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8 hygiene tips for women

When you kiss or have sex, it’s nice if you’re clean and smell nice. Brush your teeth, shower regularly, and wear clean clothes.

Did you know that we all produce unique natural scents? If you’ve had several partners, you may have noticed that they will have a unique natural smell; some good, some not so good.

Everyone has a natural scent. This is really important in love and sex. You often find someone more attractive because you like the way they smell. So you don’t have to cover up your natural, clean body odour. Your partner will like it!

Here are 7 feminine hygiene tips:

1. Shower at least once a day!

As a woman, keeping yourself clean is recommended since you are getting your period, daily vaginal discharge, and sweat. Take a shower or bath at least once a day to keep yourself clean. Be sure to brush your teeth as well.

2. Wear cotton underwear or go commando

Many women have discharge. This is a yellowish white fluid that can come out of the vagina when you haven’t got your period. It’s perfectly normal. Wear clean cotton underwear every day, which allows air to get to your vagina. Alternatively, go commando.

3. Your vagina doesn’t like soap!

It’s fine to use soap to wash between your legs and your outer labia, but it’s not a good idea to use it to wash between your labia or inside your vagina.

Using soap or vaginal douches to wash your vagina can upset the natural balance of bacteria, which may encourage yeast infections. It can cause itching and irritation and can be a cause of pain during intercourse. If you do use soap, choose a mild baby soap without strong perfumes.

To dry off after a shower or bath, use a towel that is soft and completely dry. Change your towel every 2 to 3 days and avoid sharing with anyone else.

4. Don’t douche

Never aim a stream or spray water directly into your vagina. Instead, let the water run down from the top of your pubic area over your vagina. This feminine care tip prevents outside bacteria from entering your vagina.

5. Does your vagina smell?

Your vagina should not smell like vanilla essence or fruity.

It’s perfectly normal that your vagina should have a certain smell. Often you have a different smell just before your period compared to around the time of your ovulation. Don’t use vaginal soap, douches, or perfumes to take away the smell. They can irritate your vagina and make the smell even stronger.

Wash your vulva with water and wear cotton underwear. Synthetic underwear, such as polyester, makes you sweat more and can irritate your vagina. This makes your discharge heavier so your vagina can start to smell.

6. Wipe front to back

When you go to the loo, always wipe front to back – and never back to front! This prevents harmful bacteria from your anus get into your vagina. If the bacteria get into your vagina, it can get smelly and may even lead to an infection.

7. Change sanitary pads and tampons

Change your sanitary pads regularly, every few hours. You also need to change tampons every four to eight hours depending on how heavy your flow is. For more see the section on pads and tampons.

8. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to give your body a boost when it comes to flushing out toxins and keeping your vagina clean and healthy.

What other hygiene tips for women can you recommend?

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Recent Comments (70)

  1. If u r receiving a pus in ur…
    If u r receiving a pus in ur urine en at some time u fill like its itching wat could b the problem

    1. Hi Liz, This may be an…
      Hi Liz, This may be an infection, it is important you get checked up and get treatment.

      1. Meaning does it your…
        Meaning does it your cleverness medicine professional yes weak muscular remind when and how long to sustain a woman

        1. Hello Anonymous, thank you…

          Hello Anonymous, thank you for getting in touch. Could you please elaborate when you say cleverness medicine professional and weak muscular?

    2. You May be suffering from…
      You May be suffering from urinary Track Infektion

      1. Thank you for your…
        Thank you for your contribution Shiro.

      1. Hi there, 

        What about…

        Hi there, 

        What about infections? Got a question? Feel free to ask. 

  2. Educating story ladies we…
    Educating story ladies we should be clean everywhere

    1. Thank you for the feedback…
      Thank you for the feedback Mercy.

  3. is it amust to wear a…
    is it amust to wear a underwear?

    1. Hi Mercy, Different people…
      Hi Mercy, Different people have different preferences. Some choose to where others choose not to.

  4. I’ve been scratching my…
    I’ve been scratching my private parts mostly when I’m about to have my menses, what could be the problem

    1. Hi Mary, toward your periods…
      Hi Mary, toward your periods there are hormonal changes that lead to a change and increase on the vaginal discharge which can cause abit of itching. It may help to cleanup regularly and where cotton underwear to help absorb the excess discharge.

  5. If you experience itchiness…
    If you experience itchiness on surface of the vagina what does that mean and what should someone do to ease the itchness please

    1. Hey Ziya, If this itchiness…
      Hey Ziya, If this itchiness is accompanied with an abnormal discharge, burning sensation when urinating and a foul smell you may need to seek medical attention. If it is just itchiness you may want to consider changing your underwear and wear cotton material underwear and observe.

  6. Is it normal for sperms to…
    Is it normal for sperms to come out after sex am worried since they come out alot of them like after 1hour after sex?

