Heat, long journeys by car or coach, random toilets and … carefree. Fungi and bacteria are just waiting for it. Vaginal mycosis or bacterial vaginosis develops. What to do in order not to bring intimate area infections from your holiday?

The vagina is covered with a protective layer that consists of mucus, various types of bacteria and fungi, exfoliated cells and sticks that produce lactic acid. In a he althy secretion, there is a balance between the amount of good and bad ingredients. Its disturbance (and, for example, excessive multiplication of fungi) may occur, among others, as a result of hormonal problems or as a result of antibiotic treatment, but also when we forget about proper protection and care of intimate places. Properintimate hygieneis essential to avoid infections:vaginal mycosisand bacterialvaginitis .

Proper intimate hygiene: how to wash intimate places

Every day it is enough to wash yourself once a day. Don't do this too often as you'll wash away the entire protective layer around your perineum. During menstruation, you should wash in the morning and evening or more often - depending on how heavy the bleeding is. Water alone is enough for these extra times. Wash yourself in the shower or over the bidet. You can take a bath in a bathtub no more than once or twice a week, because sitting in the water for a long time dries out the skin and mucosa. Give up this pleasure if you have menstruation - hot water dilates your blood vessels and therefore increases bleeding. When you wash yourself, make front-to-back movements to prevent bacteria from transferring from the rectum to the vagina. After the bath, gently dry the intimate area with a towel.

You must do it

  • Before each intercourse, a man should shower and wash his genitals very carefully. Otherwise, the bacteria that accumulate under the foreskin will be transferred to the woman's genital tract.
  • A woman should pee after each intercourse. This will quite effectively remove the bacteria that builds up at the vaginal opening. If left there for a long time, they would have excellent conditions (heat and high humidity) to multiply, and then penetrate, for example, into the ovaries and induceignition.
  • Intimate hygiene: the perfect cosmetic for intimate hygiene

    It should be colorless and odorless. It is also important that it has an acidic reaction - pH 5.5, also known as physiological or neutral for the skin. You can choose between special liquids, foams and gels for intimate hygiene. They remove excess secretions, provide the mucosa with proper hydration and refresh. They are usually hypoallergenic and non-irritating. Men will also find something for themselves - preparations for them have appeared on the market. A very good agent for cleaning sensitive areas is the bacteriostatic gray soap known for years.

    Important

    Pubic hair is a protective barrier for the vagina. They protect access to it by pathogenic bacteria. So it's better not to remove all the hair, just excess hair. Traditional razors should not be used to shave intimate areas, because this method of depilation often leads to inflammation of the hair follicles, which in this part of the body can be extremely painful and difficult to heal. Creams or foams for depilation of intimate places, which are left for a few minutes and then collected with a spatula along with the hair, will work much better.

    If you are going on a long trip and you will have difficult access to the bathroom, take intimate wipes with you. In this situation, moisturizing wipes for children will also work.

    Vaginal mycosis prophylaxis: appropriate underwear

    Wear only cotton panties - the artificial fibers work like a plaster. Give up pajamas in favor of a nightgown and do not wear underwear - night is the only time when the skin of this area breathes. However, if you are a guest, be sure to wear panties under your shirt or sleep in pajamas.
    You are prone to vaginal mycosis - be careful in the solarium, even if the bed has been disinfected by you, it is better not to remove your underwear. Sensitive, instead of using ordinary powder, wash linen with soap flakes or glycerin soap and rinse it thoroughly under running water, without any softeners.
    Thongs are actually no barrier to bacteria. So you can have trouble when in the summer the short skirt wraps up and you sit with your bare bottom, for example, on a bus seat.

    How to avoid intimate infections

    Toilet paper should be white or gray and odorless - dyes and fragrances can cause irritation.
    If you use public toilets, always carry special covers. You can buy them at a pharmacy or drugstore (about PLN 0.30 each) - they will protect you against gonorrhea or chlamydia infection. Remember that the same danger awaits you at homebathroom, if you did not disinfect the toilet after the guests' visit.
    Do not use sponges and washcloths, because they are the habitat of bacteria. Make sure that every household member uses their own towel. If you are prone to infection, wipe your private area with white paper towels or tissues - they are only used once, so there is no chance of transmitting bacteria.

    Initial stage of ringworm or bacterial vaginosis

    When you feel a burning sensation or itching, don't wait to see your doctor. The development of the disease can be prevented by washing the intimate areas with Tantum rosa dissolved in water or Asucalen liquid. Both specifics will help with abrasions.
    After antibiotic treatment, it is worth using preparations with good bacteria - oral tablets or vaginal pessaries. You can also drink yoghurt and acidophilic milk.

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