Intimate hygiene secrets: how to take care of your intimate area to stay healthy?

Intimate hygiene for women is an important part of health. Gynecologist Ieva Brimienė and founder of the Her Own Alone brand Marija Valaitė advise on how to care for the intimate area to stay healthy and confident.

What are the basic rules for intimate care?

Ieva : One of the most common mistakes women make is using inappropriate hygiene products. Regular soap, shower gel or shampoo are not suitable for intimate hygiene, because the pH of the vagina is acidic, while soaps are alkaline. By unbalancing the pH balance of the vagina, we disrupt its natural microflora and the environment becomes unfavorable for “good” bacteria. Then pathological microflora can more easily grow in the vagina and various gynecological problems and infections can occur. I have noticed that women often try to correct recurring infections or unpleasant odors by washing more frequently and using more fragrant detergents, sometimes even performing deep vaginal cleansing, but such solutions usually only worsen the situation.

Marija : There is a great lack of reliable products on the market that are made with safe ingredients suitable for intimate care. Most intimate hygiene products are rich in potential irritants, ingredients that, as the doctor mentioned, can imbalance the pH level, create a more favorable environment for bacteria to multiply, irritate, dry the skin, damage the mucous membrane and its natural protective function.

What should be the correct routine?
It is enough to wash the genitals once a day. During menstruation, for women who exercise - more often. Excessively frequent washing or deep washing of the vagina is not recommended. They can damage the vaginal microbiota, dry out and irritate the mucous membrane. Sometimes patients who are bothered by recurrent infections, abundant discharge, and a feeling of discomfort say that they wash 4-6 times a day and are surprised that the problem does not disappear, but gets worse. If a woman washes very often, the vagina may begin to additionally “protect” and secrete an even larger amount of discharge.

Does intimate area care differ at different ages or stages of life?
In childhood, until puberty, the pH of the vagina of girls, unlike that of women of childbearing age, is neutral or slightly alkaline (about 6.8-7.5). This leads to slightly poorer vaginal protection and makes girls less resistant to infections. For these reasons, it is important to teach them proper hygiene from a young age, help them acquire proper habits, avoid additional irritants, aggressive detergents, and underwear made of unnatural fibers. Similar changes occur during menopause. Due to the decrease in female sex hormones, the pH of the vagina increases, the environment becomes neutral or alkaline, and protection weakens. During this period, it is necessary to take really careful care of the intimate area.

Another sensitive time is the postpartum period. Due to hormonal changes, the vaginal mucosa is already weaker during this period, and since it is recommended to wash after each urination and defecation, sometimes even using antiseptics, the mucosa can be even more irritated, dried out and damaged. During this period, it is important to choose neutral, odorless detergents, natural sanitary pads, change them as often as possible and take "air baths", i.e., spend some time without panties after washing. You mentioned good bacteria. What are good vaginal bacteria? Why are they important? Good vaginal bacteria are those with which we live in symbiosis, maintaining a close and mutually beneficial relationship. The main organisms of the natural vaginal microflora are lactobacteria, which receive "food and home" from us and protect us from pathological microorganisms. By maintaining a suitable environment for lactobacteria, we help them protect us. Safe, gentle, unscented douches help create or restore a proper vaginal environment that is favorable for lactobacilli.

What should you look for when choosing an intimate hygiene cleanser? What should you avoid?

Ieva : It is important to consider the composition of the product and its effect on the vaginal microflora and mucous membrane. The detergent should correspond to the natural acidity of the vagina, be approximately 3.8-4.5 pH, without aggressive detergents (SLS, SLES), which can dry, irritate or cause allergies to the mucous membrane. Fragrances and dyes should also be avoided. Some current detergents contain probiotics (good bacteria) or prebiotics (food for good bacteria), which help strengthen the natural vaginal microflora and protection. It is nice if the detergent is made from natural ingredients, approved by dermatologists or gynecologists. Of course, you can also wash with water, but for women who have problems, the right detergent can be an excellent preventive measure.

Marija : Her Own Alone intimate area cleanser was created not only taking into account the needs of a modern woman, but also the recommendations of gynecologists. The product stands out with its gentle yet effective formula and ingredients that nourish the intimate area: prebiotics, probiotics, lactic acid. As the doctor mentioned, they help balance the pH level of the intimate area, protect, soothe the skin and maintain a healthy microflora. The cleanser does not contain any added fragrances, alcohols or aggressive preservatives. The tests we conducted proved that the product is well tolerated, does not cause irritation, redness, swelling or allergic reactions. When used regularly for 2 weeks, it had a positive effect on the skin of the intimate area: it gently cleansed and soothed, relieved burning and itching sensations, reduced unpleasant odor, and provided a feeling of comfort. I recommend choosing these carefully developed products approved by gynecologists and dermatologists for women who take full care of themselves and value quality, safety, and well-being.

How to take care of intimate hygiene if you have specific health problems?

Ieva : Proper hygiene is the main measure to prevent infections. If infections occur frequently or you simply feel discomfort in the genitals, I recommend consulting with your doctor, who will review your current routine and possibly adjust it or prescribe treatment. In all cases, products are recommended that support or strengthen the natural vaginal microflora, which should play a key protective role. The doctor, taking into account the condition and disease, recommends the most appropriate additional measures.

Marija : I would just like to add that intimate and feminine aspects of life should not be taboo. Private, but not taboo. Our body and its care are inseparable from well-being and self-esteem, so I encourage women to take care of themselves, and we, as a brand, will provide safe and reliable tools-products to nurture the body.