How to Maintain Feminine Hygiene

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Last Updated: March 26, 2023 References Approved

Maintaining hygiene is important for ensuring that your vagina is clean and healthy. Start by following basic recommendations for how to clean yourself. Then, take precautions to prevent infections. You can also try making dietary changes to see if this helps promote better vaginal hygiene for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Keeping Your Vagina Clean

1
Wipe your vagina from front to back whenever you use the restroom. Since your vagina is located near your anus, it’s important to wipe front to back after urinating or defecating. Fold a 12 in (30 cm) piece of toilet paper several times to create a small rolled up piece. Press the toilet paper between your labia near where your urethra ends. Wipe back towards your anus and over it, if needed, and then discard the toilet paper. Repeat as needed until your vagina and anus are clean.^{[1]
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- Use soft, unscented toilet paper that does not contain dyes or other irritating chemicals.
- Even after urination, wiping from front to back will help to keep bacteria and fecal matter away from your vagina.
2
Wash the outer parts of your vulva with mild soap and warm water only. Avoid washing out the inside of your vagina. Wet the outside with warm (not hot) running water. Then, apply a small amount of mild soap to your vagina to cleanse it. Rinse away the soap completely, and then use your fingers to spread the vaginal lips apart. Let warm water flow over your vagina to cleanse between your labia and over your clitoris. After you’re finished washing, dry off with a clean, dry towel.^{[2]
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- Don’t use any soaps with perfumes or dyes in them. Stick with a mild, unscented soap or a feminine wash.
- Don’t scrub your vagina. You can use a clean washcloth to wash the outside of it, but be gentle.
- Never reuse the same towel again after using it to dry off your vagina.
Tip: When you’re not on your period, washing once per day is plenty to keep your vagina fresh and clean. However, you may want to wash twice daily during your period to help prevent odors from accumulating.^{[3]
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3
Wash your vaginal area after sexual intercourse. Bodily fluids and residue from condoms and other intimate products can cause infection, irritation, and odors. Take a shower after having sex and wash your vagina as you normally would. Apply mild soap and rinse it with warm water. Then, allow the warm water to run over your vagina as you hold the labia apart with your fingers. Dry off with a clean dry towel.^{[4]
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4
Avoid using douches, scented vaginal wipes, and deodorants. Your vagina is self-cleaning because of the fluids it secretes, so there’s no need to clean the inside of it or use scented products on it. These products can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in your vagina and cause irritation.^{[5]
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- If you’ve noticed an unusual smell that bothers you, see your gynecologist to find out if it’s normal.
5
Change your pad or tampon every 4 to 6 hours during your period. This will help to prevent odors from accumulating and prevent infections. A good strategy is to check your pad or tampon every time you use the restroom to see if it requires changing.^{[6]
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- It’s especially important to change tampons every 4 to 6 hours to reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which is a potentially fatal infection that can be caused by wearing a tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preventing Infections

1
Wear white, 100% cotton underwear. Stick with underwear that are made from 100% cotton to help prevent irritation from synthetic fabrics. Also, choose underwear that are white, not dyed. Wearing only white, cotton underwear will allow air to circulate freely around your vagina and prevent any potential irritation from dyes.^{[7]
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- Always wash new underwear before you wear them. Use an unscented, gentle soap to prevent irritation from fragrances and dyes.^{[8]
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- Also, avoid thong underwear as these may increase your risk of yeast infections.
2
Opt for loose-fitting pants made from natural fibers and avoid pantyhose. Avoid pants made from synthetic materials and fabrics that don’t breathe, such as vinyl or leather. Also, don’t wear pants that are tight around the crotch. These can restrict air-flow around your vagina, which may lead to odors and infections.^{[9]
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- It’s best to avoid pantyhose, but if you do wear them, opt for a pair with a cotton crotch to allow air to flow through.
3
Remove wet, sweaty bottom clothing as soon as possible. Wet or sweaty panties and pants can cause bacteria to multiply, which can lead to unpleasant odors or even infections. Always take a shower and put on a set of fresh, clean underwear and clothing after you go swimming or exercise.^{[10]
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- For example, if you work out at the gym, shower and change as soon as you’re able.
4
Use a condom during sex to prevent the spread of STDs. If you're not in a monogamous relationship and don't want to become pregnant, use a condom every time you have intercourse to protect yourself. Condoms help to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These diseases can lead to discomfort, itching, and discharge, and they can have more serious health complications if they're left untreated.^{[11]
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- Keep a few condoms with you at all times to ensure that you’re always prepared.
- You can also put condoms on sex toys to help keep them clean. Wash your sex toys with soap and water after every use.
Tip: If you experience vaginal dryness during intercourse, use a water-based lubricant to help promote comfort.^{[12]
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5
Get regular checkups with a gynecologist. Catching an infection early and getting treatment can help to protect you from negative outcomes that may be caused by certain infections, such as sterility from undetected chlamydia. See your gynecologist once per year for a checkup and make an appointment any time you think something might be wrong.^{[13]
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- For example, if you notice signs of an infection, such as itching, burning, or redness, make an appointment to see your gynecologist.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Promoting Feminine Health with Nutrition

