Feminine Hygiene Basic Knowledge

What are simple ways to take care of my skin? 

Our skin helps to protect us from germs. Although we need to clean our bodies of dirt and germs, the skin needs its natural oils to work well. Gentle washing with mild soaps and warm, not too hot, water is all that is needed. Buffing or other rough treatment should be used only on tough skin like our feet. Daily moisturizing with a cream containing a sunscreen will help protect our skin from the sun’s harmful effects, like skin cancers and wrinkles. Apply sunscreen daily to all body areas not covered by clothes.

What is the best way to keep the genital area clean? 

The skin of a woman’s genital area also works to protect her from germs. There are natural oils and discharge that keep this area healthy. The skin and the lining of the vagina are very sensitive. Any chemical or perfume can break down the natural protection of this area and even start infections. Gentle daily cleaning on the outside skin with mild soap and water is all that is needed.

What about vaginal discharge and odor? 
The body produces a milky discharge that naturally cleanses the vagina. When women douche or use tampons or pads, they are removing the natural protection of the body against infections and odor. Regular use of such things as minipads can even make the body form more discharge in an attempt to protect itself. Limit using these pads to the times when you may spot with your period. Do not douche unless it is recommended by your healthcare provider.

Everyone’s private area has a normal odor that cannot be removed or covered no matter how much we try. Deodorants and perfumes added to pads and tampons may cause allergy problems with this sensitive skin. If the odor is strong or the discharge yellow, this may indicate that something is wrong. An exam by your provider may be needed to find the cause.

How can I help vaginal dryness caused by menopause? 
Women in menopause may notice that the natural moisture of the vagina decreases. Sexual activities can become uncomfortable because of this dryness. The skin cannot protect itself and may need more wetness. There are several ways to take care of this. Hormones that are taken regularly can help with this problem. Nonprescription gels and inserts have also been made to help women with this type of dryness. Be sure to use unscented products.

What else can I do? 

Other important feminine hygiene tips include:

• changing underwear daily
• wearing underwear with a cotton crotch to help pull moisture away from the body
• wiping from front to back after going to the bathroom
• changing tampons and pads every 4 to 6 hours when on your period, and
• sleeping without underwear or in loose-fitting pajama bottoms.

How can I help prevent vaginitis?

How can I help prevent vaginitis?

Practice good feminine hygiene:

• Bathe daily with mild soap and warm water.
• Wear all-cotton underwear or underwear with cotton crotches.
• Change underwear and pantyhose every day.
• Avoid wearing pantyhose or tights for too many hours, especially in hot, humid weather.
• Use deodorant-free white toilet paper to avoid perfume and dye that might irritate.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene products (such as sprays and powders) and bath additives (such as bubble baths and oils).
• Avoid douching more than once a month. Douching is not necessary.
• Use deodorant-free sanitary pads or tampons.
• Avoid spermicidal foams, gels, and creams.
• If you tend to get yeast infections when you take antibiotics, use an antiyeast cream while you are taking antibiotic medicine.
• Have just 1 sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else, and practice safe sex.

Symptoms Of Vaginitis

What are the symptoms? 

The main symptom of vaginitis is a lot of whitish, gray, or yellowish discharge from the vagina. Some milky vaginal discharge is normal for females of all ages, but infections cause an abnormal amount of discharge. The discharge may have a bad odor.

You may also have:

• an unpleasant odor from the vagina
• itching
• a swollen, red vulva, which may be painful or itchy
• painful intercourse
• bleeding in the vaginal area.
• symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as pain when you urinate.

If you have pain in your lower abdomen or irregular bleeding with these symptoms, see your health care provider right away. If you are at risk for a sexually transmitted disease and have the above symptoms, you should also see your provider right away.

Vaginitis

What is vaginitis? 

Vaginitis is the medical name for swelling, burning, itching, or an infection of the vagina. When the vulva is also affected, it is called vulvovaginitis. (The vulva is the fold of skin around the opening of the vagina.) Vaginitis is a very common problem that can occur in females of any age.

