Maintaining cleanliness in the area of ​​the external genitalia is an integral part of the daily hygiene of the whole body. However, the mistakes that can be made and overly intensive care in this sensitive area can do more harm than good. Therefore, every woman should pay attention to several basic points when maintaining the hygiene of the intimate area. 1. The vagina is highly acidic and that’s a good thing! In healthy women, the vaginal contents have an acidic value due to the production of lactic acid by bacteria – Bacilus acidophilus vaginalis, Döderlein bacteria. They have strong vitality and outgrow all other microorganisms in the vagina. This natural vaginal flora has a crucial role in the defense against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Vaginal contents usually have a pH value below 4.5, meaning it is more acidic than that of normal skin, which has a pH of 5.5. This acidic reaction can be broken after using soap or shower gel. Therefore, the use of soap and washing lotions should be avoided when cleaning the external genitalia (labia, vaginal opening). 2. The vagina can clean itself! The best way to maintain hygiene in the intimate area is to use clean water. The use of mushrooms and any other auxiliary substances in which harmful microorganisms multiply is not recommended. A misconception among many women is still the opinion that douches “cleanse” the vagina and thus protect against the development of diseases in the genital tract. However, the truth is different. The washes disturb the natural environment in which the Döderlein bacteria develop and they can no longer carry out their protective function. It has already been scientifically proven that the natural vaginal flora is negatively affected by douching. The risk of vaginal infection increases in pregnant women. In addition, washings have nothing to do with an already existing infection and do not relieve the woman’s condition in any way. NEWS_MORE_BOX What women need to know is that the vagina in good general health has the ability to clean and protect itself. However, if an unpleasant odor or vaginal discharge appears, you should visit a doctor to determine the cause of this discomfort. 3. Heat and moisture – that’s how bacteria prefer it! Moisture and adequate heat are the optimal environment for the development of most pathogenic microorganisms. The best we can do in trying to protect ourselves from them is to keep the intimate area as dry as possible. After washing with clean water, it is important to dry well and put on clean and dry underwear, preferably cotton, because the natural material has the ability to absorb moisture when we sweat, unlike synthetic underwear, which leads to steaming and unpleasant odor. During our summer holidays, it is also a good idea to change our wet swimsuits immediately after contact with water.In order to have a pleasant feeling of dryness in the intimate area, many women resort to the use of daily pads outside the days of menstruation. Contrary to previous beliefs, it turns out that this does not lead to an increased risk of developing a vaginal infection. A condition for this is the correct use and regular change of bandages and underwear. There is one aspect of maintaining intimate hygiene that is quite often overlooked, and that is proper cleaning of the anal area after defecation. In general, movements from the anus to the vagina should be avoided. The danger comes from the fact that bacteria from the intestinal flora get into the vagina and urethra, where they can be the main cause of infection when the local immunity in these areas is disturbed.