Your vagina has an efficient, perfectly balanced way of keeping itself clean and healthy. It does this through vaginal secretions, as well as a mix of ‘good’ bacteria and carefully balanced pH levels. But this doesn’t mean there
aren’t things you can do to maintain good hygiene.
Here’s your essential guide to the dos and don’ts of vaginal hygiene.
Do wash every day
Washing your intimate area every day can help to clean away sweat. What’s more, you’ll feel fresh and clean down there.
Don’t use overly perfumed soaps, gels or wipes
Your intimate area has a delicate balance of pH levels and bacteria, but this can be disrupted when chemicals are introduced into the area. This is why it’s a good idea to avoid overly perfumed wipes, sprays, powders, soaps and gels when
washing your intimate areas. Instead, opt for washes and foams that are specially designed for your intimate area.
Do wash more often during your period
It’s good practice to wash the area around your vagina more often when you’re having a period. Things can get messier down there at this time, so it can help you to feel fresher and cleaner if you wash with warm water a couple of times
a day.
Do use a soft, fluffy towel to dry off
Be gentle with yourself when drying off after a shower or an intimate wash. A lovely fluffy towel is just the ticket, as anything rougher could cause irritation or dryness.
However, it is important to get your intimate area properly dry after washing, so be gentle but thorough with the towel.
Don’t get too hung up on odour
It’s 100% normal for your vagina to have a scent. Unless it’s overly strong or unpleasant - in which case you should make an appointment with your doctor - then there’s really nothing for you to worry about.
If you’re self-conscious about vaginal odour, it’s tempting to overcompensate with powerfully fragranced products. However, these soaps and wipes could potentially cause irritation and other problems. The best way to keep odours to
a minimum is to wash regularly and dry thoroughly.