Expert tips to keep your vagina safe from infections

The vagina and its care is a subject most women are too shy to discuss, especially when it comes to caring for the organ and keeping it safe from infections. If you are apprehensive visiting a doctor to ask about tips to maintain vaginal hygiene, here are all your most embarrassing questions answered by our expert Dr Daksha Mukund Bakre, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. What is the right way to keep the area clean? Caring for your genitals is essential, and also quite easy. Here are some tips you can follow when caring for the area.

• Wash the vaginal area with lukewarm water whenever you use the restroom. This not only helps to wash off the excess urine or any other material adhering to the area, it also keeps it clean.
• While bathing, lather up a washcloth with some mild natural soap and water and use it to gently clean the area.
• Make sure you gently scrub around your bikini line, as the folds of skin can harbour disease causing bacteria, sweat and grime.
• Always wear cotton underwear, or ones that are made from breathable fabric. You may also like to read about these tips to keep your vagina healthy. 

Is it alright to wash your genitals with soap? What women need to remember is the fact that vagina, as an organ, is self-cleaning. The discharge cleans out dirt and dead cells. Apart from that, it is also acidic so it kills the harmful bacteria while allowing healthy bacteria to thrive. Therefore using soap to clean the genital area isn't the most advisable thing to do. Soap may cause irritation, dry out the area, cause general irritation, or may even lead to infections (as soaps tend to kill both good and harmful organisms -- leaving the area susceptible to infections). Instead of anything synthetic, here is a great natural way to keep your vagina clean and odour free.  Is it necessary or required to use an intimate wash? Despite all the aggressive marketing surrounding intimate washes, it is not really required. While they may say that they have a pH that is good for your genitals, it is important to remember that your body doesn't need a soap to mask bad odors. What you might need an intimate wash for is to keep the area clean, if you already have an infection or are having your periods. If you must, use a non-fragrant, mild soap. This is usually enough to keep you clean while maintaining healthy amount of good bacteria in the area. What hygiene tips would you recommend for woman on her period?

• During your period, make sure you change your sanitary pad once every four hours. If you are using a tampon, make sure you change it once every two hours.
• Take a bath or shower at least once a day.
• Use clean undergarments and change them regularly.
• Wash your vagina and labia (the projecting part of female genitals) well before you change into a new pad or tampon.
• If you have rashes make sure you stay dry and change your pads regularly. You can also apply an antiseptic cream after a bath and before bed – this will help heal the rash and prevent further chaffing. You may also like to read about these 10 essential tips to stay clean during your periods.

Is it safe and required to shave or trim one's pubic hair? What should a woman do to maintain hygiene in and around her genitals? Removing pubic hair is a personal preference. It is recommended to always keep your pubic hair short and not remove it completely as the hair protects bacteria from entering the genitals. If you are removing the hair from your genitals, avoid using a razor and use scissors instead to trim pubic hair. Here are all your options when it comes to getting rid of unwanted hair in the bikini area.  Any general dos and don't related to vaginal care?

• Do not scrub the area. Always be gentle when cleaning the area.
• Do eat healthy, exercise and keep stress at bay, as good immunity is the key to preventing infections.

Image source: Shutterstock

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