women hygiene

9 easy steps to make difference in Women Hygiene

“If you really want to change a culture to empower women
improve basic hygiene and healthcare
and fight high rates of infant mortality
the answer is to educate girls”
 

– Greg Mortenson

Maintaining hygiene is important to overall health. If we talk about women, there are many common hygiene issues every woman should aware of. Discussing these issues will help them to build a positive attitude towards cleanliness.

The goal of hygiene promotion is to help women to understand and develop good hygiene practices. On this International Women’s Day, let’s learn 9 easy steps to make difference in Women’s hygiene.

Eat Healthily

Follow a healthy and balanced diet. Keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water and fluids. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products should be consumed on daily basis.

Consumption of cranberry juice, Green tea, and fish is very beneficial. Intake of Omega-3-fatty acids helps to lower down menstrual cramps. A healthy diet is key to vaginal and reproductive health.

Bath regularly

Bath regularly and properly. Wash your vagina the right way. Use your hands in motion from the vagina to the anus, not vice-versa. Wash your anal area last. As it prevents the transfer of germs from the anus to the vagina and also avoids yeast infections.

Don’t forget to dry off with a clean towel to avoid moisture build-up, a major cause of fungal infections.

Menstruation

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. During menstruation, there is a discharge of menstrual blood, old cells, mucous walls, and other matter out of the vagina.

The release of menstrual blood may attract various organisms from our bodies, which multiply in the warmth of the blood. It causes irritation, rashes, or urinary tract infections. Develop healthy habits with regard to your menstrual cycle.

There are many menstrual products are available in the market. Avoid using them for a longer period. Changing your sanitary napkin or tampon regularly curbs the growth of organisms and prevents infections.

Changing sanitary napkins or tampons within every 4-6 hours is the thumb rule to establish vaginal hygiene. Wash your vagina regularly during periods. Because the organisms hold on to your body after you have removed your sanitary pads.

Vaginal Discharge

There is a secretion of a small amount of discharge from the vagina. Even a healthy woman will have it because of normal physiology. The vagina has acidic pH. This acidic environment is quite essential for minimizing the risk of infection.

It contains rich quantities of beneficial bacteria that help to prevent infection. It also helps to keep the vaginal area lubricated.

One should wash the vaginal area daily with clean water. Sometimes you can use a mild soap or douching products if really needed.

Daily rinsing your vagina with chemicals also not recommended as it may disturb the pH of the vagina. It may lead to moisture build-up or other infections.

At Home or Work

While at home, they try to perform multiple tasks at a time. Women have a habit of working on wet clothes. Your clothes get wet while cleaning floors, cooking, washing clothes in the bathroom.

Wearing wet clothes is also an unhealthy sign for your hygiene. Wash your hands with sanitizers once have done your work at home.

At work, dust on your office furniture may cause irritation. Wash hands after using the restrooms or eating a meal. The use of deodorant is advised to minimize body odors.

Choosing Apparels

Improper use of clothing is the common cause of vaginal yeast infection. So, wear fabrics that allow your vaginal region to breathe. As there are vaginal secretions, clothing should allow airflow. Use soft, white, unscented toilet papers in the washrooms.

Clothes made up of dyes or other irritating chemicals would be irritating. Apparel made up of cotton is recommended. Avoid tight inner clothes. Prefer to change clothes after exercise or any sweating activities.

Urination

Wipe your genital area thoroughly after urination. This will help keep your vaginal area dry and clean. Always urinate after having sexual intercourse.

This will prevent the development of bacteria close to the urethra and decrease the risk of a urinary tract infection.

In pregnancy

Pregnancy is a major event in one’s life, especially for young couples, and hence, it should be a well-planned step. The use of contraceptives should be done by your doctor’s advice.

Many times, a newborn child is prone to maternal infection. This may further lead to sepsis to your baby. Even you have to take care while feeding a child.

Have safe sex

Protected or secured sex helps to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Having unprotected sex during your periods should be avoidable.

It has a high infection potential leading to serious ailments. Avoid having sex in the first two days of the menstrual cycle to avoid bad odor.

Maintain oral hygiene. It is important to trim the hair in the private parts. Wash your intimate area gently from outside only after sex.

Given these points, in addition to preventing odors, itching, and discomfort, preventing bacterial infections is also important. In some cases, bacterial infections may lead to sterility, disease, cancer, and other health problems.

This year’s campaign theme for International Women Day is Press for Progress!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *