Women’s intimate hygiene: do’s and don’ts

Intimate hygiene is essential for health because, in addition to eliminating odors, it prevents infections, among other problems. This care is even more evident in the case of women, who have the anatomy of the genital region more “retracted” and, therefore, more conducive to the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.

Although the vagina has natural protection, promoted by a population of beneficial bacteria that form the vaginal flora and maintain the acidic pH in the region, additional hygiene, carried out by the woman herself, is necessary. If not done properly, the proliferation of fungi and bacteria can generate unpleasant odor, itching, irritation and discharge. Learn how intimate hygiene should be done and clarify your main doubts.

5 tips for personal hygiene

Just like brushing your teeth, intimate hygiene is part of a woman’s routine. But, even so, this habit usually generates doubts, such as: how many times should I wash the region a day? What products to use? What should I not use? Among other issues.

Check out below the main guidelines of gynecologist and obstetrician Erica Mantelli (CRM-SP 124.315), postgraduate in Legal Medicine and Medical Expertise and Sexology/Human Sexuality from the University of São Paulo (USP).

1. No need to overdo it

Erica explains that the ideal way to do intimate hygiene is to wash the region with soap and water, and it can be done during the bath, once or twice a day. “There is no need for excessive washing, because this can take away the natural protection of the region, and this removal of protection can trigger infections”, she explains.

2. Use intimate soap

Erica highlights that the intimate soap has a slightly acidic physiological pH to keep the vagina at its ideal acidity. “Using soap with another type of pH can change that of the genital region, predisposing the region to vaginal infections. However, it is important to talk to the gynecologist to use the proper intimate soap, as some contain a lot of preservatives or chemicals that can also, in the long term and in excess, cause vaginal infections”, she explains.

The gynecologist adds that the intimate soap does not need to be placed directly in the intimate region: the woman can put it in her hand, make foam and then apply it in the region for proper washing. There is also no need to apply the soap inside the vagina.

3. Wear cotton panties

Going beyond the issue of washing itself, the use of cotton panties is also related to women’s intimate hygiene. That’s because, this type of fabric allows the free circulation of air in the region, not “smothering”.

“Synthetic fabrics can make the region more stuffy and, with that, cause more genital infections. Therefore, the best type of lingerie for everyday life is cotton underwear; it is interesting to leave the other fabrics for a more special situation”, explains Erica.

4. Do not use wet wipes on a daily basis

Erica points out that the wet tissue can be used in exceptional situations, such as when the woman is away from home, in a work environment or on a plane trip and is on her menstrual period, for example, and wants to clean quickly.

“However, it should not be used every day because it can cause dryness of the region, disturbing the acidity of the place and also removing the protective barrier”, explains the gynecologist.

5. Don’t stay too long in certain types of clothing

“There are synthetic fabrics, some lycra and, mainly, gym clothes and bikinis, which do not allow the region to have the necessary perspiration, which can lead to the accumulation of sweat and make the region even more humid, altering the vaginal pH, predisposing the region to infections. , mainly by fungi”, explains Erica.

“Therefore, it is important, after physical activity, for the woman to change her gym clothes; and, when leaving the pool or sea, also change clothes, at least the bottom, to keep the intimate region always dry”, highlights the gynecologist.

Another common doubt concerns the use of intimate deodorant. However, it is worth noting that it is not a necessary product for women’s intimate hygiene.

For Erica Mantelli, by the way, the use of intimate deodorant is not indicated. “Because it can, over time, harm the genital region. Only proper on-site sanitation is sufficient. If the woman has an unpleasant odor in the vaginal region, she should look for the gynecologist for evaluation”, she explains.

Intimate hygiene after intercourse

It is essential to highlight the importance of intimate hygiene after sexual intercourse. “It is important to avoid genital infections and also urinary infections after intercourse, thus washing the urethral canal”, highlights Erica.

“After sexual intercourse, it is recommended that women urinate and wash with water and intimate soap”, guides the gynecologist.

Other intimate hygiene methods

You may have heard of other intimate hygiene methods, such as using baking soda or vinegar. But are they safe and efficient?

Vinegar

Erica points out that the use of vinegar for intimate hygiene is not safe. “It should not be performed indiscriminately, only with medical indication depending on the type of pathology that the woman presents”, she says.

Sodium bicarbonate

Washing with bicarbonate should also be done only if there is a medical indication. “It is widely used in some cases of vulvovaginitis, however, there must be a medical indication, since the method is not recommended for all women and, in some cases, instead of helping, it can end up getting in the way (depending on the type of infection in effect). )”, explains the gynecologist.

You don’t play with health, even more so when the goal is to sanitize an intimate and sensitive region. Therefore, avoid homemade recipes, bet on the traditional and basic method of washing and always correctly follow the guidelines given by your gynecologist. Also know seven vaginal problems and learn how to deal with them.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.