How does it occur? 

Vaginitis can be caused by organisms that infect the vagina, such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or yeast. It can also be caused by irritants such as soap, powders, or lubricants.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that cause vaginal infections are:

• trichomoniasis
• chlamydial infections
• gonorrhea
• syphilis
• genital herpes
• human papillomavirus.

Yeast infections of the vagina are caused by overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. Vaginitis can also be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria normally found in the vagina. This is a condition called bacterial vaginosis or nonspecific vaginitis.

Irritants that can cause vaginitis include:

• birth control products such as condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides
• feminine hygiene products such as perfumed sprays, powders, or douches
• perfumed soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners
• nonabsorbent, heat-retaining clothing such as nylon pantyhose and tights
• antibiotics
• tampons
• sexual devices
• injury.

Vaginitis can also be caused by psychological stress, poor hygiene, or a decrease in estrogen hormone.

Sometimes the cause of vaginitis is not known.

Feminine Hygiene Issues

We are told daily by TV and magazines that women need soaps, sprays, pads, and perfumes. So what is the truth? The human body has its own protection. The goal of our daily care is to keep our bodies functioning as they should.

Our skin protects us from the world. Although we need to clean our bodies of dirt and germs, the skin needs its natural oils to work well. Gentle washing with mild soaps and warm, not too hot, water is all that is needed. Buffing or other rough treatment should be used only on tough skin like our feet. Daily moisturizing with a cream containing a sunscreen will protect our skin from the sun’s harmful effects, like skin cancers and wrinkles. Apply this to all areas not covered by clothes.

The skin of a woman’s private area also works to protect her from germs. There are natural oils and discharge that keep this area healthy. The skin and the lining of the vagina is very sensitive. Any chemical or perfume can break down the natural protection of this area and even help start infections. Gentle daily cleaning on the outside skin is all that is needed.

The vagina produces a natural cleaning liquid, that works its way out of the vagina daily. When women remove or absorb this with douches, tampons, or pads, they are removing the best protection against infections and odor. Regular use of such things as minipads can even make our body form more discharge trying to protect itself. Limit these pads to the times when you may spot with your period.

Everyone’s private area has a normal odor that cannot be removed or covered no matter how much we try. Deodorants and perfumes added to pads and tampons may cause allergy problems on this sensitive skin. If the odor is strong or the discharge yellow, this may indicate that something is wrong. An exam by your healthcare provider may be needed to find the cause.

Women in menopause may notice that the natural moisture of the vagina is gone. Sex, and even walking, can become uncomfortable because of this dryness. The skin cannot protect itself and may need more wetness. There are several ways to take care of this. Hormones, taken regularly, can help with this problem. Over-the-counter gels and inserts have also been made to help women with this type of dryness. Be sure to use only those that are unscented.

If these agents do not improve the problem, see your healthcare provider.

More information about Feminine Hygiene.

Feminine Hygiene

Proper hygiene contributes to overall good health. Daily genital cleansing is part of feminine hygiene and is very important. Mature women have natural hormones that cause oil and sweat glands to increase discharge. Vaginal discharge may vary due to the menstrual cycle, amount of sexual activity and exercise and types of birth control used. Accumulation of this normal bodily discharge can promote rashes, irritations and odours. Feminine hygiene may include showers or baths depending on preference. Most women are able to use the same soaps or cleansers they use on the rest of their body. Some women are sensitive to certain products and need to use neutral cleansers.

 DO

• Open lips and clean between folds.
• Change underwear daily.
• Wear underwear with a cotton crotch because cotton wicks moisture away from the body.
• Wipe from front to back to prevent spread of bacteria.
• Urinate after intercourse to prevent urinary tract infections.
• Change tampons and pads every 4-6 hours while awake.
• Use a blow dryer or air dry before dressing.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing when possible.
• Sleep without underwear or in loose cotton boxer shorts to promote natural drying of the genital area.

