How should women take care of their intimate areas?
For most women, personal hygiene and care play a major role. However, when it comes to intimate hygiene, a healthy level of care should be observed to avoid damaging the vaginal flora.
Can too much cleaning cause infection?
Those who overdo it with intimate care run the risk of damaging the naturally acidic environment of the vagina with a pH value of 4 to 4.5.
Perfumed shower gels usually have a pH value of 9 to 11 and are therefore unsuitable for the genital area. Consequence: They damage the acid mantle of the skin. This in turn can lead to a multiplication of harmful bacteria and fungi, which can cause infections. Signs include itching or unpleasant smelling discharge.
How does intimate care for women work?
To clean the external genitals, simply clear water is usually sufficient. If you want to use a washing lotion, you should definitely make sure that it is a gentle product that suits the acidic vaginal environment. Aggressive soaps that damage the skin, mucous membranes and vaginal flora are absolute no-go's.
Gynaecologists also advise against intimate sprays and vaginal rinses, because daily external cleaning in the shower is sufficient - even during menstruation.
How do you clean your intimate areas?
When cleaning with washcloths, change them daily or use disposable products. Important: Always wash from the vagina to the anus so that no intestinal bacteria can enter the vagina. Women who are prone to fungal infections should use special, gentle washing lotions. If you suffer from very dry skin, an intimate care cream containing fat can help.
Please avoid
Heat and moisture are the ideal breeding ground for fungi and bacteria, so it is important to make sure that the skin can breathe.
- Do not wear thongs or underwear that is too tight, as these promote heat and moisture
- Do without synthetic fibres, rather use breathable material for underwear
- Liners with a plastic protective film can accumulate heat.
- Change tampons and bandages regularly during your period
- When washing the underwear, make sure to use a gentle detergent, the correct temperature and sufficient rinsing, otherwise alkaline residues may be present in the panties
What's the right level of intimate care for men?
A well-groomed genital area is also very important for men. The focus in daily cleansing differs slightly from women in some respects.
What's the best daily routine for men's hygiene?
Penis, testicles and anus are best cleaned in the shower with running water with shower gel or soap.
Important: The smegma (the white to pale yellow substance that develops between the foreskin and the glans) must be removed thoroughly. If this does not happen, it can lead to infections.
Prevent diseases by regular intimate hygiene
A problem that can arise during cleaning and should be examined by a doctor is a narrowing of the foreskin. This makes it increasingly difficult to retract the foreskin and thus to clean thoroughly.
In addition, small cracks can develop in the foreskin and inflammation can occur. In general, changes can be noticed through the daily care, which can possibly indicate an illness. If the man palpates the penis and testicles thoroughly while cleaning, there is a great chance of detecting tumours in time.
How often is late diagnosis an issue?
As far as going to the doctor is concerned, if anything unusual is found in intimate hygiene, women are way ahead of men. Many men react insecurely to discharge and co. and rarely dare to go to the doctor. This often results in a late diagnosis.
Shaving your genitals: To shave or not to shave?
For many women as well as for many men, shaving the intimate area is part of a well-groomed appearance nowadays. This ranges from trimming the pubic hair to complete removal.
Gynaecologists and dermatologists generally have no concerns in this respect with regard to hygiene, but warn against depilatory creams as they can cause irritation and allergies.
Experts recommend a wet shave in the shower or in the tub, where the hair is removed with a mild washing lotion and a fresh razor blade in the direction of growth. Finally, a soothing balm should be applied.
