Disclaimer: Please note that this blog is for educational purposes only, it includes general information on health-related topics. Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton is giving medical advice to Patients Only. Follow this link to request an appointment with Dr. Ellman.
Although there are some current discussions about the phrase “feminine hygiene” and what it entails, one thing is for sure – every person has to take care of the health of their reproductive system and organs, as well as their whole body.
Feminine hygiene usually refers to steps women take to ensure the cleanliness and health of their reproductive organs, such as the vagina and vulva, as well as the surrounding areas. It is essential to differentiate between the vagina, which is an internal canal, and the vulva, which includes the outer part of your genitals, such as the outer and inner labia, mons pubic, Bartholin’s glands, etc.
The issue many people talk about today is the usage of the word “feminine,” which entails that only women are supposed to make extra efforts in keeping a high level of intimate hygiene, while men are not socially pressured to do so. Whatever the case may be, this article brings you feminine hygiene tips to help you take care of your private parts easily and effectively for your own well-being and health.
Choosing a medical professional, i.e., a gynecology specialist in Boca Raton, who will be there for you if you have any additional questions about this topic, is critical, so make sure to research the options carefully. Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton is one of the options which offers ultimate professionalism, support, and care, so their patients feel safe and taken care of while being affordable and welcoming.
Vagina Hygiene And Tips
Keeping the level of feminine care high means that you need to make extra efforts and invest more time in taking care of yourself and your feminine health. There are different ways to go about it, and in this article, we brought to you different approaches and tactics you can use to ensure you are on the right track.
Below you can find a list of feminine hygiene tips with additional advice and explanations, so keep reading!
- Food: Many people say that what you put into your body is crucial for your overall health, so feminine health is not an exception. The body needs fuel to function, and what we consume has a significant impact on our reproductive organs as well. It is advised to consume food rich in vitamins C and E, omega fats, proteins, antioxidants, and probiotics.
- Cleanliness: There are a few steps doctors advise to take to keep the cleanliness of your vagina and vulva on point. Firstly, it is essential to say that your vagina mostly cleans “itself,” meaning that the discharge you experience is actually a way of keeping the organ clean and healthy, showing us that it is functioning as it should be.
On the other hand, when it comes to your vulva, you will need to put additional effort into keeping it clean. Parts of the vulvar area are mostly skin, and like all other parts of our skin on the body, it needs to be washed regularly. It is important to use soaps without damaging chemicals and fragrances, with lukewarm water, and only your fingers to clean it. It is as simple as it sounds.
When you are going to the bathroom, make sure you do not wipe your anal area together with the vaginal area because you risk infecting the urethra with substances from the rectum and getting an infection of the urinary tract. When urinating, wipe yourself always from the front to the back.
Many people do not like pubic hair and want to shave it off. This is perfectly fine, although keep in mind that hair protects the vulva during activities such as sexual intercourse. If you still want to shave it all off, be mindful of potential infections, so use a new blade every time, or at least designate one razor only for feminine care.
Some persons have sensitive skin, so you might have to deal with ingrown hair and potential irritation if you shave your vulvar area. It can most often be soothed with a heated compress, but complications are possible. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or strange discharge, and alike contact your chosen doctor to seek advice and run additional tests. Also, avoid products with fragrances, and use mild soaps and aloe vera.
To ensure your vaginal health is intact after sexual intercourse, the safest tip is simply urinating afterward. In this way, you keep out any potential bacteria that might have entered the urethra and save yourself the trouble of getting a urinary tract infection.
- Familiarize yourself with your feminine health: The most efficient way of taking care of your health is to monitor your vagina and vulva regularly. You will be able to spot when something is not right by either looking at it, smelling it, or just simply feeling different. Use the opportunity when you are in the shower to examine everything with your fingers using a mirror but also do not forget to schedule regular doctor’s appointments.
What Happens During Pregnancy or Menopause?
When you are pregnant, there are some additional things to keep in mind in order to ensure good feminine hygiene, such as:
- Do not use vaginal douches because they can wash out good bacteria, interfere with your pH balance and make you prone to infections.
- Use non-fragrance soaps for your vulvar region.
- Avoid washing the inside of your vagina.
Menopause, on the other hand, causes the skin of the vulva to dry out, so you will need to apply more moisture. Also, taking supplements such as vitamin E and vitamin C, as well as multivitamins and collagen, will help immensely.
Help Us Help You!
Feminine hygiene is a critical topic for the experts who work in our clinic. By visiting us, asking questions, and raising concerns, you also help us better understand the needs and issues women face regarding feminine health and hygiene. Feel free to contact us, and we will try our best to help and support you.
Dr. Ellman is a Board Certified OBGYN who established his medical practice in South Florida over 25 years ago. His office, Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton, is located in Boca Raton, Florida at West Boca Medical Center. Dr. Ellman attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, where he received his medical degree. He went on to intern at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston- an affiliate of Harvard Medical School- and continued his residency at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York- an affiliate of Cornell Medical School.
Dr. Ellman has practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Boca Raton area since 1995. In addition to treating patients at West Boca Hospital, Dr. Ellman also treats patients through his own private practice, Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton, located on the West Boca Medical Campus.