Complete Feminine Hygiene Guide With Tips, Products And Benefits

What is Feminine Hygiene

Feminine hygiene is the personal care of the private parts of a woman’s body during menstruation, vaginal discharge, and other functions that are related to the private parts of a woman’s body. There are some feminine hygiene products that are used during these functions they are sanitary napkins, towels, tampons, menstrual cups, panty liners, soap, intimate part cleaner, wipes, etc.

To keep oneself clean and safe. If we look at the current situation, then we will find that feminine hygiene gets neglected a lot due to the busy schedule and the juggling between the personal and professional life of a woman.

The most important thing is that it should not get neglected at all as it can be really harmful to a person’s health and many other issues related to it like abnormal discharge from the vagina, irritation, vaginal dryness, infection, bad odor, and even leads to fatal diseases like cancer.

Though our vagina is self-cleaning still we need to do our bit to keep ourselves clean and healthy.

What are the types of feminine hygiene products?

Feminine hygiene products are the products that help you keep your vagina clean and that are used during the menstruation cycle and other functions that are related to the vagina. Though it seems a small thing to spend on feminine hygiene products, the reality is that it forms a very big market of billions that are going to double or triple itself in the near future as this is one thing that will go on and on.

Types of feminine hygiene products:

Disposable Products

Feminine Hygiene Disposable Products

Panty liner:

A panty liner is an absorbent piece that is used to keep feminine hygiene intact and is used in the inner surface of the panty that a woman wears. They are very useful if one faces the problem of daily vaginal discharge, post-intercourse discharge, spotting and can also be used during the light menstrual flow.

These are small in size and are much smaller and thinner than a panty. They are not good if one is going through heavy flow during menstruation. They come in various sizes and shapes to suit a woman’s requirements.

Sanitary napkins:

Sanitary pads are a very old feminine hygiene product that is used widely by women all over the world. These are absorbent pads that are stuck to the panties and are used to absorb the menstrual blood. These are made of cotton material to provide maximum comfort and avoid rashes and skin irritation during the periods.

These are manufactured by many companies and come in various shapes and sizes. As the menstrual flow varies from person to person thus, you can choose a sanitary pad according to your needs and preference. You also need to change the pads after every six hours to avoid any health hazards or it can also be changed according to the flow you are experiencing.

This is one of the types of feminine hygiene products that is the most preferred but with it also comes certain disadvantages that can take a toll on your health so it is necessary to use it with utmost precautions and following the guidelines.

Tampons:

Tampons are another handy solution to your menstrual cycles and are designed to absorb the period’s blood and other secretions from the vagina. It is also made of cotton and sometimes rayon that is inserted into the vagina that fits inside to absorb the menstrual flow. It absorbs the blood and gets expanded within the vaginal walls. The tampons have a small thread at the other end that makes it easy to take them out.

It does not cause any discomfort to a person while walking around or carrying out the daily chores. These need to be changed after some hours to avoid any leakage. They are very small in size and thus are easy to carry in your bags.

Reusable Products

Feminine hygiene reusable products

Menstrual cup:

Menstrual cups are another hygiene product that can be used during the menstrual cycle to absorb the period’s blood to avoid leakage and stains. This is a revolution in the modern age and is much safer than its contemporaries. These menstrual cups are generally made up of medical-grade silicone, or latex.

These are funnel-shaped and are easily inserted inside the vagina and let the menstrual blood flow in. The best part is it can hold more blood than any other feminine hygiene product and can be worn for 8 to 10 hours according to one’s need. These are reusable products and thus a good investment when it comes to investing in feminine hygiene products. They can be easily washed and are also eco-friendly.

Checkout Menstrual Cup

Cloth pad:

Cloth pads are reusable menstrual products that can be worn in the panties and absorb menstrual blood. They prevent the blood from getting leaked onto the clothes. They can be washed and then reused and are good alternatives to other types of feminine hygiene products.

They are made of comfortable cotton materials and are worn during the periods, to absorb vaginal fluid, and to absorb post-birth bleeding. They can be easily washed and reused. Though it is an old-school method, many still prefer this alternative as it is completely safe compared to others.

Period Panties:

Period panties are again a great alternative to different types of feminine hygiene products that are used to avoid leakage. These panties look like your regular panties but with various advantages. They have a higher waist, a thick waistband, a longer crutch than your usual panties, and provide better coverage. You can either use it with other feminine hygiene products like tampons, pads, or menstrual cups or it can be used individually.

The period panties are made up of an extra layer of special fabrics at the crotch area to absorb the maximum flow. They are made up of absorbent material that holds enough menstrual blood and keeps you comfortable.

Menstrual sponge:

A menstrual sponge is inserted like tampons but is reusable. They can be washed and can be reused during the periods. Apart from using it during periods sea sponges can be worn during sex to save you from the mess if you are having periods. It is claimed that they can be used for up to 6 months if all the guidelines are properly followed and it is taken care of.

Cleaning Products

feminine hygiene cleaning products

Douches:

A douche is a device that is used for hygienic or medical reasons where a jet of water is sprayed inside the body part to keep the vagina clean and keep it free from vaginal odor. Douching is done where mixtures of liquids are used for cleanliness purposes.

