A wide variety of intimate area care products are now available in the market, bringing a transformation in the outlook of personal hygiene. Earlier personal care was limited to soaps, face care products, and hair care essentials. However, in recent years, the personal care field has experienced massive change. With the launch of numerous new innovative personal-hygiene care products, such as intimate wash, intimate-care wipes, anti-chafing cream especially for men, various kinds of sanitary pads, stand and pee products, and many more, personal hygiene awareness has gone up.

According to the latest data, India has at least 80% of women who ignore their intimate parts hygiene, making these women prone to various bacterial and fungal infections. Women also face problems sharing the problems of their private parts and often ignore them. Let’s understand what intimate hygiene is.

What is intimate hygiene?

Whenever there is a discussion about personal hygiene, most people prioritize their hair and skincare. In India, discussing intimate or personal hygiene is still taboo among women. But, maintaining vulvovaginal hygiene is crucial. Like our digestive system, a woman’s vaginal area also contains good and bad bacteria. The beneficiary bacteria produce an acid, which hinders the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, or yeast, and acid maintains harmonious reproductive health.

Daily gentle cleaning of the external vulvar and vaginal area refers to intimate or feminine hygiene, which prevents numerous vulvar and vaginal disorders. The availability of the newest products for private parts hygiene in the market leads to great confusion about their usability and requirement.

Does the vagina need daily cleaning?

Since it is a self-cleaning organ, the vagina requires no dedicated products to clean it. Firstly, we need to understand that vagina is the internal organ of the female reproductive system and the vulvar area is the external organ, which includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and the vaginal opening. The vulva and vagina produce a fluid, which in addition to killing numerous harmful microbes, also maintains vaginal Ph.

Regular washing vagina with harsh soaps, gel wash, or douches can cause an imbalance of vaginal pH and increases the risk of vaginal odor and numerous infections. Even washing the vagina with harsh soaps or gel wash can dry the vaginal mucosa and causes tiny cuts, which make a perfect place for bacterial or fungal growth and worsen the previous vaginal infection.

Daily washing of the vulva and external genital area with warm water is sufficient for good personal hygiene.

How can we clean our intimate area safely?

The vagina is a self-cleaning area, so we don’t have to clean it. However, cleaning the external genital area is crucial for good vaginal and reproductive health. Many doctors suggest cleaning the intimate area with warm water is sufficient for personal hygiene. But, some women don’t feel satisfied by only washing with water. They use soap or an intimate wash to clean the vagina. If you wish to use these products, ensure they are mild, unscented, and chemical-free. After that, you should thoroughly rinse the area and pet dry it.

What is an intimate wash?

Intimate wash is a specially formulated solution to clean private areas. They are available in drug stores or convenience stores, and you can buy them without a doctor’s prescription.

Is intimate wash safe for vaginal health?

It is a debatable topic. Many experts say that intimate wash is safe, while many suggest that washing genitals with intimate wash increase the risk of bacterial or fungal vaginal infections.

Considering vaginal and vulvar health, pH and bacterial balance of these body parts play a crucial role. Recently, intimate-hygiene products, such as wipes, washes, lubricants, and douches, are gaining popularity, and women have started using them without knowing about them. A woman’s reproductive organs undergo different stages, such as puberty, menstruation period, and menopausal phase, which disturb vaginal pH and microbes. Therefore, doctors advise not to use these commercial intimate wash products regularly. Although medically-prescribed intimate wash can help balance vaginal pH, which helps prevent vaginal infections and encourage the growth of healthy bacteria.

The private parts wash products are easy to use and improve personal hygiene. But, before adding any new product to your intimate part care routine, talk to your doctor.