A female’s intimate area includes vagina, which is the internal canal that leads to the cervix and vulva, which is the outside genital area including the labia & clitoris.

Vagina and vulva together are home to certain good bacteria known as Lactobacilli that keep our intimate area healthy and maintain the natural pH of vagina. Vagina’s pH is on the acidic side and it helps protect it against infections by killing harmful bacteria, parasites and fungi.

A clear, white vaginal discharge is normal. It is vagina’s natural way of cleaning itself and an indication that it is perfectly healthy.

But if the discharge is foul smelling, of a different color (grey, green or yellow), is causing itching and soreness and is causing burning sensation while urinating, it might be due to an infection.

Maintaining intimate area hygiene is very important for our overall well-being. You need to follow good intimate hygiene practices to maintain a healthy intimate area.

SIMPLE TIPS TO MAINTAIN INTIMATE HYGIENE

1. Avoid wearing tight jeans, bottoms and pants. Give your intimate area room to breathe.
2. Wear soft, cotton underwear. Cotton allows skin to breathe and help regulate body temperature.
3. Wash towels & underwear regularly to prevent infections.
4. Change your sanitary pads every 2-4 hours when you’re on your period.
5. Wipe clean your intimate area from front to the back.
6. Wash your intimate area before and after sexual intercourse to prevent growth & spread of harmful bacteria.
7. Do pelvic floor exercises for strong pelvic muscles & better bladder control.
8. Wash only the outside of your intimate area. Washing the vagina can be harmful. Use a mild, specially formulated intimate wash and rinse with lukewarm water.