Female genital hygiene : Dos and Don’ts

-SIG on Female Genital Disorders

Cleaning:

• Wash gently after every time you use toilet

• Wash from front to back, never the reverse

• Use plain water, or mild soap

• If water not available, dab gently with clean tissue or cotton cloth

• Take special care of skin folds

• All skin folds to be pat dried gently.

• Vaginal hygiene washes should be used only if advised by a certified dermatologist or  gynaecologist, and should not be continued beyond recommended time.

• Teach female children to wash and pat dry properly.

• Parental supervision is required to ensure no fecal matter is left in the perianal area after washing

• Disposable diapers to be changed every few hours, or earlier, if soaked.

• Older children should be educated not to touch or handle the genital area multiple times, especially during adrenarche

Undergarments:

• Use loose cotton undergarments

• Change whenever moist, wet; preferably twice a day

• Never use harsh detergents to wash

• Rinse thoroughly

Menstural Hygiene:

• Preferably soft, absorbent cotton pads

• If using reusable cloth pads, take care to wash and dry properly, and hot iron before use

• Change pads frequently, at least once in 4 hours

• Wash hands with soap and water before and after every change

• If using tampons, take care to insert properly with clean hands and not to retain within the cavity for more than 6 to 8 hours.

• Choose the size according to body anatomy and flow

• Dispose hygienically

Hair Removal:

• For aesthetic and hygiene purpose

• Best method is trimming

• If shaving, wet and lather the area properly, and take care not to hurt, especially hard to reach areas

• Avoid chemical depilatories, waxing

• In case of folliculitis and infection, seek quick medical attention

When to seek help:

• Prolonged itching or pain

• Copious discharge from vagina

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Unexplained lump or bleeding

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.

Genital and Sexual Health Awareness

Is vaginal discharge normal?

Vaginal discharge is normal (physiological) for all females.

The quantity and consistency may vary a bit, as per menstrual cycle and is normally nearly-odourless and semi-white/light yellow.

During and following menopause, the discharge decreases, and external genitalia is prone to dryness and itching

Should I clean the vaginal area frequently?

Regular bathing with soap and water is sufficient to maintain genital hygiene. Do not use soap in the internal genitalia (labia minora)

There is no need of a separate vaginal wash/ body wash.

Incorrect practices

• Do not wipe with tissues/ toilet roll after passing urine

• Do not use any scented fragrances or lotions around genitals.

• Do not use hot/ very hot water for genital wash.

• Avoid synthetic sanitary pads, or constant use of panty liners when not menstruating.

• No vaginal douching

• Petroleum jelly may be used if excessively dry.??

• Avoid tight fitting and synthetic fabric. Wear loose  undergarments made of natural fabric such as cotton.

Consult a dermatologist if

Vaginal discharge is copious, foul smelling, blood stained and differently coloured (brown/ greenish).
Redness, swelling, itching develops on contact with condoms/ diaphragms
Rashes of any kind develop in and around genitals, and/ or body.

Penile health

Is urethral discharge normal?

In males, urethral discharge/ burning urine/ rashes are not normal (physiological) and warrants attention.

Get yourself examined by a dermatologist if you notice

• Ulcer, or broken skin around genitals, cuts, and fissures around the glans penis

• Redness and swelling, itch in scrotum

• Development of fleshy lesions, or whitish spherical rashes anywhere in genital region.

How to maintain genital health and hygiene

• Use mild soap and water for bathing and washing genitals.

• Do not use irritants like dettol/ savlon/ neem soap/ antiseptic agents

• Do not use oils or fragrant items around genitals

Practice safe sexual health

• Always use physical methods of protection, especially when rashes are present, and until treatment period is over

• Avoid sexual intercourse with unknown partners/ multiple partners.

• Do not self-medicate with anitibiotics/ antivirals/ anti-fungal drugs

• Safeguard your partner’s sexual health, by safeguarding yours.

• Prevention is better than cure, especially in viral STIs such as HIV infections.

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.