INTIMATE HYGIENE

1: Women's Intimate Hygiene

Why is women's intimate hygiene important?

• Preventing vaginal infections and STIs: Proper hygiene protects against vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions.

• Maintaining a Balanced Vaginal Flora: Vaginal flora contains good bacteria that must be maintained in a healthy balance. Poor hygiene practices can unbalance this system and lead to infections.

• Personal Comfort: Proper hygiene prevents discomfort and unpleasant odors.

How should women take care of themselves? 🛁

Cleaning the intimate area:

How to do it correctly? Wash the genital area with lukewarm water and a gentle, unscented soap. Avoid chemical products, which can irritate the skin. 🧴

How to wash? Clean only the outer part of the intimate area (vulva). Do not insert water or products into the vagina, as it cleans itself. 🌊

What NOT to do? Avoid vaginal douches or perfumed products, which can unbalance the vaginal flora and promote irritation. 🚫🌸

Care of the vaginal area:

How to do it correctly? After showering, dry the intimate area with clean towels, to prevent the accumulation of moisture that favors the growth of bacteria. 🌬️

What NOT to do? Do not wear synthetic or too tight underwear. Opt for cotton underwear, which allows the skin to breathe. 👚

Hygiene during menstruation:

How to do it right? Change tampons or pads at least every 4-6 hours a day to prevent infections. Use products that do not contain perfume or chemicals. 🌿

What NOT to do? Do not leave tampons or pads in for too long, as they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. ⏰

Hygiene during pregnancy:

• Personal hygiene: Women should be more careful with intimate hygiene, as hormonal changes can lead to increased sensitivity and a higher likelihood of vaginal and urinary infections.

• Washing with lukewarm water: It is recommended to wash the genital area with lukewarm water, without irritating or perfumed products that could cause irritation.

• Additional hygiene during pregnancy: Pregnant women may notice more vaginal discharge. If it is clear and odorless, it should not be a cause for concern. However, if the discharge is green or yellow, has a bad odor, or is accompanied by itching, a doctor should be consulted.

• Proper drying of the intimate area: After showering, it is important for pregnant women to dry themselves very well in the intimate area to prevent the growth of bacteria due to moisture.

• Pubic care: For comfort, pregnant women can opt for shorter pubic hair cuts, but they must be very careful about hygiene to prevent irritation.

When should you see a doctor? 👩‍⚕️

Itching, abnormal discharge, pain, or unpleasant odors.

Any change in the appearance or odor of the vagina.

If there is irritation, discomfort in the genital area, or unpleasant symptoms during pregnancy.

2. Men's Intimate Hygiene 🧔

 Why is intimate hygiene important for men? 🤔

Men's intimate hygiene is essential for preventing infections, maintaining genital health, and reducing the risk of irritation and unpleasant odors. 🦠🧼

2. How should men take care of themselves? 🛁

Cleaning the intimate area:

How to do it correctly? Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle, unscented soap in the external genital area, including the penis and around the foreskin (if you have a foreskin). 🌊

How to wash? Carefully clean the external area and under the foreskin (if applicable) to prevent the accumulation of secretions and bacteria. 🚿

What NOT to do? Do not let secretions remain on the skin or under the foreskin, as they can promote the growth of bacteria. 🚫

Pubic care:

How to do it right? If you prefer, trim your pubic hair for increased comfort and better hygiene. 🌿

What NOT to do? Do not let your pubic hair grow too long, as it can contribute to the accumulation of bacteria and create a moist environment. 🚫

Hygiene before and after sex:

How to do it right? Before sex, wash your hands and genital area thoroughly with lukewarm water. 🧼

After sex: After sex, wash immediately with lukewarm water to prevent infections and irritation. 💦

What NOT to do? Do not let secretions remain on the skin for long periods of time, as they can promote infections. ⏳

When should you see a doctor? 👨‍⚕️

If you notice unpleasant secretions or pain in the genital area, it is essential to consult a specialist. ⚠️

3. Intimate hygiene in general

Differences between female and male intimate hygiene:

• Women need to be more careful with the balance of the vaginal flora, as it can be influenced by several factors, such as infections, the use of external products and sexual activity.

• Men need to pay attention to the hygiene of the foreskin and pubic area, to prevent infections or irritation.

Common errors in intimate hygiene:

For women: use of perfumed or disinfectant products that can lead to imbalances in the vaginal flora.

