Maintaining Intimate Hygiene: An Expert Recommended Routine

When it comes to intimate hygiene, I’m sure you think the normal washing and drying is all it takes. Honestly, that was all of us until we realized there’s so much more love and care to it. But as Indians, we are many steps ahead already with intimate care because we looove our morning showers and we don’t use only a tissue to clean up. Spending a few minutes extra on your intimate regions guarantees intimate hygiene and a healthier sex life too- yes they are all related. 

But we also love our routines, so we’ve come up with the perfect routine for maintaining your intimate hygiene. 

1. KEEP IT DRY 
   After doing your business, whether it’s to poop, pee or clean up after changing a pad/tampon or menstrual cup, always wash up. But we know you do that. What can be forgotten on the other hand is drying your intimates after cleaning up. Use a tissue paper to dry up. Wearing damp underwear can lead to vaginal odor or infections in the long run. And babe, we’ve got no time to deal with that.  
   If you’re a penis owner, keep yourself clean every time you use the bathroom. I get it, a little shake and it's all done is what you know but some water wouldn’t hurt ya! Also, wash your hands too, that’s a reminder for everyone. Penis or no penis.
   Keep things dry only after you’ve used water to get it wet. Don’t try to overdo it randomly. The vagina does release healthy fluids and let that happen through its own course. Avoid random products like talcum powder to dry your area. We do not want that.
   
   
2. Hairy Potter and the Shaver of Secrets
   That was a terrible pun, please excuse us. What you chose to do with your pubic hair is your choice. But we must tell you that the hair protects your vagina. Opt for trimming your pubic hair instead of regularly shaving. Shaving can cause infections and that will cause irritation. But if you are a team ‘shave pubes’ we recommend using mild soaps to shave your hair. Don’t use anything too hard as it will disturb the PH levels of your vagina. 
   If you’re someone with a penis, shaving above your penis will help keep your garden looking fresh. Do not hurry up and shave but instead use show strokes opposite the direction of hair growth while using male intimate wash. Avoid tweezers down there, ripping your hair off isn’t the answer. It’ll result in ingrown hair and a terrible itch. With our busy work schedules dealing with ingrown hair is just not a part of the daily routine.
   
   
3. Soap for your Body, none down there.
   Speaking of soaps, avoid soaps to clean your vagina. That is not an option for you and it will just be a breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria. You see, the vagina can clean itself- it’s one of its many talents. So trust your buddy down there and let it do its job. Also, avoid perfumes down there. That’s not going to be fun for your lady parts. Soaps and perfumes are extremely drying and just isn’t the best energy to bring down there. You can choose to use a vaginal wash during a shower session but don’t use it all the time.
   To all the penis owners out there, here’s a routine that actually works. Wash your penis EVERYDAY. If you’re not circumcised you gotta pull back and clean it all up. Yes, even the tip. Use a male intimate wash, it is far gentler than soaps and lather your buddy. Wash it well to avoid any irritation after. For the circumcised bros, do the same thing without the pull back- if you know what I mean.
4. Wear Breathable Fabrics
   We get it, sexy time calls for sexy fabrics. So unless it’s a racy occasion, keep lingerie that could irritate your skin away. For everyday use, wear cotton underwear. It keeps your vagina in a breathing condition and it’s also extremely comfortable for your skin. We’ve come a long way and cotton underwear isn’t boring. Lace, silk and synthetic fabric can be rough on your vagina as these fabrics don’t absorb moisture like sweat or water. Pick cute pastels made of cotton to wrap your vagina and butt instead. If pastels aren’t your vibe, some tidy whities will do just the trick too. If you’re a boxer wearing kinda guy or briefs, change your underwear regularly and wear breathable fabrics. Wearing it inside out the next day will not work and trust me- we all know. Opt for fabrics that keep your fabric protected and safe. Do not wear anything that irritates the skin.
   
   
5. Check up and check off
   Get check ups with your gynecologist every few months to make sure everything is chill down there. Even if you’ve maintained a healthy lifestyle, sometimes your vagina can surprise you and ask for attention in the meanest way. Get checks for UTIs or yeast infections, or anything else. You’re a busy person and some things, the doctors can take care of you. 
   If you’ve gotta penis, you too must get checked regularly. Go to your doctor and make sure you don’t have anything going on down there. Checking on yourself automatically promises health for you and your partners.

Now if you follow all of this while also practicing eating right, your vagina and penis are safe. Eating good food and drinking lots of water will protect your intimates in more ways than you think.