 DON’T

• Neglect the hidden areas.
• Wear jeans without underwear.
• Wear mini-pads on a regular basis: they hold in moisture and can promote vaginal infections like yeast.
• Douche: douching washes away “good” bacteria and can promote vaginal infections.
• Postpone going to the bathroom when the urge is felt or after sex.
• Leave tampons and pads in place for prolonged periods: moisture promotes bacterial growth.
• Stay in wet clothes or bathing suits; moisture promotes bacterial and fungal growth.
• Wear tight jeans or spandex clothing for prolonged periods because they promote moisture.
• Use powder in the genital area or under breasts; powders hold in moisture and promote fungal infections.

Feminine Hygiene Product

All following  is the common feminine hygiene products for a women. Feminine hygiene products including sanitary towels/pads/napkins, pantyliner/pantiliner, tampons, mentrual cups, wipes, soap free wash and vaginal moisturiser. Please refer to above picture for the said feminine hygiene products.

Vaginal Moisturiser

Soap Free Wash

Cleansing Wipe

Tampon

Disposable Menstrual Cups

Menstrual Cup

Pantyliner

Sanitary Napkin / Sanitary Pad

Tips To Prevent and treat Vaginal Discharge

To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:

• Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot bath may help your symptoms.
• Avoid douching. Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after menstruation or intercourse, it may actually worsen vaginal discharge because it removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection.
• Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics to prevent a yeast infection.
• Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.
• Avoid wearing extremely tight-fitting pants or shorts, which may cause irritation.
• Wear cotton underwear or cotton-crotch pantyhose. Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon, because these materials are not very absorbant and restrict air flow. This can increase sweating in the genital area, which can cause irritation.
• Use pads and not tampons.
• Keep your blood sugar levels under good control if you have diabetes.

Vaginal Infection: Top Ten Ways to Avoid it

Vaginal health is something that should be important to every woman. Your vagina is important. Taking care of it should be one of your top priorities, especially if you want to have children or think you will want to have children in the future. Not taking the time to take proper care of your vagina can lead to vaginal infection. Infection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which in many cases will mean you are no longer able to conceive children. Although when you are younger this may not seem like a problem as many younger women feel little desire to have children, as you grow older, you will almost certainly regret that decision. The fabled biological clock is very real. This is something you should keep in mind earlier in life to stave off heartache in the long run. It is important to keep your options open regarding having children. You may stick to your guns and decide you never want to have children but if you don’t properly care for your vagina and decide down the line that you want to have children of your own, you may wish you had taken more time to care for your vagina. There are many things you can do to keep your vagina healthy. Follow these ten basic rules to avoid vaginal infection and keep your vagina healthy regardless of whether you want children or not.

1. Learn about STDs and look for signs.

Most of us know the common symptoms of Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and things of that nature from health class, but trichomoniasis is something we should also be aware of. This is a bacterium that we catch from a sexual partner that has it. It causes a foul odor, pain or itching during urination and a yellow or green colored discharge that is watery and bubbly. Have your doctor test you if you have any of these symptoms and have it treated.

2. That fishy smell isn’t normal.

If you notice a fishy order especially after sex, and notice your vaginal discharge is gray, yellow or even white you may have bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor will be able to treat this, usually with pills, so be sure you consult with your doctor right away.

3. Yeast is normal. Yeast infections are not.

Some women are prone to yeast infections but it is important not to ignore them. Left untreated, yeast infections can lead to significant problems. Yeast infections often cause itchiness, swelling, pain and will cause your vaginal discharge to become almost like cottage cheese. Make sure you have the infection treated right away.

4. Douching does more harm that good.

Washing the outside of your vagina every day is enough to keep it clean. You do not need to douche. Douching products often employ chemicals that will cause irritation in your vagina and you may even cause any vaginal infection inside your vagina to spread to your uterus or fallopian tubes. This may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and eventual infertility.

