Personal And Intimate Hygiene Tips Every Women Should Know Before Travelling, Shares This Doctor

While travelling, people usually prioritise arrangements such as accommodation and transportations, while personal hygiene often takes a back seat. Women, in particular, tend to overlook this essential aspect of their journey amid the excitement and chaos of making other arrangements. Ignoring personal hygiene during travel may lead to discomfort or infections, completely ruining the travel experience for women. Periods most likely to occur on an adventurous day of the trip, and the poor conditions of public toilets makes it even more challenging to maintain proper hygiene.

To understand why hygiene should be a top priority for women while travelling, and what to pack in their personal hygiene kit, we spoke to Dr Sonal Bathla, Director & HOD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Yatharth Hospital, New Delhi.

Personal Hygiene: Top Travel Priority For Women

When travel promises excitement, adventure, and new experiences, it can also bring several health concerns to women if personal hygiene is not maintained. Dr Sonal Bathla explains, “travel exposes you to a new environment, which comes with different germs that can cause infections and health problems. From hotel rooms to public washrooms, poor hygiene can lead to food poisoning, skin conditions, and more.”

Dr Bathla adds that ignoring the hygiene may develop several common travel-related health problems such as:

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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

While traveling, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) become a common problem for women. They may occur if you hold your urine for a long period of time, use dirty toilets, or damp garments.

Skin And Body Infections

You may experience different skin and body infections during the journey because of the changing climate, shift in temperature, and uncleaned surfaces like public transport seats or hotel doors.

Traveller’s Diarrhoea

Trying new local cuisines is the essential part of exploring, but consuming unhygienic food can lead to food poisoning, diarrhoea, vomiting or nausea.

Allergies

Unfamiliar cleaning products, toiletries, or environmental triggers may cause skin rashes, itching, or other skin allergies.

What To Pack In Your Hygiene Kit:

Here is a list of essential items women must pack in the personal hygiene kit shared by Dr Bathla:

• Wet wipes (preferably alcohol-free) and hand sanitizers
• Toilet seat sanitisers or disposable seat covers
• Travel pee bags for safe, hygienic urination
• Travel-size soap and shampoo
• pH-balanced intimate wash or wipes
• Menstrual products like pads, tampons, period panties or menstrual cup
• Paper soap or sachets of handwash
• Detergents to wash undergarments
• Anti fungal powder and deodorants to stay fresh and dry in extreme heat
• Insect repellent spray

Also Read: Monsoon Menstrual Hygiene: Expert Lists Challenges And Effective Solutions

Tips To Maintain Intimate Hygiene During Trips

During the conversation Dr Bathla stresses about how important it is to maintain intimate hygiene to prevent infections and long term health issues. She suggested the following key practices:

• Make sure to change your underwear every day, and steer clear of tight and non-breathable underwear and pants.
• Keep the intimate area dry, as moisture encourages bacterial and fungal growth.
• Look for clean toilets and always sanitise toilet seats or use disposable seat cover before use.
• Front to back wipe technique tends to prevent the spread of bacteria from the rectal area.
• One should always carry extra underwear and panty liners for emergency days.
• To maintain the pH balance of the vaginal area, avoid using harsh soaps and douching.

Menstrual Health While Travelling

Periods can turn your favourite destination into a stressful experience if not managed well. Here are a few tips shared by Dr Bathla to help maintain menstrual hygiene while travelling:

1. Track your menstrual cycle before your trip and plan accordingly. You can also consult your gynaecologist if you want to postpone the period.
2. Always carry extra sanitary supplies and use zip-lock bags for disposal.
3. Use a Menstrual cup if you plan to do any water activities such as surfing or scuba diving.
4. Make sure to clean the menstrual cup timely on the trip.
5. Carry pain-relieving tablets and heat patches to manage cramps.
6. Always keep a clean pair of underwear and dark clothing in case of leakage.
7. To avoid fatigue and bloating, drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals.
8. Take proper rest as fatigue makes you prone to infections.

Bottomline

With changing times, more and more women are choosing travel not just as a form of fun activity or escape, but also as a profession. Being aware of personal hygiene is no longer just an option but necessity. Managing your hygiene on the go not only helps you enjoy your journey to the fullest but also protects you from several health problems.