Healthytalk8 Intimate Hygiene
Contents
Intimate hygiene refers to the practice of keeping the private area clean or cared for, these are included genitals, vagina, and penis.
But in females, it becomes more difficult than in male hygiene, where females have menstrual and pregnancy cleaning.
For men, intimate hygiene includes cleaning the external genital area including the penis, and scrotum.
It is important as cleaning the body, due to several reasons, it directly impacts individuals’ health, comfort and overall health.
Private hygiene prevents infection-causing bacteria, and odour, and promotes overall intercourse health and other discomfort.
Remember, Intimate care is essential for overall well-being, If you have some concern about IC, then it is best to talk to your doctor.
Use Soap and Wash
Remember, using harsh soap, and products that have strong fragrances can disturb the natural balance of the private area (1)
- Using mild, and Ph-balanced cleaners
- avoid harsh soap and any other products like shampoo in private areas because they’re in more sensitive
- don’t use fragrances and scents because they can interact with hormones
- use lukewarm water or tap water
- avoid soap on any area of the body for a long time, it may lead to irritation, redness, etc
Wear Clean and Breathable Underwear
Avoiding tight underwear or fitting clothes prevent proper blood circulation, and also leads to discomfort.
Wearing tight underwear is an individual’s own choice, individuals may choose tight, and loose underwear.
However, several research conclusions reveal that individuals can wear tight cloth, but avoid it for a long time. but why?
Tight and dirty clothing traps the moisture or heat inside, which creates an atmosphere of bacteria, and infection (4)
So wear clean, loose and breathable underwear or clothing like cotton.
Keep the Private Area Dry
Because trapping moisture in underwear can develop the home of fungal infections, leads irritation, itch, redness, and fungal infection.
Here are how to keep private areas dry include:
- Avoiding excessive scratching and using rough and non-breathable fabric.
- use a clean and soft towel
- use breathable underwear
- avoid warm water and baths (it increases the chance of yeast infection)
- make sure the area should be dry
- after taking a bath dry and clean the private area properly.
So choose breathable underwear that will keep the private area dry and reduces the risk of infection.
For Women
In women, intimate hygiene is become more challenging than in men, because it comes with periods, pregnancy, and other issues.
So here are intimate hygiene for women in their different life cycles include:
- Don’t use dirty cloth, instead of this you can use homemade sundried cotton pads.
- frequent change in menstrual items, on average should stay to 4 to 6 hours, not more than this, increasing the infection chance.
- wash hands properly before and after touching menstrual products
- avoid harsh soap, and use clean water, make sure to do gentle cleaning
- after urination clean the back and front parts to prevent STI, and UTI infections
- dispose of menstrual products properly in the bin in black polythene
- stay hydrated throughout the day, which prevents dehydration and other health issues.
Practice Safe S*x
Did you know, about 30 various bacteria, viruses, and parasites are spread through improper sexual contact, whether oral or anal?
So it becomes important to go with the safe side by applying these tips include:
- use protection (it decreases
- the chance of infection and pregnancy risk)
- choose high-quality condoms or check for expiration date and any sign of damage
- use lubrication to prevent friction, and promote overall pleasure feeling
- avoid intercourse with multiple partners
- don’t start with full power, start slowly, and then gradually speed up
- avoid sharing your personal intercourse toys
Sharing your items with other increase the chances of spreading infection, bacteria, and viruses (3)
If STI and UTI are a major concern, when getting vaccinated, for this consult with your doctor about price, and eligibility.
Cut Messy Hair
It seems that more long hair in the private area provided protection from infection and unwanted bacteria.
However, for hygiene and to prevent bad odour individuals have to trimmer their messy hair, on underarms also.
But also cutting messy hair individual’s own choice. Clean intimate hair gently, use clean water and avoid harsh soap.
Go to the Bathroom Regularly
Don’t hold urination for a long time, otherwise, it increases the chance of:
- UTI (urinary tract infection)
- infection with pain
- weaken your bladder holding strength
- In rare cases, holding urine can damage their kidney
Holding urination after sex or for a long time due to any reason leads to bladder extension, leads to discomfort and other health issues.
If you experience any penis and bladder issues, then you should consult your doctor, it may become a serious issue in future.
Holding poop may even worsen the situation and lead to several health concerns including:
- Constipation
- damage your intestine by building toxicity
- leads to stomach issues like gas, bloating, heartburn, etc
- abdominal pain and discomfort
- disturb overall bowel movement
So it becomes essential to listen to your body’s every sign. Ignoring it can bring several health concerns
Urinate After S*x
Yes, urinating after intercourse is essential for maintaining private area hygiene which promotes overall sexual health.
But why do we do this, here are why it is important to include:
- Prevent the sexually transmitted infection
- flush out bacteria (like UTI urinary tract infection)
- prevent any type of irritation after ejaculation
- maintain intimate area natural pH balance
- promote pleasure and comfort feeling
- delay urine after sex
Down Line
Intimate hygiene is important as same body hygiene and health so make sure to give priority to your private area hygiene.
Personal hygiene prevents infection-causing bacteria, and smell, and promotes overall intercourse health.
If you experience any discomfort, pain, or any private area issue, then you should consult your healthcare provider.
