WOMEN’S PERSONAL HYGIENE
Daily Feminine Hygiene
Proper hygiene contributes to overall good health. Daily genital cleansing
is part of feminine hygiene and is very important because the accumulation
of normal vaginal discharge can promote rashes, irritations and odours.
Vaginal discharge may vary due to the menstrual cycle, amount of sexual
activity and exercise and types of birth control used. Additionally,
mature women have natural hormones that cause oil and sweat glands to
increase discharge.
Feminine hygiene may include showers or baths depending on preference.
Most women are able to use the same soaps or cleansers they use on the
rest of their body. Some women are sensitive to certain products and
need to use neutral cleansers, such as Dove®, Basis® and Neutrogena®.
Special over-the-counter feminine products are not necessary.
| DO |
DON'T |
| OPEN LIPS AND CLEAN BETWEEN FOLDS |
Neglect the hidden areas |
| CHANGE UNDERWEAR DAILY |
Wear jeans without underwear |
| WEAR UNDERWEAR WITH A COTTON CROTCH BECAUSE COTTON
WICKS MOISTURE AWAY FROM THE BODY |
Wear mini-pads on a regular basis: they hold
in moisture and can promote vaginal infections
like yeast |
WIPE FROM FRONT TO BACK TO PREVENT SPREAD
OF BACTERIA
Always use natural and soap free cleansing wash |
Douche: douching washes away “good”
bacteria and can promote vaginal infections |
| URINATE AFTER INTERCOURSE TO PREVENT URINARY
TRACT INFECTIONS |
Postpone going to the bathroom when the urge
is felt or after sex |
| CHANGE TAMPONS AND PADS EVERY 4-6 HOURS WHILE AWAKE |
Leave tampons and pads in place for prolonged
periods: moisture promotes bacterial growth |
| USE A BLOW DRYER OR AIR DRY BEFORE DRESSING |
Stay in wet clothes or bathing suits; moisture
promotes bacterial growth |
| WEAR LOOSE COMFORTABLE CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE |
Wear tight jeans or spandex clothing for
prolonged periods because they promote
moisture |
| SLEEP WITHOUT UNDERWEAR OR IN LOOSE COTTON BOXER SHORTS TO PROMOTE
NATURAL DRYING OF THE GENITAL AREA |
Use powder in the genital area or under
breasts; powders hold in moisture and promote
fungal infections |
|