It is not new that having good hygiene habits is indispensable to keep up with health. This is true for the whole organism, but especially for the intimate region.
Women’s health is still surrounded by myths and taboos, making it difficult for many girls and women to have adequate habits and, therefore, impair vaginal health. And it’s not just due to lack of hygiene! Sometimes, the misuse, or in excess, of sanitizers can be the cause of the problems.
In addition, several common habits can be related as well. For example, choosing clothes that are too tight or, after the gym, stay in sweaty clothes. Although they may seem harmless, these things can be the source of intimate annoyances.
Therefore, it is always worth knowing about the care of your own body, and what conditions can actually harm.
Do you want to know how to keep your intimate health preserved? Here are 10 habits that are bad for the vaginal area and how to change them:
Contents
Use of daily protector
Although many women believe that the use of daily protector is a measure of hygiene and protection, in fact, it can be the cause of allergies and irritations, increasing the risk of infections.
As they can impair the breathing of the vaginal region, there is the favor of the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. Thus, it is common for conditions such as candidiasis to occur.
However, it is worth noting that they are more porous than ordinary absorbents. Therefore, they allow the intimate area to be more ventilated. But it is always worth observing the signals that the body gives. Therefore, if allergies and irritations are occurring frequently, it is important to consider stopping the use of daily protectors.
Use of synthetic panties or tight clothing
Wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics impairs the breathing of the intimate region and can cause irritation due to friction of the skin or mucosa with the tissue.
The same logic applies to the use of pants or shorts that are too tight, as they make it difficult to breathe in the intimate region, warm up and favor the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.
The ideal, then, is always to opt for lighter fabrics, which allow to make the region more airy. Panties should be made of fabrics like cotton, which besides being comfortable, tend not to irritate the vulva.
In addition, taking it to sleep is a simple measure that helps to reduce intimate problems.
Sin in hygiene
The lack of hygiene is a factor that favors several pathologies in both sexes, but in women this can be even more harmful.
The anatomy of the woman’s body makes it easier to contaminate the vagina with intestinal bacteria, as soon as the vulva and anus are very close. That is, it is a short way for bacteria to migrate from the anus to the vagina.
As the size of a woman’s urethra is also shorter than that of a man, if infectious agents enter the vaginal canal, the possibility of developing a urinary tract infection is easier in relation to men.
Therefore, the ideal is to always do the correct cleaning after evacuating (clean in the direction from front to back).
Excessive use of soaps
If poor hygiene can cause problems, excess hygiene is also dangerous. Soaps that can affect the pH of the intimate area are harmful and can cause irritation.
Thinking about it, many women end up opting for the use of intimate soaps, which indicate having an adequate pH for the vaginal region. But that, too, may not be the solution.
The vagina is a very intelligent and balanced system. In it, different bacteria live harmoniously. When the pH is regulated, that is, acidic, intimate health is going well.
Soaps, cleaning wipes, perfumed or intimate lotions can destroy the natural protective layer of the vagina and favor the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. This makes the urethral canal more susceptible to the entry of fungi.
It is not a general rule. There are women who will adapt well to the use of intimate soaps (as long as the form and frequency of use are respected), and others who will show sensitivity. However, there are gynecologists who point out that, in fact, all the vulva needs is a daily cleaning with water.
If the sanitizer is one of those well perfumed, antibacterial or with alkaline pH, the tip is to keep them well away from the vaginal region.
Make an intimate shower
Doing intimate hygiene only means washing the vulva – so it is important to understand that the vulva concerns the outside of the intimate region. Vagina or vaginal canal is the inner part.
The vaginal shower is an internal cleaning, which can use water or antiseptic products. In some cases, it can be guided as part of medical treatment.
However, carrying out on your own can unbalance the vaginal flora, destroying the region’s natural protection barrier. As a result, candidiasis, itching and discharge are favored.
Read more: Which creams and ointments are indicated to treat male and female candidiasis ?
Drink little water
Lack of hydration can have a number of consequences for the body, including intimate health. As the urine becomes more concentrated, there is a change in its acidity, which allows bacteria to attack the bladder mucosa, leading to urinary tract infection.
In addition, going to the bathroom causes some bacteria or agents that are in the urethral canal to be eliminated. It is like a natural cleaning.
With less fluid intake, this cleaning is also compromised. So it is worth maintaining good hydration and avoid holding urine.
Use unsuitable lubricants
The use of lubricating products during sex is often indicated and may even protect the vaginal canal from microlesions due to poor natural lubrication.
However, this must be done with suitable products and specially developed for the intimate region. Thus, applying creams, oils or any other substance that is not dermatologically approved for sexual intercourse can trigger allergies, irritations, infections and other reactions.
Do not go to gynecological consultation
Doing that health check up is indispensable. And this is also true when it comes to the health of the vagina. Even if there is no manifestation or change, it is always important to seek medical advice.
Many women and girls do not go to gynecologists before starting a contraceptive or when they start having sex, for example. This can involve risks, especially when there is self-medication .
It is also worth remembering that it is important not to be ashamed or afraid to ask questions and clarify doubts. Gynecological consultation is essential to assess health and also to get to know your own body better.
Ignore body signals
Whether out of shame or believing that it is nothing serious, many women ignore signs of the body, such as discharge and pain.
It is worth remembering that that white discharge and without associated symptoms is natural and a sign that the vagina is doing well. However, changes in the vulva mucosa, itching, discharge and other symptoms are often ignored or treated with self-medication – which can be very harmful.
Therefore, going to the consultation whenever a doubt occurs or there is a change in the functioning of the organism is essential to take good care of the intimate region.
Not knowing your own body
Ignoring signals from the body can be very bad and make problems that are initially simple become serious. But to be able to pay attention to that, you need to know your own body.
Understanding menstrual cycles, observing changes throughout the month, identifying the frequency of cramps, paying attention to the discharge and appearance of the vulva is important for knowing what is normal and what is not.
With this information and knowledge of the body itself, going to the consultation and clarifying doubts is indispensable for vaginal health.
Ah, remembering that each organism is unique. Therefore, it is important to clarify doubts directly with gynecology professionals. That is, nothing to compare what happens in your body with other women.
The best way to take care of your intimate health is to seek information and get to know your own body. From there, you can take care of the habits and customs of everyday life.
Some very common things, like those intimate soaps or wearing tight clothes, are the big villains of a healthy vagina. But it is simple to change that! Want to know more information about women’s health and intimate care? Follow the Healthy Minute!