    1. Christine, This is normal…
      Christine, This is normal and there is nothing to worry about.

  7. Iv byn having vaginal…
    Iv byn having vaginal infections almodlst the whole of this year…i take medications it stops for like two weeks thn comes back…what could be the problem?

    1. Hey Tanya, one of the common…
      Hey Tanya, one of the common causes is when bacteria get into the urethra which is located close to the anus making it easy for Bacteria from the large intestine, to escape the anus and get into the urethra. Women are more prone to UTIs because they have shorter urethras, which allow bacteria quick access to the bladder. Having sex can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. It’s important for you to seek the services of a specialist – a Gynecologist who will be able to advice.

  8. Is using antiseptic for…
    Is using antiseptic for cleaning vagina ok?

    1. Hey Ella, Using any form of…

      Hey Ella, Using any form of antiseptic or even soap to wash your vagina can upset the natural balance of bacteria, which may encourage yeast infections. It can cause itching and irritation and can be a cause of pain during intercourse. If you do use soap, choose a mild baby soap without strong perfumes. Check out this article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/staying-clean

  9. Can I use salty water to…
    Can I use salty water to clean my vagina?

    1. Hey Hilda, using salty water…

      Hey Hilda, using salty water will upset the natural balance bacteria inside you vagina making you susceptible to infections like yeast infections. It’s however, fine to use soap to wash between your legs and your outer labia, but it’s not a good idea to use it to wash between your labia or inside your vagina. Using soap or vaginal douches to wash your vagina can also cause itching and irritation and can be a cause of pain during intercourse. If you do use soap, choose a mild baby soap that is without strong perfumes. Check out the following article for more tips;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy

  10. Is it normal to bleed more…
    Is it normal to bleed more blood when ur still virgin

  11. What does it mean if your…
    What does it mean if your vagina has always had a bad smell?

    1. Hey there, it’s perfectly…

      Hey there, it’s perfectly normal that your vagina should have a certain smell. Often you have a different smell just before your period compared to around the time of your ovulation. If it has always been this way then this is normal and this is your unique smell and you don’t have to worry about this. Check out the following article for more information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts

  12. Pls wt can use to stop this…
    Pls wt can use to stop this white discharge

    1. Hello Mercy,  do you…

      Hello Mercy,  do you experience the white discharge all the time? Are you experiencing other symptom such as burning sensation while urinating, bad smell from your vagina, and itchness? If yes, you may want to seek medical advice. If no, observe and identify what might be the cause and address it. 

        1. Hey Manju, what can we do…

          Hey Manju, what can we do for you?

  13. Thank for this wonderful…
    Thank for this wonderful information.

    1. You are welcome. Keep…

      You are welcome. Keep reading our articles. 

  14. Thanks for this topic…my…
    Thanks for this topic…my question is how do u get rid of the blackness between your thighs just close to the vagina

  15. Hi Ernie, first, there are…

    Hi Ernie, first, there are few things that can lead to this and getting to know them can help as a first step towards addressing this. The reasons include, chafing or rubbing that may occur while walking with wet or sweaty clothes on, medications like oral hormonal contraceptives, increased exposure to the sun, dry skin and friction on the skin due to tight clothing. There are a few recommendation or suggestion on the web that you can search and try out to see what works for you. 

  16. Am experiencing painful…
    Am experiencing painful pimples on surface of my vagina and when I try to intefere with them only a little blood comes out….what might be the problem

    1. Hey Grace, pimples around…

      Hey Grace, pimples around the genital area can be caused by a number of reason including irritation by the kind of underwear you wear, in-growth pubic hair which happens when one shaves using a razor or an infection. It is normal to see these pimples from time to time however if they are very frequent and when they are many it may indicate an underlying infection and this should be checked for proper treatment. To try and avoid the pimples, avoid tight-fitting clothing that can cause friction, choose underwear made of cotton rather than synthetic materials, try not to touch pimples too much and avoid very hot water when bathing or showering. 

  17. Apart from,what other…
    Apart from,what other detergents to use to avoid infection

    1. Hi Glory, we do not…

      Hi Glory, we do not recommend the use of any detergents to to clean once vagina. You can use soap but if you do use soap, choose a mild baby soap without strong perfumes.

  18. I always clean my self very…
    I always clean my self very well but in a few minutes I get an oudor that isn’t good from my vagina any problem with me???

    1. Hello Orishaba, thank you…

      Hello Orishaba, thank you for your question. If this is a reccent occurence then we strongly advise that you see a medical practitioner as it may be a sign of an infection.

  19. Hello en how can you help a…
    Hello en how can you help a man who always produce bad smell?

    1. Hi Sharon, thank you for…

      Hi Sharon, thank you for reaching out to us. Odour is caused by bacteria acting on oil produced in certain parts of the body like the armpits and genital area. The best way to combat odour is to regularly shower while paying special attention to these regions.

