Vaginal hygiene is a subject that is rarely discussed. By taboo, by fear of embarrassing the entourage or by education, it is rare that women speak about their intimate toilet. And finally, who do we talk to? If there are no particular gynecological concerns, this is the kind of subject that does not belong around a family meal or an evening with girlfriends. And yet, there are many things to know about it.

The big producers in the field of hygiene and cosmetics are more and more numerous to propose their soaps of intimate hygiene. Moreover, the slogans are often similar and express the benefits of a soap "without soap" with a ph adapted to the needs of the vaginal flora. And on this point, they are absolutely right. Indeed, just as the skin has a particular ph, the vagina also has a ph adapted to its needs.

A history of PH

In order to make the ground inhospitable for the different germs that could try to intervene, the ph of a healthy vagina of a cyclic woman varies from 3.5 to 4.5; an acidity created by the lactobacilli. According to the stages of life (adolescence, pregnancy, menopause), the body changes and we can observe various changes. Also, the vaginal ph of a woman in menopause will be higher than 4.5 without this being a sign of a particular gynecological disorder or problem.

The vagina is a naturally clean organ with a particularly effective self-cleaning power. Moreover, this should be taught in sex education classes from puberty and passed on from mother to daughter from early childhood. Indeed, the vagina is composed of a vaginal mucus which allows the hydration and the cleaning of this female cavity. Therefore, except for very specific gynecological problems (mycosis, itching, burning, etc.), an internal vaginal shower is completely useless with the risk of weakening the area. Indeed, by practicing this gesture daily, there are risks of damaging the natural mechanism of self-cleansing and of deregulating the vaginal microbiota. By disturbing the ph by excessive hygiene, we risk causing the opposite effect and leaving the door open to all risks of infections, dryness, pain, etc.

Therefore, the daily intimate cleansing should only be external, i.e. the vulva and pubic area with water, without rubbing.

What about menopause?

When menopause arrives in a woman's life, she is confronted with various gynecological imbalances: dryness, itching, etc... By adopting a new method of daily hygiene, the inconveniences could then fade.

Here are some tips to incorporate into your new routine:

• Eliminate douching
• Wash only once or twice a day with pure water
• Use an adapted soap in case of particular need. Then check its composition to make sure that it does not contain synthetic agents, additives and preservatives. These chemical molecules dry out the intimate area enormously.
• Do not wear tight clothing throughout the day
• Prefer natural cotton underwear for everyday wear
• After using the toilet, wipe yourself from front to back to avoid bringing germs into the vagina
• Avoid wipes that are often scented, as they may irritate the intimate area even more.

Although hormonal imbalance plays a particularly important role in menopause-related problems, gentle, non-invasive vaginal hygiene is extremely important. In fact, it is sometimes by changing certain small things in one's daily routine that one can obtain the best results.