7 Intimate Hygiene Rules a Doctor Wishes More Women Knew

"Just like menstruation, vaginal hygiene is a taboo subject in India. Even today, many women refrain from talking or sharing tips on how to maintain feminine hygiene. It is important to know about vaginal hygiene to keep your genitals clean and your reproductive tract healthy. No matter what age you are, there are few basic vaginal hygiene rules every woman should know about," says Dr Archana Batra, who is also a nutritionist, certified diabetes educator and physiotherapist.

"Not wiping the vagina after urinating can cause the panties to get wet, which can not only lead to bad odour but also put you at risk of vaginal infections. Hence, it is always advised to wipe the area using a toilet paper or soft cloth so that your underwear is always dry. The vaginal fluid or discharge is a part of a healthy vaginal environment. The use of products such as talcum powder or excessive wiping of the vagina can make it very dry which can cause itchiness and vaginal dryness. It can also lead to pain during sex and make it prone to injury. So, use sweat-wicking underwear."

"Some women prefer shaving pubic hair as they think the pubic hair looks unclean. The best way to keep your vagina clean is to trim it from time to time. Instead of shaving, a pair of scissors would make a better alternative. Shaving can damage skin, cause skin irritation, and lead to nasty cuts. To make the trimming experience a smoother one, use baby powder or olive oil to straighten the hair out before snipping it. The hair acts as a safety net that protects the vulva (the outer part of the female genitalia that surrounds the opening of the vagina) from bacterial infections."

"Avoid using harsh or scented soaps to clean the vagina. The use of soaps laden with harmful chemicals such as glycerol, perfumes, and antiseptics can affect the healthy balance of the bacteria in the vagina. Moreover, it can also change the pH in the vaginal region, which can cause irritation and lead to the growth of unhealthy bacteria. Unlike the rest of your body, your vagina doesn't have an extra protective layer—which means soap and other chemicals can be extremely drying and irritating. Instead use plain, unscented soap and water, preferably lukewarm water to wash the area around the vagina. You can use vaginal wash but don't use it every time just use it once a day and always dry your vagina with a tissue or towel.

"Antibiotics can often be a surprise threat to your nether regions as they can kill off some of the good bacteria that work so hard to keep your vagina healthy. Antibiotics don't discriminate—they kill off both good and bad bacteria, which can then change the flora (i.e., the colony of healthy bacteria) in your vagina, causing yeast and other infections to grow."

"When it comes to your underwear selection, your vagina has a preference: cotton. That's why most undies come with a strip of cotton in the crotch. It's all about that breathability—cotton lets air in and absorbs moisture so it is ideal to cover up your lady parts. It might even be a good idea to forego underwear once in a while, while you’re lying about the house to let things air out. Don’t use skimpy panties made with lace, silk and synthetic fabric that look sexy are but aren't very comfortable. They prevent air from circulating causing sweating and trapping moisture - which creates a breeding field for harmful bacteria."

"Your vagina is affected by what you eat as much as your stomach or any other part of your body. Consuming nutritious food and a regular intake of lots of fluids is essential for your vaginal and reproductive health. Cranberry juice and yoghurt boost the good bacteria in your lady parts and have the potential to prevent yeast infections and help cure them, while foods like onion and garlic can cause an odour from your pores. If you experience extreme dryness in your vagina, you can ask your doctor whether you need to eat more soy products as they can help aid natural lubrication."

"Your vagina has a fixed pH level and messing with it can lead to infections that are not only uncomfortable (and itchy!) but embarrassing as well (imagine smelling like fish down there). Protecting this delicate pH vaginal balance is easy as long as you take a few precautions like using a delicate detergent on your undergarments and using unscented or medicated soap to clean up down there."