  20. What is the medicine for…
    What is the medicine for yeast infection

    1. Hello Martha, thank you for…

      Hello Martha, thank you for getting in touch and we are glad you asked a great question. Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories. Before obtaining these medications though, it is important to visit your doctor for a check-up and get a proper diagnosis. There are also home remedies that you could use to help treat the infection along with prescribed medication such as:

      -Yogurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria which are essential to creating a healthy environment in your vagina. They can help treat an overgrowth caused by an imbalance. Eating yogurt helps increase gut microbiome and can reduce yeast in the body. If you don’t like yogurt, then take probiotics. Probiotics are best taken with food. Plain Greek yogurt is the best kind to use for this home remedy. Make sure that the yogurt doesn’t contain added sugar, which fuels the growth of the Candida fungus.

      – Coconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties. Studies have shown that coconut oil is effective against yeast infections, making this home remedy one of the few with strong evidence that it actually works. To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected area.

      – Garlic was shown to be an effective Candida killer. But there’s debate over whether it’ll help cure yeast infections outside of a lab setting. If you’d like to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, add more garlic to your diet.

      – Vitamin C is an immune system booster. A strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance. Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) has antimicrobial components, so some women add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowths. Try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body’s ability to beat the yeast infection. Do not apply the acidic vitamin C to the sensitive vaginal tissue.

      Follow these tips to help prevent future yeast infections.

      • Limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Yeast thrives on sugar.
      • Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
      • Don’t spend extended periods of time in wet clothes or bathing suits. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments.
      • Only use antibiotics when necessary.
      • Don’t use douches unless advised by your doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. They may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina.
  21. Have been having this white…
    Have been having this white discharge have tried all.medications but nothing is changing…a friend now told me that it’s good to.insert garlic and sleep with it…it’s been three days now and I can see a change now my big question is..I hope am not interfering with my vagina please advice

  22. Hello Christine Kwambka,…

    Hello Christine Kwambka, thank you so much for getting in touch and asking a great question. Unless the white vaginal discharge has a foul odor, this vaginal discharge is completely normal and need not be worried about. With regards to garlic, a 2005 lab study, garlic was shown to be an effective Candida killer. But there’s debate over whether it’ll help cure yeast infections outside of a lab setting. If you’d like to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, add more garlic to your diet. Some websites recommend inserting garlic in the vagina, but burns and significant pain have been reported. You should stick with adding garlic in foods.

  23. Thankyou for ur advices
    Thankyou for ur advices

  24. We are always pleased to…

    We are always pleased to help Anonymous! Please feel free to reach out for more help if you need it! Have a wonderful weekend ahead and stay safe 🙂 

  25. Is it normal to have yello w…
    Is it normal to have yello w liquid discharge everyday even after periods n makes you wet all the time with not so strong smell?

    1. Hello Bridgit, thank you for…

      Hello Bridgit, thank you for reaching out to us. A very light yellow discharge should not cause you worry especially if this has always been the case. However, if this is out of place and it is an issue of concern to you please see a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.

  26. Hi I am experiencing itching…
    Hi I am experiencing itching and feeling pain during intercourse low drive of sex what is the problem

    1. Hi Jayson, 

      The itching and…

      Hi Jayson, 

      The itching and the pain could be due to illness, infection, a physical problem, a psychological problem If you feel pain during or after sex, your body may be trying to tell you something is wrong, so don’t ignore it. The low sex drive could be due to a psychological problem. Visit a doctor for tests and treatment.

  27. Whenever I shave with very I…
    Whenever I shave with very I get pimples on my vagina, how do I control this and which is the best way to get rid of pubic hair

    1. Hi Lisa, 

      Vaginal pimples…

      Hi Lisa, 

      Vaginal pimples are quite common. They are formed when skin pores around the genital area get clogged by dirt, sweat, or bacteria. This causes irritation. When shaving, always use a new (sharper) razorblade. To be safe, you can also use scissors as an alternative. If you can, waxing is a great option too. Read this article to learn more about pubic pimples: Why do I have pimples down there?

  28. Its good to learn on hygiene…
    Its good to learn on hygiene. But my girlfriend has a funny discharge and smells, what could be the cause and mostly its worse when we make love. Help

    1. Hi there, 

      Yes, it is very…

      Hi there, 

      Yes, it is very important to stay clean. I am not sure how bad your girlfriend’s discharge smells but it could be that she has an infection. I could have given a more accurate answer if I knew the color of her discharge. However, we have an article that can give you an idea of her discharge. Read this article to learn more about what the discharge smell and color means: Is my vaginal discharge normal? I would recommend visiting a doctor for tests and treatment. 

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