Best Practice:
- Clean the outer area (vulva) with warm water and, if needed, a mild, pH-balanced cleanser.
- Never douche or insert soaps internally.
- Limit washing to once or twice daily.
3. Ignoring Proper Menstrual Hygiene
Improper menstrual hygiene can significantly impact the health of the intimate region. Leaving tampons, pads, or menstrual cups in for too long creates an environment ripe for bacterial overgrowth, increasing the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and unpleasant odors.
Neglecting to change sanitary products frequently or using scented ones can trigger skin sensitivity and infections.
Best Practice:
- Change pads every 4–6 hours and tampons or menstrual cups every 4–8 hours.
- Choose unscented, hypoallergenic products.
- Maintain hygiene before and after changing sanitary items.
The allure of a “fresh scent” can be damaging. Scented wipes, sprays, powders, and perfumed panty liners may cause allergic reactions, itching, and inflammation. The skin of the intimate area is extremely delicate and can easily react to chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Moreover, these products mask potential signs of infection instead of addressing the root cause.