It helps in washing away menstrual blood and also avoids transmitting infections but there are some underlying issues that can lead to bigger health problems. As the vagina is a self-cleaning part of the body, douching can also remove good bacteria and thus can cause several health issues.

Wipes:

The feminine wipes come under the umbrella of feminine hygiene products and they are cleaning products that are used to clean the vagina during menstruation and as a part of maintaining the hygiene of the vagina.

If you are experiencing vaginal discharge or feeling sweaty, or just want to feel clean these are the best ones to use and to keep you safe. While buying it just make sure that it should contain very few chemicals and the best is if it is herbal or natural.

Checkout Natural Wipes

Soaps:

There are soaps available on the market that are fragrance-free, chemical-free, and are made to keep your vagina clean. They can be used to wash your intimate parts to keep them free from bad odor or feel clean during menstruation, or after any kind of vaginal discharge.

Apart from that if you are facing issues like itching, too much vaginal discharge, irritation then also it can be used.

Intimate wash:

It is a solution specially made keeping in mind the pH balance and other essential factors to wash your intimate parts and keep them clean.

If you are experiencing irritation, itching, infection, or too much dryness then it is recommended to use it as it helps in solving these issues. It not only makes your intimate parts clean but also boosts the growth of good bacteria in your vagina.

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Benefits of Feminine hygiene products

Maintaining hygiene is very necessary and when it comes to feminine hygiene then you really need to pull up your socks. There are multiple feminine hygiene products that are available in the market but what to use and what not can be your personal choice.

but there are some benefits of feminine hygiene products that are associated with their usage and that can be really helpful in making you clean and keeping you safe.

Makes travel easy:

If you are on your periods and you have to travel somewhere then feminine hygiene products like pads, tampons or menstrual cups are a necessity that saves you from the tension as it makes you travel easy and saves you from the tension of stains and other period woes.

Easy to indulge in other activities:

It is much easier to indulge in daily household chores and other activities like exercising, playing, going to the college or office, or swimming. Who doesn’t want to have a fuss-free life and this makes your life really easy while menstruating.

No clothing restrictions:

While on periods you do not need to think about what to wear and what not to if you are using feminine hygiene products as it saves your clothes from getting stained and you can be yourself without giving much consideration to other issues.

Keeps you healthy and safe:

The feminine hygiene products not only save you from menstruation woes but also keeps you safe and healthy. If you are experiencing irritation, infection, or any other issues related to your private parts then the feminine cleaning products come as a rescue and help a lot in these problems.

Makes you feel absolutely fresh:

The feminine cleaning products make you feel fresh after every use and that is very essential when it comes to your personal hygiene. If you do not feel clean from inside and outside,

then it will make you feel uncomfortable the whole day and stop you from carrying out your daily chores, and also put you off. This is one of the most essential benefits of feminine hygiene products.

Are Feminine hygiene products safe or not?

There is a lot of debate over the question: are feminine hygiene products safe to use or not? People have different opinions about it. Some say that they are absolutely safe and some have their opinion that their usage brings with it some health issues as well.

The answer to it is that they are safe unless and until it is used under the strict guidelines mentioned. The more chemicals in it the less safe it is so companies are working to make these products with less interference of chemicals.

It is necessary to use it as per the instructions given on the packaging and one should not deter from it. If you are using pads or tampons, then it should be changed after a certain prescribed period to keep yourself healthy and free from any fatal disease like ovarian cancer.

Therefore, it is best to keep the instructions in mind while using these feminine hygiene products that can be really helpful in the long run.

We should use feminine hygiene products for various reasons and some of them are:

· During the menstruation cycle to avoid stains and leakage
· If you are suffering from vaginal infections
· If you are feeling irritated or itchy in your private parts
· Maintain the pH balance of your intimate parts
· Maintain the balance of your vaginal environment
· To maintain the hygiene of your intimate parts
· To make yourself feel fresh and clean
· To avoid dryness

Top 10 tips for Feminine hygiene

There are some feminine hygiene tips that you should keep in mind to maintain feminine hygiene and that are essential to keep yourself healthy. Some of them are:

1. Keep your undergarments dry: Never wear wet or damp undergarments as they can increase the growth of bacteria and cause vaginal infection and bad odor.

2. Change sanitary pads and tampons every 4 to 6 hours: This saves you from a vaginal infection, bad odor, and even many fatal diseases.

3. Clean the vagina after intercourse: After intercourse, it is necessary to clean your vagina without fail as it can be the cause of infection and irritation.

4. Avoid using soap to wash your vagina: This leads to the disturbance of the natural pH balance of your vagina and can cause infections as well.

5. Avoid Douching: this can interfere with your natural pH balance and can also cause trouble in pregnancy

6. Do not use scented hygiene products: These products can again disrupt the health of your vagina by making you prone to infection, and can even cause peeling of the skin.

7. Avoid tight clothes: It is always good to wear comfortable undergarments that are made of cotton material as other materials can reduce air circulation and sweating that can lead to the growth of bacteria and leads to infection.

8. Avoid shaving pubic hair: According to researchers, it is never a good idea to shave pubic hair as it can save the vulva and vagina from infections.

9. Wash your vagina with cool to lukewarm water: Washing your vagina with cool to lukewarm water: is one of the best feminine hygiene tips that must be kept in mind.

10. Do not use the medication without recommendation: try not to use any medication without a proper prescription from the doctor.