The hygiene of the female genitals is part of the personal hygiene of every woman and is extremely important for her self-esteem and for the health of the genitals. Ways to properly maintain intimate hygiene should be made accessible to teenage girls, but for some parents it turns out to be a taboo topic. Lack of or incorrect hygiene habits can lead to genital infections such as bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, fungal infections, as well as urinary tract infections – e.g. frequent cystitis. The vagina (vagina) is a muscular-elastic tube with a length of 8-10 cm, which establishes a connection between the external genital organs and the cervix. The term vulva refers to the external genitalia – labia minora and labia majora, clitoris, pubic eminence, Bartholin’s glands, vaginal vestibule, vestibular bulbs. Characteristic of the vagina is its self-cleaning function through the outflowing vaginal discharge, while the vulva needs proper daily cleaning. The environment in the vagina is acidic with a pH normally between 3.8 and 4.5. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, etc. are important for maintaining the natural acidic environment in the vagina. Using glycogen, lactobacilli produce lactic acid and maintain the acidic pH in the vagina. In addition, they also produce substances with antimicrobial action. Violation of the acidic microflora in the vagina leads to the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, alkalinization of the environment and the development of an inflammatory process. There are some basic rules for maintaining hygiene of the vulva, which support reproductive health and prevent the occurrence of some inflammatory diseases: 1. Intimate toilet of the vulva at least once a day, preferably twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. Washing should be done only with warm water or soap that does not contain perfume substances. The external genitalia are thoroughly washed, and when using soap, care must be taken not to get it into the vagina. The perfume substances contained in the soap, when used systematically, disrupt the acidic environment in the vagina and predispose to the development of infections. 2. Clean the genitals in the right direction – it is correct that this should happen in the direction from the vulva to the anus. Cleaning in the opposite direction can lead to the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the vagina, where bacteria do not normally grow, and cause inflammation. 3. Avoid the use of intimate wipes, deodorants and shower gels – to maintain good intimate hygiene, the use of such products is completely unnecessary. Normally, the genitals have an individual physiological odor that should not bother women. The use of similar shower gels and deodorants containing perfume substances can only lead to itching, irritations, redness in the vulva area,can disrupt the acid balance in the vagina and predispose the body to vaginal infections. 4. Avoid the use of vaginal douches – vaginal douches are plastic devices with a nozzle for introducing water or other liquids into the vagina for cleaning purposes. The use of vaginal douches is not recommended in healthy women, as it disturbs the vaginal flora. 5. The use of light, cotton underwear is recommended – the use of thongs can cause the transfer of infectious agents from the anus to the vagina. The most suitable underwear is made of soft, breathable fabrics that do not burn and provide access to oxygen. 6. During the summer season, it is recommended to frequently change wet bathing suits with dry ones. In this way, the development of a fungal infection is prevented. Intimate hygiene during menstruation is more specific. During this period, more frequent daily washing of the genitals is recommended. It is recommended to change sanitary napkins every 2-4 hours, as a prolonged stay can lead to the development of an infection. For tampons, this change period is every 2 hours, especially during the first days of menstruation, although tampons are not the preferred alternative during menstruation by obstetricians and gynecologists. They should not be used at night or for a longer period of time, as they can lead to toxic shock syndrome – a severe, life-threatening staph infection. When leading an active sex life, there are also some rules for good intimate hygiene. It is recommended to wash the genitals of both partners both before and after intercourse. The use of condoms prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. When practicing vaginal and anal sex at the same time, it is correct that the vaginal should precede the anal to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Intimate hygiene is extremely important for the reproductive health of every woman. For this reason, the methods and rules for cleaning private parts should be explained to adolescents from an early age.It is recommended to change sanitary napkins every 2-4 hours, as a prolonged stay can lead to the development of an infection. For tampons, this change period is every 2 hours, especially during the first days of menstruation, although tampons are not the preferred alternative during menstruation by obstetricians and gynecologists. They should not be used at night or for a longer period of time, as they can lead to toxic shock syndrome – a severe, life-threatening staph infection. When leading an active sex life, there are also some rules for good intimate hygiene. Both before and after intercourse, it is recommended to wash the genitals of both partners. The use of condoms prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. When practicing vaginal and anal sex at the same time, it is correct that the vaginal should precede the anal to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Intimate hygiene is extremely important for the reproductive health of every woman. For this reason, the methods and rules for cleaning private parts should be explained to adolescents from an early age.It is recommended to change sanitary napkins every 2-4 hours, as a prolonged stay can lead to the development of an infection. For tampons, this change period is every 2 hours, especially during the first days of menstruation, although tampons are not the preferred alternative during menstruation by obstetricians and gynecologists. They should not be used at night or for a longer period of time, as they can lead to toxic shock syndrome – a severe, life-threatening staph infection. When leading an active sex life, there are also some rules for good intimate hygiene. Both before and after intercourse, it is recommended to wash the genitals of both partners. The use of condoms prevents the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. When practicing vaginal and anal sex at the same time, it is correct that the vaginal should precede the anal to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Intimate hygiene is extremely important for the reproductive health of every woman. For this reason, the methods and rules for cleaning private parts should be explained to adolescents from an early age.
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