Things to tell your teen daughter about vagina hygiene
By Karuana Mwai
As a parent, you want your daughter to grow up healthy and confident, especially when it comes to her body. But talking about personal hygiene, especially vagina hygiene, can be awkward and challenging for both of you.
How do you even start the conversation? What should you say? How can you make her feel comfortable and informed?
Vagina hygiene is not just about cleanliness, it is also about preventing infections, irritation, and other problems that can affect her health and well-being.
In this article, we will share some tips on how to talk to your teen daughter about vagina hygiene.
Here’s how to prepare for the conversation:
Start early
The best time to talk to your daughter about vagina hygiene is before she gets her first period. This way, she will be prepared and know what to expect.
But don’t stop there. Keep the conversation going as your daughter grows older and faces new challenges and questions. For example, you can talk to her about how to deal with vaginal discharge, odor, itching, or pain.
Be direct and stay matter-of-fact
You might feel tempted to avoid or sugarcoat some topics that seem too sensitive or embarrassing. But this can backfire and make your daughter feel more anxious or curious. Instead, be direct and stay matter-of-fact when talking to your daughter about vagina hygiene. Answer her questions honestly and clearly, without making a big deal out of it.
Use storytelling and empathy
One of the best ways to connect with your daughter and make her feel less alone is to use storytelling and empathy. Share your own experiences and feelings when you were her age, and how you dealt with them.
You can also use stories from other sources, such as books, movies, or podcasts that talk about puberty and vagina hygiene in a positive and realistic way. You can ask your daughter what she thinks about them, and how they relate to her situation.
Show empathy and support her feelings and concerns
Don’t judge or criticize her for being curious or worried. Don’t compare or pressure her to be like someone else. Validate her emotions and reassure her that she is normal and beautiful.
Now that you have some general guidelines on how to talk to your teen daughter about vagina hygiene, let’s look at some specific topics that you may want to cover with her.
Here are some topics to start you off
1. How to clean the vagina
Start by reassuring your daughter that her vagina is a natural and healthy part of her body, and that it has its own way of keeping itself clean.
Tell her that she doesn’t need to use any special products or douches to clean her vagina, because these can actually mess up the natural balance of the vagina and cause irritation, itching, or infections. The best way to clean the vagina is to simply rinse it with warm water and a gentle soap when she showers or bathes.
Remind her to avoid using any products that have perfume or alcohol in them, because these can dry out or hurt the delicate skin of the vagina.
2. Cleaning the vulva
Next up, introduce the concept of the vulva, which is the visible part of her genital area. Stress the importance of keeping this area clean and healthy.
Teach her the golden rule of wiping from front to back after using the bathroom and explain that this prevents any germs from making their way from her backside to her vagina.
3. Underwear essentials
Encourage your daughter to change her underwear daily and opt for pairs made of breathable materials like cotton.
Explain that this helps her vulva breathe and keeps it dry. Also warm against tight or synthetic fabrics, as they make her sweat more, creating a cozy environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.
4. The menstrual cycle
Oh, and let us debunk a myth while we are at it. Assure her that the menstrual cycle is a natural process that doesn’t make her vagina dirty or impure.
Explain that vaginal discharge is normal and helps keep everything down there moist and healthy. And that the color, texture, and amount might vary during the cycle, but if anything seems off- like a foul smell, itching, burning, or pain, she should see a doctor for a check-up.
5. Vagina respect and confidence
Communicate to your daughter the importance of treating the vagina with respect and care. Caution her against inserting anything foreign – no random objects, fingers, or toys that are not clean or safe.
This would also be an opportunity to touch on vagina confidence. Emphasis on why she should be comfortable with her vagina. Let her know that vaginas come in different shapes and sizes and that none is better than the other. Let her know that she can always check her vagina through a mirror. Studies have shown that women who posses vagina confidence are more likely to take care of it.
6. The intimacy talk
If your daughter is thinking about having sex or already having sex, you should tell her to protect her vagina from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. Tell her the best way to do this is to use condoms every time she has sex, no matter what. Encourage open dialogue with her doctor about contraceptive options and regular STI check-ups. Stress the significance of communication with her partner, setting boundaries, and only engaging in activities she feels comfortable with and consents to.
Wrapping up
Approaching the topic of vagina hygiene with your teen daughter is an essential step in her journey toward self-care. By discussing these topics more openly and supportively, you provide her with the knowledge and confidence to prioritize her health and well-being. Remember, these conversations contribute to building a foundation of understanding and empowerment that will benefit her throughout her life.