In the pursuit of beauty, modern women are focusing on every aspect of their bodies, from head to toe, including their intimate areas. Marketing campaigns, influencers, and societal pressures have shifted the beauty focus to encompass the most private parts of a woman’s body. This has led to a surge in advertisements for procedures like intimate area grooming, private cosmetic surgery, vaginal rejuvenation, and treatments for conditions like cervical erosion.
However, due to the lingering taboo around discussing matters related to sex and intimate health, many women fall prey to unreliable and often harmful methods advertised online. They end up spending money needlessly, experiencing unnecessary discomfort, and even risking their overall health.
To prevent more women from falling victim to dubious intimate care methods, we aim to provide accurate information and guidance in this long-overdue lesson in intimate health.
Intimate care can be divided into three main categories: daily care, care during menstruation, and post-sex care.
Daily Care
- Clean the external genital area daily before bedtime.
- Use clean water for washing, preferably while showering.
- If a shower is not available, consider using a specialized basin for cleansing.
- Gently wash each part of the genital area separately, moving from front to back.
- Ensure thorough cleaning without cross-contamination.
- Change your underwear daily and replace them every three months.
- Opt for light-colored underwear to easily monitor any unusual discharge.
- Choose breathable and comfortable fabric for your underwear and avoid tight-fitting garments.
For women in perimenopause or post-menopause, issues like dryness, burning, itching, and pain during intercourse can arise due to reduced estrogen levels, a condition known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). To manage GSM symptoms, focus on daily maintenance.
- Regularly use non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers about twice a week.
- Consider using a lubricant during sexual activity.
- Keep in mind that these measures may not reverse vaginal atrophy, especially for those with more severe symptoms. In such cases, consult a healthcare professional for hormonal or alternative treatment options.
Menstrual Care
Menstruation is a unique phase in a woman’s life. During this time, pelvic congestion and menstrual blood can irritate the external genital skin.
- Change sanitary pads frequently, every two to three hours when flow is heavy.
- Some women may experience skin irritation due to menstrual blood; in such cases, consider using tampons or menstrual cups.
- Avoid taking baths during your period and, if possible, avoid sexual intercourse, gynecological examinations, and procedures during menstruation.
Pre and Post-Intercourse Care
- Before and after sexual intercourse, maintain proper hygiene.
- Clean the external genital area with water before intercourse, being careful not to introduce water inside.
- Ensure that your partner also practices good hygiene as their lack of cleanliness can lead to gynecological issues.
- After intercourse, urinate, and drink water to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
- If either partner has an active genital infection, it’s advisable to abstain from sexual activity temporarily.
Additional Notes on Intimate Care
Is sterility the ideal state for intimate health?
Absolutely not. A completely sterile environment is not conducive to good health. Just as in other parts of the body, maintaining a balanced microbial environment is crucial. Excessive cleaning can disrupt this balance, making it easier for harmful pathogens to thrive, especially when using chemical or mechanical irritants.
How to properly care for your intimate area?
Here are some simple and cost-effective tips to maintain intimate hygiene and prevent vaginal infections:
- Keep the genital area clean and dry by using warm water for daily cleansing.
- After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
- Choose loose-fitting, breathable underwear made of materials like cotton or with a cotton crotch to promote airflow and keep the area dry.
- Change your underwear daily and wash them promptly to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
- Avoid sitting for extended periods and refrain from crossing your legs to maintain proper blood circulation.
- Before and after sexual activity, pay attention to personal and partner hygiene. After intercourse, urinate and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Ensure safe sexual practices and limit the number of sexual partners to minimize the risk of infections.
In conclusion, maintaining intimate health is essential for a woman’s overall well-being. By following these guidelines and dispelling misconceptions, we aim to empower women to make informed choices and prioritize their health and comfort.”
