Period hygiene - how to properly wash intimate areas?

The biological protection of the vagina is a layer of mucus connected with epithelial cells and bacteria - 95% of it is a population of Lactobacillus bacteria , which are responsible for the production of lactic acid . Thanks to this , the vagina has an acidic reaction , which prevents the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms and the development of infections. It is worth remembering that the pH of the vagina increases with age!

How often should you wash your intimate areas during your period?

It all depends on the type of hygiene products that accompany you during bleeding. The optimal solution is to wash intimate areas twice a day (morning and evening). If you choose pads - it is worth doing this additionally during each change . Thanks to this, you will effectively remove the remains of menstrual fluid and prevent the accumulation of bacteria in the vulva area .

Don't forget about intimate hygiene when you're away from home . The solution will be delicate wipes designed for sensitive areas of the body , enriched with lactic acid, natural herbal extracts and moisturizing ingredients, but free of artificial fragrances.

Hygiene during menstruation promotes a sense of comfort and cleanliness. It also allows you to maintain pH at an optimal level (from 3.6 to 4.5), which is the best way to support the correct bacterial microflora , the natural protective barrier of intimate areas. Proper care also protects against intimate infections (bacterial and fungal) and unpleasant ailments.

Changing tampons and pads during menstruation

Hygiene products should be changed regularly. This also applies to products that have increased absorbency. During heavy periods, it is best to change tampons on average every 2 to 3 hours (or more often). On other days, when the bleeding is less heavy – every 3 to 4 hours.

Remember: you should not wear a single tampon for more than 6 to 8 hours . It can then contribute to inflammation or infection. Holding a tampon soaked in menstrual fluid in your vagina for too long increases the risk of TSS – the dangerous toxic shock syndrome .

In the case of a pad, wearing the same one from morning to night can cause skin irritation, itching or burning . It is advisable to put on a new one approximately every 3 to 4 hours in the first days of your period and at least every 6 hours in the following days.

The frequency of changing pads, similarly to tampons, depends on the body and the amount of bleeding – so some people need to change them more often, while others need to change them less often.

You can also find menstrual cups on sale . This solution is becoming increasingly popular. The safest are cups made of medical silicone. They provide protection for up to 12 hours .

They are unnoticeable, you can run and swim in them. They require disinfection and regular cleaning, but a menstrual cup is a long-term investment - if used properly and hygienically, it will serve you for several years!

Where does this unpleasant smell come from?

Some people associate their period with an unpleasant smell . However, it is worth remembering that menstrual blood itself is almost odorless, it may only have a slight metallic smell (which is completely normal!). So where does the problem lie?

Any specific and unpleasant odor is caused by the reaction of the blood with the chemicals inside the pad .

For safety, it is worth using gentle care products with a simple composition and without the addition of SLS. No to any kind of chemical deodorants, disinfectants, as well as perfumed pads and liners ! They can contribute to irritation of sensitive intimate areas, the development of painful swelling or the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Also read our article " Unpleasant vaginal odor – what can it mean? ".

How to wash intimate areas during menstruation?

Remember: regardless of the time of your cycle , sponges and washcloths of any kind are not suitable tools for washing intimate areas! They are a breeding ground for bacteria and promote infections.

Wash your vulva with clean hands, using a mild intimate hygiene fluid . The direction of washing is also important – movements should be performed from front to back, i.e. from the pubic mound to the anus . This prevents transfer of fecal bacteria, which can be a source of infection, to the reproductive organs.

After washing, it is recommended to dry the intimate areas with a towel – paper or cloth (reserved exclusively for these parts of the body!). People who struggle with the problem of recurrent infections should use a fresh, clean towel each time.

Tampons , pads and menstrual cups should be chosen according to your own preferences. Their shape and size should be adjusted to your body, and their absorbency should be adjusted to the amount of bleeding. This will eliminate the risk of discomfort, abrasions and irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Avoid colored toilet paper and strongly scented and artificially colored bath products. Artificial perfumes can cause unpleasant allergic reactions.

During menstrual bleeding, it is also recommended to wear underwear made of natural and breathable materials . Cotton panties, for example, are suitable for this purpose. Underwear made of synthetic fabrics can promote skin sweating, and a moist environment increases the risk of intimate infections and urinary tract infections.

Intimate hygiene fluid – how to choose?

It is best for all intimate hygiene products (including, of course, liquids) to be made from natural ingredients . It is therefore not recommended to use regular soap or shower gel. They often contain irritating additives that destroy the acidic vaginal environment and weaken the biological protective barrier of intimate areas.

During menstruation, it is worth reaching for the most gentle liquid possible: free from SLS ( sodium lauryl sulfate ), SLES ( sodium laureth sulfate ), dyes, chemical preservatives, parabens, alcohol or artificial fragrances.

We hope that our small compendium of knowledge has provided you with a large dose of knowledge about intimate care. Remember: it is never too late for a positive revolution in your bathroom, and we will be very pleased if you invite Your KAYA products to it. We recommend ourselves!

A. Bacz, Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy , "Practical Medicine for Patients", http://ciaza.mp.pl/przebiegciazy/63102,bacterial-waginoza-w-ciazy [accessed 25/05/2022].