1
Eat a well-balanced diet to maintain good health in general. Eating a wide range of healthy foods can help to promote better health for you overall, and it might also improve your feminine hygiene. Foods that are processed or high in sugar may contribute to infections and other issues with your vaginal flora. Instead, eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to keep your vagina healthy.^{[14]
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Tip: Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your weight, such as being overweight or underweight. They can advise you on a healthy weight and suggest ways of achieving it.
2
Include probiotic foods to promote good bacteria. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, pickles, and kombucha are all examples of probiotics that may help to promote good bacterial flora in your vagina. Try to incorporate 1 to 2 servings of probiotic foods daily to promote good vaginal flora.^{[15]
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- For example, have a cup of yogurt with granola for breakfast, or a serving of kimchi with a sandwich at lunch.
- You can also take a probiotic supplement, but ask your doctor first if you decide to try this.
3
Try drinking cranberry juice if you’re prone to urinary tract infections. Some studies indicate that cranberry juice or cranberry juice extra can help to prevent urinary tract infections in people who are prone to them. However, this may not be helpful for everyone. Discuss this with your doctor to determine if it might be a good option for you.^{[16]
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- If you decide to try a cranberry juice supplement, talk to your doctor first and ask them for a recommendation. Make sure they're aware of any other medications and supplements you take to prevent potential interactions.
4
Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. There’s no perfect amount of water that everyone should drink. Instead, drink water when you’re thirsty and check your urine when you go to the bathroom. If you’re drinking enough water, it will be a pale yellow color. Some strategies you can use to ensure you’re drinking enough water include:^{[17]
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- Have a glass of water with every meal.
- Drink water whenever you’re thirsty or sweating, such as after exercising.
- Keep a water bottle on you at all times and take sips throughout the day.

Community Q&A
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How do you keep it fresh all day down there?

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The best way to keep your vaginal area fresh is to shower once a day and wash yourself with water and mild, unscented soap. Whenever you go to the bathroom, wipe yourself thoroughly with soft, unscented toilet paper, going from front to back. Wear breathable cotton underwear and be sure to change promptly and shower as soon as you can if you’ve been exercising or your clothing gets wet. Avoid using scented wipes or douches, since these can upset the pH balance in your vagina and lead to infections and irritation.
Question

What does a healthy vagina smell like?

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It’s normal for your vagina to have a mild, slightly musky odor. It might smell a tiny bit sweet or sour. If you’ve been sweating a lot, you might also notice a typical body odor scent, similar to what you get in your armpits on a hot day or after a workout. Your vagina should not smell yeasty, foul, or extremely fishy--unusually strong or bad smells like this might be a sign of an infection.
Question

Why is my private area dark?

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It’s normal for many people to have darker skin in the genital area, so in most cases it’s nothing to worry about. However, if you’ve noticed a change in the color of the skin in your genital area or if you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as itching, talk to your doctor. In some cases, darkening of the skin can be a sign of a hormone imbalance or irritation due to an infection or allergic reaction.