How to Maintain Feminine Hygiene

With so many products on the market today designed to help women practice feminine hygiene, many girls and women think they need them. This is simply not true. You don't need commercially manufactured chemicals and perfumes to maintain good feminine hygiene. They will only irritate your sensitive skin. Follow these steps to clean and take care of your most private areas.

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap and water

Instructions

1. Clean your feminine area daily with warm water and a mild soap. If you are comfortable doing so, cleaning your private area with your clean soapy hand will eliminate the risk of introducing bacteria from a washcloth into your vagina. Otherwise, use a fresh washcloth every time you cleanse this area.

2. Shower or bathe every day. Your private areas sweat just like the rest of you, so it is very important that you wash away any sweat or dirt that may have gathered there. Always cleanse your feminine parts after any kind of sexual contact, even if it was only touching or oral contact. This will greatly reduce your risk of infection in your vagina as well as your urinary tract.

3. Change pads or tampons often during your menstrual cycle. Leaving a tampon in too long or wearing the same pad for an extended period greatly increases your chance of infection. Changing your tampon or pad often will also reduce any chance of developing an odor.

4. Respect your body's ability to cleanse itself. A woman's vagina will clean itself out daily with natural discharge. Using additional chemicals or products can disrupt this natural process.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice any itchiness, changes in the color of your vaginal discharge or its odor visit your doctor right away. These are signs of possible infection.

• Don't use douches, perfumes or powders on your vaginal area.