U by Kotex

taking care of down there

Vaginas are sensitive creatures (thank heavens!). All those little nooks and crannies can get easily affected by strong chemicals or even just a lack of air. So here are some great tips on how to keep her happy on the inside and out.

Vulva¹

The skin of the female genital area is especially sensitive and needs protection from physical damage and certain chemicals.

• Wearing only plain, loose-fitting cotton underwear and changing it daily
• Changing out of damp bathing suits or exercise clothing as soon as possible
• Changing pads and tampons regularly (check the packaging instructions if unsure about time length)
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothes, g-strings, panty-hose and synthetic materials next to the skin
• Avoiding long exposure to hot, sweaty or chafing conditions, eg sauna, aerobics

• Not using soaps or antiseptics – use plain water or a soap alternative such as Cetaphil, Dermaveen or Hamilton QV wash to wash the area
• Not using perfumed deodorants or talcs near the vulva
• Using soft, unperfumed toilet paper
• Not over-washing the area (once a day is sufficient) and patting it dry after washing, rather than rubbing with a towel

• Make sure that all clothing in contact with the vulva has been rinsed well so no washing detergent remains, and avoid fabric softener on underwear
• Wash the genitals gently in plain, cool water. Burning and irritation can be relieved by cool washes or salt baths (2 teaspoons table salt per litre of water)
• Avoid getting shampoo on the vulva, and avoid using bath gels and bubble baths
• Avoid sex when you have pain, or consider alternatives to painful intercourse, such as oral sex. Avoid using lubricants such as KY jelly if these increase irritation. Light vegetable oil can be useful as a lubricant for sex, but will cause damage to condoms, dams and diaphragms. Sometimes semen can be very irritating, so condoms or ejaculation outside the vagina can be helpful
• Avoid scratching as it can damage vulval skin and make itching worse. Reduce itching with cool washes and compresses. Don't rub the area with toilet paper, just pat gently dry with unperfumed paper
• Limit exercises that can irritate the area, such as horse and bike riding
• Avoid shaving or waxing the genital area

Vagina¹

A variety of bacteria, yeasts and other micro-organisms occur naturally in the vagina. Specific bacteria (lactobacilli) normally keep the vagina slightly acidic, keeping the growth of other bacteria under control.

The vaginal balance can be upset by external factors. This can lead to a change in the balance of the natural bacteria in the vagina, causing problems. Some women are more prone than others to disturbance of the vaginal environment.

A course of antibiotics may reduce the numbers of bacteria that the vagina needs to keep its normal acidic balance. Stress, illness and hormone changes can also alter the vaginal environment.

How to avoid infections?²

Good habits to get into:

• Wash your hands well before and after touching the genital area
• Wipe front to back
• Avoid vaginal cosmetics that can cause shift in vaginal pH
• Use mild soap for bathing
• Pat area dry
• Don't use other people's towels
• Don't douch (flush liquids into the vagina) unless you doctor prescribes
• Eat a healthy diet

Other things you can do:

• Wear 100% white cotton underwear
• Avoid pantyhose, tights or close fitting clothes
• Set the washing machine to give an extra rinse when washing underwear
• Sleep without underwear