Feminine hygiene can be described as an extremely long list of products, washes, deodorants, wipes, and complicated procedures. In fact, maintaining proper hygiene of your intimate zone is quite easy.The basic principles of good feminine hygiene are not about trying to make your vagina smell like perfume and get rid of all natural smells. Good feminine hygiene is about maintaining the cleanliness of the external genital area, preserving skin and natural environment of the vagina, having common sense in your periods and sexual hygiene and monitoring the changes. One of the major things to remember is that your vulva and vagina are not the same. The vulva is the name for the external genital area, vagina is an internal muscular canal which has its own environment and cannot be cleaned or washed.This guide describes how to create a practical routine of feminine hygiene, what products you need, how to take care of yourself during your period and after the sex, what can be considered as a normal odor and discharge of vagina and when some change in your body requires your visit to the doctor.
What Is Feminine Hygiene?
"Women hygiene" is a term used to describe all the habits that can help you maintain comfort and health of your vulva, vagina and surrounding area.But maintaining hygiene is not about making the genital area sterile. There is natural environment in your vagina and there are bacteria living there. Therefore, the purpose of personal hygiene of women is not about cleaning out your vagina from everything that is living there but about avoiding unnecessary irritations and preserving the external genital environment.It is important to note that many feminine hygiene products are created under the assumption that a woman has to get rid of her natural odor and discharge of vagina. The healthy vagina does not need to be completely odorless, and vaginal discharge is a natural process for vagina which helps to maintain its environment.So, the right way to think about feminine hygiene is:Cleaning what needs to be cleaned. Preserving what should be preserved. Monitoring changes rather than hiding them.It is a pretty simple approach to replace a complicated collection of products and rituals.
Vulva vs. Vagina: Why It Matters
When it comes to cleaning yourself, it is important to understand anatomy.The vulva is the term used to describe external genitals. It consists of labia, clitoris, vestibule and surrounding skin.The vagina is the name of the internal muscular canal connecting the body with the cervix. Menstrual blood moves through it, and it is also a birth canal.It means that you should have different approach to each of these areas.Since the vulva is the external skin it can be easily cleaned. But vagina has its own cleansing mechanisms. That is why frequent internal washing is unnecessary and even may influence the vagina's environment.That is why "how to clean my vagina?" is a slightly misleading question. In most cases what you need to clean is the external area of the vulva, not the vagina.
What Is a Proper Daily Feminine Hygiene Routine?
The daily hygiene routine should not be very complicated for most people.During the shower, wash the external genitals area with warm water. If you want to use some cleanser, use mild and non-irritant product for your body and make sure that it stays external. Do not try to scrub the area aggressively and do not use rough washcloths or fragranced products.When you finish, dry the area by patting it, do not rub the area vigorously.
The same principle is used throughout the day. When you are exercising or swimming, changing your wet clothes can help to maintain the comfort of vulvar skin. Breathable underwear and clothes can reduce heat and moisture trapped against the skin. According to the Royal Women's Hospital, you need to wear breathable underwear and to change wet clothes after exercising.You do not need to wash yourself all the time just because you have noticed the natural moisture and discharge. Overcleansing can be a source of irritation too.
How to Wash Your Vulva Safely
When you wash your vulva area, gentleness is better than aggressiveness.Use your hands to clean the area rather than trying to scrub it with a rough sponge or cloth. Clean the external folds gently and rinse thoroughly any cleansers you use.The skin around the vulva is sensitive and fragranced soaps, sprays, deodorants and other fragranced products may irritate it. According to the Royal Women's Hospital, you should avoid irritating or fragranced products, and feminine sprays and deodorants for the vulva.You also do not need to try to get rid of every bit of discharge. Some discharge is absolutely normal and it helps to maintain your vagina moisturized and clean. The natural discharge varies during the menstrual cycle in quantity, color and viscosity.
Do you Need to Wash Inside Your Vagina?
Not generally.Your vagina is self-cleaning. Washing inside the vagina, especially with soap, chemicals and douching products can destroy its natural environment and may contribute to irritation and infection.According to the CDC, using chemicals to wash inside the vagina can change its natural environment in a harmful way.If you feel that you need to wash internally because of odor, discharge or any other symptom, covering it with a cleansing product is not a good approach. The new or persistent change is better discussed with a healthcare professional.
Feminine Hygiene After Using the Toilet
Bathroom hygiene is also a part of daily hygiene.When wiping after toilet use, use a wipe from front to back. This will reduce chances of spreading bacteria from the anal region to the urethra or vulva regions.In case you need to cleanse both regions, do not use the same piece of toilet paper for both regions.It is a simple habit, but it is often overlooked since it takes only a few seconds.
Choosing Feminine Hygiene Products
Visiting stores can make intimate hygiene look far more complicated than it really is. From feminine washes to wipes, sprays, powders, deodorants, cleansing foams, pH balancing products, and many more, there are various feminine products promising to make you feel "fresh."You do not need all of them.For daily external hygiene, plain water and cleansing are usually enough. In case you decide to use a cleanser, use a gentle one and avoid those which cause dryness, burning, irritation, or itching.
