The female genital area is vulnerable to infections due to the delicate and sensitive skin as well as the proximity of urethra and vaginal area to the anus (motion area). Keeping it clean plays an important role in maintaining the reproductive, urinary and general health and avoiding issues like urinary infections, pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility.

While you go through your daily lifestyle and monthly cycles, there are a few important aspects that can be taken care on a daily basis to avoid unwanted infections and complications.

Some facts about perineal hygiene

  • Skin over the genital area is very delicate and sensitive. So, never use any strong soaps and harsh hygiene products
  • Hair in pubic area is not unhygienic
  • Clear mucoid vaginal secretions without foul smell, itching or soreness is normal. The consistency of secretions vary in different stages of menstrual cycle due to hormones
  • Vagina has a self cleansing mechanism, so there is no need to clean inside
  • Vagina as well as skin in the genital area harbor lot of good bacteria to maintain a normal ecosystem

What should be your daily routine

  • Regular cleaning of genital area
    • DOs
      • Wash genital area with mild soap only once daily
      • Use lukewarm waterPat it dry
    • DON’Ts
      • NEVER use the following as they may irritate the skin
        • Harsh soaps
        • Deodorants
        • Perfumes
        • Scented wipes
        • Talcum powder
      • NO douching (cleaning inside the vagina) as it affects the normal ecosystem
      • NO hot water in the genital area as skin becomes dry
  • How to Wash genital area
    • Always wash from FRONT to BACKNEVER Reverse; it leads to carrying of bacteria from anus to the genitals and predispose you to infections
  • Managing Pubic hair
    • Only trim pubic hair if excess
    • NO shaving, waxing or epilating creams as all these may irritate skin, cause injuries, ingrown hairs and infections
  • Sexual Hygiene
    • Wash genitals and pass urine before and after engaging in sex
    • DO NOT have sex with full bladder as it may predispose you to infections
  • Undergarment usage
    • DOs
      • Use only cotton undergarments which are washed and rinsed properly to remove detergents
      • Change undergarments after workout / swimming immediately
      • Make sure the genitals are dry before pulling up the undergarments
    • DONTs
      • NEVER use new undergarments directly off the shelf which contain harmful irritant chemicals
      • AVOID tight fitting and synthetic undergarments
      • AVOID using them at night when you are not menstruating to let skin breathe
    • Menstrual Hygiene
      • Use cotton sanitary napkins during your periods
      • Change them every 4 to 6 hours or earlier during the days you have more flow

Apart from the daily things to take care as mentioned above, it is equally important to maintain general health by having a proper diet and adequate exercise.