For men: not cleaning the penis properly, especially under the invisible foreskin.

The importance of a healthy lifestyle:

• A balanced diet, proper hydration and exercise can help maintain intimate health.

• The importance of sleep and stress management to maintain hormonal balance and general health.

4. Hygiene before and after sex 💋

Before sex:

• Hand hygiene: both partners should wash their hands to prevent contamination with bacteria or infections.

• Genital area cleaning: it is recommended that both partners wash their genital area with lukewarm water, using non-irritating intimate hygiene products.

Preparation for sex:

 if condoms are used, they should be stored correctly and applied correctly.

After sex:

For women: it is recommended to go to the toilet to eliminate any traces of urine or fluids that could lead to urinary tract infections. It is also advisable to wash their genital area with lukewarm water.

For men: men should also go to the toilet and wash their genital area with lukewarm water to prevent infections.

Hygiene after sex: Hygiene after sex helps prevent STIs and other sexually transmitted infections.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is it important to wash before and after sex?

Cleanliness helps prevent urinary tract infections and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Is it normal for my genital area to smell?

A slight odor is normal, but if it is strong or unpleasant, it may be a sign of infection.

How often should I change my underwear?

Underwear should be changed at least once a day to prevent

6. Recommendations and Useful Resources

Recommendations for Women 🧖‍♀️

Intimate hygiene products

• Intimate cleansing gels: Opt for cleansing gels specifically designed for the intimate area, without perfumes or irritating chemicals. Examples: Lactacyd, Epigen, Vagisil.

• Tampons and pads: Use tampons or pads made from natural materials, without perfumes. Replace them regularly to prevent irritation or infections.

• Intimate hygiene products for pregnancy: If you are pregnant, use products that are specially formulated for intimate hygiene during pregnancy.

How to maintain the balance of vaginal flora

• Probiotics: Consume foods or supplements that contain probiotics to support the health of the vaginal flora (for example, yogurts with probiotics or supplements such as Femibion, Vaginal Flora Probiotic).

• Healthy Eating: A balanced diet, high in fiber and low in refined sugars, can support vaginal health and reduce the risk of infections.

Useful resources for women

• Gynecological health centers: Visit specialized centers for regular consultations and prevention of infections or other gynecological conditions.

• Menstrual cycle tracking apps: Use apps like Clue, Flo, or Glow to track your menstrual cycle and receive personalized recommendations.

Recommendations for Men 🧔

Intimate Hygiene Products

• Gentle Soaps: Use fragrance-free soaps for intimate hygiene, such as Dr. Bronner's, Dove Men+Care.

• Pubic Care Products: If you prefer to trim or groom your pubic area, use specially designed trimmers, such as the Philips Norelco Bodygroom.

Preventing UTIs and STIs

• Proper Hydration: Drink enough water to prevent UTIs and maintain genital hygiene.

• Washing the Intimate Area Before and After Sex: It is essential to wash the genital area with lukewarm water before and after intercourse to prevent infections.

• Use protection: Using condoms reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections and prevents contact with irritants.

Useful Resources for Men

• Urological Health Centers: Visit a urologist for regular checkups and to diagnose possible prostate or urinary health issues.

• Intimate Health Apps: Apps like My Urology or BlueChew offer information and recommendations about men’s intimate health.

General Resources for Both Genders

• Webinars and Online Educational Groups

Attach webinars or online classes that address topics related to intimate hygiene and sexual health. These are often supported by doctors or experts in the field. Examples: Planned Parenthood, American Sexual Health Association.

• Educational Platforms and Health Forums

Reddit – Intimate Health Subforums: Join subforums like r/Health, r/sexualhealth for discussions and advice.

Educational Platforms: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Cleveland Clinic offer comprehensive articles and guides on intimate hygiene and sexual health.

• Natural Products and Supplements

Healthy Urinary: Supplements containing cranberry are excellent for urinary tract health, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (e.g.: Nature's Way Cranberry).

Probiotic Supplements: For maintaining vaginal flora or gut health (e.g.: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics).

Support and Counseling Centers

• Sex and Relationship Counseling Centers – These are available to both women and men, offering emotional support and information about intimate health. Examples include Planned Parenthood and the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

• Mental Health Centers – Many intimate hygiene and sexual health issues are also related to mental health. Attending counseling sessions can help improve your overall well-being.