GOOD SEXUAL HEALTH HABITS FOR WOMEN
Genital Hygiene for Women
In our society, it is common to talk with children and adults about cleanliness. But because we are uncomfortable with sexual communication, we often avoid talking about sexual hygiene. It is important to learn that sexual cleanliness does not mean elimination of all natural odors. In fact, some natural odors can have erotic effects. However, cleanliness does mean the elimination of odors caused by bacteria and other microorganisms that can grow on the body.
Washing very gently between the folds of the vulva with warm water and a mild soap is all women need to do to keep their genitals clean. If you are sensitive or allergic to even mild soaps, a soft rubbing around the folds of your labia while sitting in a tub of warm water should do the trick. All you really want to do is remove sweat and bacteria from around the vulva outside your vagina.
The inside of the vagina cleans itself-—mucus, semen, menstrual blood, and discarded cells from the walls of the vagina flow out. The vaginal walls and the cervix also produce fluids that are white or yellowish in color. These secretions are normal and healthy. The smell, taste, and thickness of the fluid changes with your cycle. They also change when something is wrong, so it’s a good idea to know how your vagina usually smells. You won’t know how your healthy vagina smells if you cover it up with perfumes and deodorants or wash your smell away with douches. These products are unnecessary. If you are healthy and wash regularly, you will simply smell like a woman with a healthy vagina.
Many different bacteria and organisms live in a healthy vagina, including some that can cause vaginitis. They don’t usually cause any problems because there are not too many of any one kind. Regular douching or irritating perfumes can upset this balance and cause vaginal infections. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that is caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria. A common symptom is heavy and unusual vaginal discharge that is often grayish and frothy and may have an unpleasant odor. Having vaginitis can actually cause the bad odor you may be trying to avoid with douches and sprays. If you have any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your health care provider.
Some healthful vaginal hygiene tips
• Bathe regularly with mild soap and rinse well with clean water.
• Bathe before, and especially after, sex.
• Wash your hands before touching your vagina.
• Always wipe from front to back, vulva to anus, after bowel movements or urinating. Wiping
the other way could spread fecal bacteria to your vagina.
• Wear clean underwear with a cotton crotch. Other materials like nylon hold in heat and
moisture—great for bacteria, bad for a healthy vagina.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and deodorants, douches, bubble bath products, colored
toilet paper, and other people’s washcloths or towels on your genitals.
• If you really want to douche, use plain water.
• Ask your partner to practice good hygiene.
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Tags: Women’s Health