Recommendations for intimate hygiene of women

The intimate female areas have their own characteristics, which make their care and hygiene different from those of other parts of the body. Here are some tips and recommendations that will help you.

• Use products containing neutral cleaning agents that do not alter the pH of the genital mucosa and do not cause irritation or dryness.
• Moderate or avoid the use of intimate deodorants. In addition to being potentially irritating and allergenic, they can mask a symptom, the bad smell, which could be a sign of a condition that needs treatment.
• Avoid vaginal showers (except prescription) because they can remove microorganisms needed to protect the vagina and cause dryness. Just wash the genitals externally with water or with a neutral soap or without perfume.

• Do not use a sponge or anything similar to clean the genital area because it can result in a nest of germs. Fingers should be used and passed gently through the folds of the labia major and minor, and around the clitoris.
• It is important for underwear to be changed daily and washed with less aggressive products and to be rinsed correctly. Use cotton fabrics and avoid synthetics as much as possible, to facilitate perspiration.
• Avoid excessively tight trousers and underwear, so that there is no chafing or accumulation of moisture.
• During menstruation change frequently (do not wait more than 4–6 hours) the pads or tampons. Choose those that do not carry deodorant.

• Wash hands and genital area before and after sexual intercourse.
• Always clean the perineal area from front to back so as not to drag germs from the anus to the vulva.
• Beware of Pubic Shavings, as they can produce small cuts on the lips and near areas.