Should You Use Feminine Wash?
Feminine wash is not required just because it is marked as feminine.The important things here are not whether a product says "feminine." Instead, you should ask the following questions:Is it necessary? Is it gentle? Does it irritate your skin? Is it meant for external use?Also, a product that is marked as "pH balancing" is not required to balance the vagina's pH every day. There are natural processes which balance the environment in your vagina.If a product causes repeated irritation, do not use it anymore and do not try to fix it with another intimate product.
Why You Should Avoid Douching
Douching is flushing or washing of the vagina, usually with water combined with some substances.It might sound logical – if washing the exterior of your genitals helps you to stay clean, then why not to wash inside?However, it does not work this way. Your vagina is not a dirty cavity which should be disinfected.Douching might disrupt the natural vagina environment and increase the risk of irritation or even some problems instead of fixing them. The CDC advises against internal cleansing and so does Royal Women's Hospital.Also, douching has a practical downside – it makes people forget about the reasons of some symptoms and try to hide them.If you noticed a strange or very strong odor, for example, repeated douching can only mask the problem without solving the actual cause.
Is Vaginal Odor Normal?
Yes.Healthy vagina does not need to be absolutely odorless.The vagina odor can differ depending on a person and can also change temporarily due to such factors as menstruation, sweat, sexual intercourse, and hormonal changes. HealthyWomen notes that healthy vaginas have natural scents, and the Royal Women's Hospital states that normal vaginal discharge does not have any strong odor.So, the more important question here is not:"Does my vagina smell like nothing?"But:"Has my usual odor changed significantly, and there are any other symptoms?"A newly appeared or constant strong odor, especially if it is combined with unusual discharge, burning, itching, pain, or some other symptoms, should be discussed with a healthcare professional.Using perfumes or vaginal deodorant to mask a new odor is not a solution to find out what caused it.
What Is Normal Vaginal Discharge?
Discharge is one of the easiest parts of vagina health to misunderstand.The normal discharge can be colorless, white, or cream-colored and change throughout the menstrual cycle. It can be wetter or thinner depending on the period in the menstrual cycle. Pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives, and sexual arousal can also influence your discharge.The change is not always a sign of infection.What matters here is if it is unusual for you, especially if it occurs along with other symptoms, such as persistent itching, burning, pain, an unusual odor, or changes in appearance of the discharge.That is why knowing your regular discharge is more important than comparing yourself with photographs or descriptions online.
Feminine Hygiene During Your Period
Period hygiene is an important part of feminine hygiene, but the principles are similar: maintain the external area clean, change menstrual products frequently, wash your hands and avoid unnecessary irritation.There are several menstrual products available, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear. There is no universal product.The only thing that matters here is that you should use it according to instructions and change or clean it accordingly.According to the CDC, pads should be changed every few hours and more frequently in case of heavy flow. Tampons should be changed every 4 to 8 hours and should not be used for more than 8 hours. Menstrual cups and period underwear should be changed/cleaned according to instructions for the particular product.Hand hygiene is still important during your period. Wash your hands before and after changing your menstrual product.If you experience unusually heavy bleeding, severe pain, or other unusual symptoms or a new odor, consult a healthcare professional instead of assuming it is a part of your period.
What Should You Wear for Better Vulvar Comfort?
Underwear does not necessarily have to be expensive or specially designed for "vaginal health".Breathability and comfort can be much more useful criteria.It is common to recommend cotton underwear due to breathability and moisture reduction. Also, it is logical to change wet swimsuits and sweaty sportswear instead of wearing them for a long period of time.According to the recommendations of the Royal Women's Hospital, breathable underwear and changing out of sweaty clothes after sports can be useful.In case a particular type of underwear, detergent, panty liner or clothing causes you to be itchy and irritated all the time, it can be worth considering the reason.Sometimes improvement of feminine hygiene involves less product use, not more.
Feminine Hygiene Before and After Sex
There is no need for complex cleansing before sex.Hygiene and clean hands, using appropriate lubricant, practicing safer sex before sex, can be much more useful than excessive washing.After sex, you can think about urination if you tend to get UTIs. It is possible to rinse the external vulva if you want to clean up, but there is no need to wash vagina internally after sex.Douching should not be used to "clean off" semen or to avoid sexually transmitted infections.Using condoms in a proper way can decrease the risk of many types of sexually transmitted infections, but it does not mean protection against all of them. Sexual hygiene depends on the particular case and circumstances, and HealthyWomen notes about the correct and regular use of condoms as safer sex practice.In case you have some symptoms after sex, such as irritation, pain, sores, unusual discharge, or a new smell, it can be reasonable to seek medical consultation rather than to try to clean yourself properly.
Feminine Hygiene and Hair Removal
Shaving or waxing the pubic hair is just a personal preference, not an obligatory aspect of female hygiene.Hair removal does not make the vulva more clean.In case you decide to shave, it is reasonable to use clean instruments and not to share the razors. Be aware that shaving and waxing can irritate the skin and cause problems, such as razor burns and ingrown hairs.If some bumps, rash, or pain area persists or accompanied by discharge, odor, or severe pain, it may not be just an ingrown hair. In this situation, a healthcare specialist will help you find the true reason of your condition.The Royal Women's Hospital recommends to use a new razor in case you shave and not to share razors.
