Women’s health is an important issue that deserves special attention. Bacteria can easily invade and cause serious diseases if you don’t know how to protect and take care of yourself properly. Here are four bad habits that can affect your gynecological health that women commonly fall into. Join us to find out how to effectively prevent them.
1 Not Changing Underwear Frequently
Underwear needs to be changed frequently, especially during menstrual periods
The female intimate area is usually more humid due to natural discharge, creating an ideal environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria. Underwear, which is in direct contact with the intimate area, easily accumulates fungi, bacteria, and other impurities from movement and hygiene.
Especially during menstruation, changing underwear frequently is extremely important as menstrual blood is a favorable environment for many bacteria. Neglecting to change underwear during these days can put women at risk of developing serious gynecological problems.
2 Not Using/Not Choosing the Right Detergent for Underwear
Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing
Failing to choose the right specialized detergent for underwear can have serious consequences for gynecological health.
Another common mistake is that many women tend to wash their underwear together with regular clothes in the washing machine. Some may be more meticulous and pre-rinse the crotch area with water before putting it in the machine.
However, neither method is correct. Washing underwear with other clothes can cause stains and bacteria in the crevices of the underwear to remain. Pre-rinsing with water not only fails to clean the underwear properly but also promotes the growth of fungi and bacteria in the damp environment.
Specialized detergents for underwear typically contain gentle cleansing agents with a neutral pH, helping to maintain the pH balance of the intimate area and reduce the risk of discoloration or stretching of the underwear. These ingredients are also capable of eliminating fungi and bacteria that cause infections and itching, effectively protecting gynecological health.
3 Using Feminine Hygiene Products Containing Chemicals and Fragrances
Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing
Fragrant feminine washes are often preferred by women. However, fragrance-creating ingredients such as benzene and esters can irritate the intimate area and promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
By nature, feminine washes are chemical-based products, and chemicals are a “taboo” when it comes to intimate area health. But this doesn’t mean we should avoid using them altogether. In fact, feminine washes play a crucial role in maintaining intimate area hygiene, especially during menstruation or after sexual intercourse.
Therefore, women should take the time to carefully study the ingredient list of the product. Choosing products that suit their intimate area’s skin condition will help maximize the benefits of feminine washes while effectively protecting their health.
4 Wearing Tight or Non-Breathable Clothing
Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing
Tight clothing, especially tight underwear and jeans, can put pressure on the intimate area, reducing air circulation and leading to a stuffy and damp environment, which promotes the growth of bacteria and mold.
Our bodies, including the intimate area, have a self-cleansing ability. When blood circulation is obstructed, the ability to self-clean and eliminate bacteria that cause odor and infections is also affected. This increases the risk of gynecological infections.
Gynecological health is an important factor in every woman’s life. By changing bad habits and adopting proper care practices, women can effectively protect their health. Start with the small changes we suggested above for a healthier and happier life.