel discomfort that does not subside despite following these tips, the recommendation is to see your trusted doctor.
Use specific products for your intimate area
As it is such a delicate area, it is very important that you use a specific soap and exclusive for the intimate area. It is important to look for soaps that do not irritate, dry out or alter their pH in any way. By using these products the right way, you can maintain your intimate health while helping to prevent infection or, at the very least, vaginal discomfort. But many people think that the body soap that is used for the shower on a daily basis is a good option for the area as well, since it is neutral. However, as we have mentioned before, it must be remembered that the vaginal pH ranges between 3.5 and 4.5. The vulvar is a little less acidic, but the pH of the skin that covers our entire body is almost neutral, being around 6. For this reason, the difference between the pHs makes it inadvisable to use the same product for the whole body.
Don’t douche
This is another mistake that some people make because, apparently, applying water to the vaginal area may seem like a good and innocuous solution to maintain correct daily hygiene. However, douching is not recommended at all. This is because they produce an imbalance inside the vagina that can lead to discomfort and infections. And even if an infection already exists, the action of the upward jet of water could aggravate it.
Avoid washing the intimate area with sponges
It is advisable to avoid using sponges to wash this area. The reason is that these materials end up becoming accumulations of bacteria that, furthermore, will not be easy to eliminate. Therefore, the recommendation is to wash the area directly by hand. In this way, in addition to potentially dangerous bacteria, rubbing or irritation from contact with sponges with indelicate textures is also avoided.
Take care of your intimate hygiene during menstruation
During the days that correspond to the menstrual period, the pH of our intimate area will be affected. Thus, menstruation is accompanied by a decrease in acidity, which allows an ideal environment for infections of all kinds to develop. Therefore, if hygiene is always very important, on those days it becomes essential. To avoid alterations, it is recommended that you change your pads, sanitary towels, tampons or the menstrual cup every 4 or, at most, 6 hours. It is the best way to be protected against infections or irritations.