5. Keep your vagina clean.

Your vagina is generally a very clean part of your body as your vaginal discharge helps keep it cleaned out. That said, you need to shower or bathe every day to make sure the outside of your vagina remains as clean as the inside. Avoid scented soaps or soaps that have harsh chemicals as they may only lead to lead to irritation. You may want to consider using baby soap as it is very gentle because it is designed for the sensitive skin of a baby.

6. If you can avoid wearing underpants, do it!

We’ve always been told that ladies wear underpants, but the truth is, underpants can be a contributing factor to vaginitis. Your vaginal discharge gets trapped inside your underpants and if you have a particularly heavy discharge, this can irritate your vagina. If you must wear underpants, choose cotton underpants during the day and avoid wearing underpants at night.

7. Although hot tubs are relaxing, avoid them.

Hot tubs are a great way to relax, have a glass of champagne and enjoy a quiet evening. Hot tubs are also full of bacteria just waiting for your unsuspecting vagina. Avoid continuous use or even regular use. You will enjoy a nice hot bath just as much and you can avoid much of the problem bacteria this way.

8. Safe sex isn’t just about condoms.

Many women enjoy anal sex but it can be quite dangerous to the health of your vagina if you aren’t careful. There is nothing wrong with liking anal sex and it doesn’t need to be something you avoid entirely as long as you never, under any circumstances, follow it immediately with vaginal sex. Change condoms before having vaginal sex if you have been having anal sex. In addition, if you are masturbating and use sex toys, make sure you keep those toys clean. Most sex toy shops will sell cleaner that is safe for use on these toys.

9. Use condoms.

Using condoms is an obvious way to take care of your vagina. The truth is, however, that some women may find they suffer from vaginal irritation following the use of condoms. If this is the case, you likely have a problem with either the latex in condoms or the spermicidal agents in the lubricant on some condoms. If that is the case, you should speak with your doctor about alternative condom options.

10. Be aware of your vaginal discharge.

Vaginal discharge is normal and very beneficial. Vaginal discharge is your body’s way of cleaning itself. This discharge helps clear out the old cells attached to your vagina and helps prevent the build up of bacteria inside of your vagina. Normal vaginal discharge has no odor and is either clear or milky in appearance. It will change depending on your menstrual cycle, sexual arousal and breastfeeding. If you notice severe changes or you notice blood in the discharge between menstrual cycles you need to consult your doctor right away. A change in your vaginal discharge is often your vagina’s way of telling you there is a problem. Being aware of your discharge and what is normal for you is the best way to tell if there is a problem.

Yeast Infection

The most common type of yeast infection which affects women is vaginal yeast infection. Many other parts of the body can be affected by the yeast fungus causing infections and the major symptom is itching. You may also experience burning sensation when you urinate.

Another common symptom is thick curd like discharge from the vagina. However, the most terrible symptom can be experienced while having sexual intercourse. It can include irritation, pain and bloody discharge as well. When you have these symptoms, it is always important to consult a doctor for confirmation because these symptoms do not mean that you are a victim of yeast infection only.

Sexually transmitted diseases are worse than yeast infections because they can be bacterial or viral. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor and know the cause of the symptoms. Those who have gone through yeast infections before would know better how to deal with the problem, but people who have special cases such as pregnant women and diabetic people need to see a doctor first before self medicating.

Men suffering from yeast infections may experience burning sensation and itching on the foreskin of their penis. Their penis may get tender and sore and also discharge some whitish substance. They may also develop patches on the skin. Their skin may get flaky and itchy.

People who have severe cases of the yeast infection may feel weak and tired. The other symptoms of yeast infection may include bloated stomach, constipation and indigestion. This usually results when the yeast fungus have aggregated rapidly in the gut and made digestion of food compromised.

At least seventy percent of women go through yeast infections at some point in their lives. There are also many women who have to experience recurring yeast infections for more than four times in a single year.

Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor when you start experiencing symptoms of yeast infections so that you can learn the causes of it and the ways to combat it. Moreover, it is even better if you could simply keep these infections at bay so that you don’t have to deal with them.

Cure your yeast infection forever by following this link, or read more free articles on this topic such as the treatment for yeast infections

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Jefferson

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