Regardless of gender, intimate hygiene is crucial for everyone’s health and well-being. However, as most women go through additional challenges like periods or the possibility of childbirth, intimate hygiene needs additional focus when it comes to females. A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases highlighted how a lack of proper care down there, especially during periods, is directly responsible for an increased risk of reproductive tract infections. To help tackle this growing risk of infections, here is a list of nine hygiene products that all females must invest in.
#1 Tampons
There is still a lot of misconception that exists around the use of tampons. No, they are not uncomfortable or painful to use. No, they do not cause leakage. In fact, with tampons, you no longer have to sit out a beach vacation or a swimming session, as tampons trap all of the menstrual blood inside your vaginal cavity, as they open up when in contact with a liquid to create a literal plug for your vagina. Tampons also allow active movement and don’t cause those pesky rashes that pads often do. The only downside to using tampons is that you have to change them more frequently since they trap all the blood inside the vagina and pose a greater risk of infection if kept inside the vaginal cavity for too long.
#2 Toilet Seat Sanitiser
Urinary tract infections pose a huge problem in the female sphere, and in adverse cases, which are not very rare, can also lead to death. It is not news that shared or public toilet seats are the breeding group of all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and microscopic fungi, that can give you nasty infections and seriously jeopardise your health. That is why everyone must invest in toilet seat sanitiser and keep it handy at all times.
Also Read: Can You Get UTI From A Toilet Seat? Dr Cuterus Explains
#3 Intimate Wash
Using a specialised intimate wash is essential for maintaining the hygiene of your intimate area. The vaginal area has different needs than the rest of the body. It is warmer as it possesses a lot of nerve endings and experiences fluctuating rushes of blood. This warmer climate gives way to humidity which is an excellent enabler for a number of infection-causing germs. Additionally, vaginal secretions and period blood also enable these germs to breed. That is why you must choose an intimate wash that is pH-balanced, gentle, and free from harsh chemicals, as these can help you prevent irritation and infections. Before you pick a vaginal wash, make sure to get a small bottle or a sachet to perform a patch test and ensure that it does not cause any adverse reactions in your case.
#4 Menstrual Cup
The best aspect of a menstrual cup is that it is biodegradable and cost-effective. The silicon mould of the cup allows for easy washing, hence you only need to invest in one piece of this product for the foreseeable future. Contrary to popular belief, menstrual cups are not that uncomfortable. Although you might feel that it's a bit of a hassle to use menstrual cups in the beginning, the adjustment curve is small and in no time, it will be your best ally during that painful period of the month.
#5 Freshening Wipes
Have you ever noticed your vagina exuding a musky smell after long hours in the office or college or after an intense workout session? This is because, hidden between ur legs, this area barely receives any air and traps all the sweat and germs that get built up down there throughout the day. When taking a bath is not handy, freshening wipes can help you maintain your gentle hygiene and wave goodbye to pungent smells. Opt for alcohol-free, hypoallergenic options that are gentle on your skin.
#6 Panty Liners or Pads
Pads, sanitary napkins, or panty liners are the most famous menstrual hygiene products that are essential for heavy-flow days. You can even find them in varied sizes and material, that suits different demands. There are pads that are shaped to support night-time flow. Then there are pads that come infused with essential oils that not only protect you from leakage but also provide care to your intimate regions. But pads do have a downside as well, as they can cause rashes, and their infrequent change can lead to rotted blood that stinks really bad and can also cause infections.
Also Read: Why Cotton Pads Are Better Than Regular Ones, As Per Expert
#7 Breathable Underwear
Your intimate region needs to breathe just as much as any other part of your body. Tight, non-breathable underwear is the biggest cause of genital discolouration, musky smells, and germ, breeding. That is why you should opt for breathable cotton underwear, especially during your period. Avoid tight-fitting, non-breathable materials that can trap moisture and increase the risk of infections.
#8 Toilet Seat Covers
We have already talked about the potential of public restrooms to cause reproductive or urinary tract infections. In addition to toilet seat sanitiser, you should also use toilet seat covers that can protect you from bigger-sized particles like dirt and filth, and help you to maintain hygiene in public restrooms. They create a barrier between you and the toilet seat, minimising contact and reducing the risk of infections.
#9 Stand and Pee Funnels
How often have you found yourself in a place where there was no restroom and you had to choose between peeing your pants or squatting on the ground outdoors? If you possess a vagina, chances are that you must have faced this situation at least once in your lifetime. For adventure junkies who love camping and living off the land out in the wild, this problem is commonplace. However, squatting to pee on the floor also opens you up to infections as the pee hits the ground and causes a backsplash, and can even soil your feet. A much safer and hygienic practice to ward off this issue is using a stand and pee funnel or a pee cup. This handy solution can also allow you to stand and pee and not touch potentially unclean toilet seats in public bathrooms.
In conclusion, for females, there are a million ways to get infected, but you need only nine products to protect yourself from potential health deterrents. By including these must-have menstrual hygiene products in your routine, you can ensure comfort, confidence, and peace of mind during your periods and also otherwise. Remember to choose products that align with your preferences, do not contain harsh chemicals, are environment-friendly, and prioritise your health. Stay informed, stay prepared, and embrace your femininity with confidence and comfort.