Feminine Hygiene at Different Stages of Life
Your hygienic routine does not necessarily have to stay the same through all the stages of your life.
At the stage of puberty
Puberty involves hormone and physiological changes, including start of vaginal discharge and periods. It is a good time to understand the difference between the vulva and vagina and create some simple hygienic habits, such as washing the external area regularly, changing the underwear, understanding the way menstrual products work.
During reproductive years
Your menstrual cycles, sexual activity, pregnancy, contraception, and changes in discharge will affect the feeling of your genital area.The aim remains the same: it is about maintaining basic hygiene without interfering with natural vaginal processes.
During pregnancy
Changes in vaginal discharge and other sensations occur during pregnancy. Increased vaginal discharge is not always problematic, but a great change in odor, unusual discharge, pain, itching, burning, or bleeding should be consulted with the pregnancy care provider.
During menopause
Menopause involves hormone changes that will affect your vulva and vagina, and such changes as dryness and discomfort. Using fewer irritating products and discussing your symptoms with the healthcare provider will be more useful than adding another feminine hygiene product.
What Not to Do for Feminine Hygiene
Basic intimate care is not only about what to do, but also about what not to do.You do not necessarily need to douche, perfume your vulva, use vaginal deodorant, scrub excessively, or to clean this area multiple times during the day.You should not also believe that some unpleasant odor shows that you are "dirty".This thinking can result in a vicious circle of excessive washing, irritation, discomfort, and additional feminine hygiene products usage to cope with the irritation.According to the Royal Women's Hospital, fragrant and irritating soaps, feminine sprays and deodorants, vaginal cleaning, and vigorous rubbing should be avoided.
Normal vs. Concerning Changes
Your body will not look, smell, or feel exactly the same every day. Normal variations are typical for vaginal health.For example, vaginal discharge can vary during the menstrual cycle, mild odor is not a problem itself, and the appearance of the vulva can differ widely between individuals.The thing that deserves your attention is any consistent or significant change from your usual pattern.It can be the new smell, persistent itchiness or burning, pain without clear reasons, sores, significant swelling, unusual discharge, or abnormal bleeding.These symptoms may have different causes, so it is better not to make self-diagnosis based on single symptoms.For example, change in smell does not necessarily mean that you have one particular infection. Your clinician will need to consider your symptoms, medical history, examination results, and maybe some tests.
When to See Your Doctor
Consider visiting your doctor if you experience a persistent change that feels abnormal for you.In particular, consider seeing your healthcare provider if you experience an unusual vaginal odor, discharge, persistent itchiness, burning sensation, pain, ulcers, swelling, or bleeding that feels unusual for you.The CDC advises visiting a doctor if you experience unusual vaginal odor, extremely painful sensations, or heavier-than-usual menstrual symptoms.There is no need to feel embarrassed about your symptoms. Vulvovaginal conditions are common and quite a few of them can be treated. The same opinion is shared by the Royal Women's Hospital, encouraging women to see a doctor about their genital symptoms.
Feminine Hygiene FAQs
Should I Use Feminine Wipes Every Day?
Frequent daily application of wipes is not necessary for most women. If you still use wipes, make sure that they do not irritate your skin. It is especially important to consider the effect of fragrance, which might irritate your skin.
Can I Douch to Remove Odor?
Douching is not recommended for everyday hygiene purposes. Douching can disturb the natural balance of vagina and cause more harm than benefit. It will not help you solve the underlying problem of new odor.
How Often Should I Change My Tampon?
According to the CDC recommendation, you should change tampons every 4 to 8 hours and should not wear a tampon longer than 8 hours. Go for the lowest absorbency tampon required by your flow.
Is Vaginal Discharge Normal?
Usually, yes. Normal discharge is usually clear, white or cream-colored and can vary throughout your menstrual cycle. Any significant change in your usual discharge along with odor, itching, burning sensation or pain requires consulting your healthcare provider.
Do I Need to Remove Pubic Hair for Better Hygiene?
No. Removing pubic hair is not the essential hygiene procedure. If you still wish to remove it, take all the measures to prevent skin irritation and do not share razors.
Bottom Line: Femine Hygiene Is Quite Simple
Healthy femine hygiene is not about giving your vagina scent of perfumes, removing all traces of discharge and buying tons of intimate products.It is much easier than that.Wash the vulva, but not vagina interior. Make sure your genital area is comfortable and reasonably dry. Wear breathable clothes. Change your menstrual products regularly and use them as intended. Practice safe sex and avoid douching and unnecessary fragrant products.Most importantly, understand what is normal for your body.Vagina can have an odor. Normal discharge can change. Appearance of the vulva can differ greatly from woman to woman. Not every change is something to worry about.But when change appears new, persistant, uncomfortable and accompanied with pain, itching, burning sensation, unusual discharge, bleeding and a strong odor, you should not attempt to fix it with more cleaning. This is when professional advice might be much more helpful than additional feminine hygiene product.Good femine hygiene is basically about less rather than more.