Proper intimate hygiene These tips help with sensible intimate hygiene

Hygiene in the genital area: What women and men should pay attention to
Sensible hygiene in the genital area not only creates a fresh feeling, but also prevents diseases. One should not exaggerate it with the intimate care however. Experts have tips on what to look for, to avoid infections and to relieve the immune system.
Error in the intimate care
Intimate care should be best done daily in both sexes. While this seems self-evident anyway, health experts point out that both women and men can make some mistakes. Above all, doctors observe two abuses: too much or too little washing. There are a few rules that should be followed to avoid infection and relieve the immune system. The AOK health insurance fund gives in a recent communication some tips for the healthy handling of the intimate care.

Care products can damage vaginal flora
At 4.0 to 4.5, the woman's genital area has a lower pH than the rest of the skin. In this so-called "acid environment" a variety of bacteria are settled, such as lactic acid bacteria, which prevent the ingress of pathogens. This "lactobacilli protective wall" can be weakened by different influences such as antibiotics. Even some intimate care products destroy the environment. To rebuild the vaginal flora and prevent infections, for example, introduced into the vagina lactic acid suppositories can help. Although the vaginal flora of some women generally has too few lactobacilli, this does not necessarily lead to infections. Affected individuals, however, sometimes suffer from an itchy vagina or discharge from the vagina, which is often accompanied by intense burning sensation. With proper care, the natural barrier can be kept intact - provided you follow the principle of "less is more". Excessive hygiene destroys the natural flora of the intimate area. As a result, pathogens can penetrate the body faster and can lead to dangerous infections. In case of unpleasant smelling discharge, a gynecologist should be consulted.

Change tampons frequently
The majority of personal care products available on the market support the natural pH of the skin, which is around 5.5. For the cleaning of the genital area they are therefore not well suited, because the vaginal environment is normally at a pH of 4.4. Even with heavy sweating, a morning and evening cleansing with clear water is sufficient. Used washcloths should be changed daily. A further "effective weapon" against infection, according to the AOK, is the careful drying after washing. Even during menstruation, a cleansing with water is sufficient. Tampons and pads should be changed at least every two hours. If tampons stay in the vagina too long, life-threatening dangers threaten. Recently, the case of a young girl who died of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) was reported because she forgot to change the tampon. Especially important is the proper intimate care also for pregnant women, because bacterial infections can cause premature birth.

Clean "front to back"
The self-cleaning function of the vagina is linked to the presence of lactic acid bacteria. Women who suffer more often from inflammation of the external and internal genitalia should refrain from using synthetic underwear. With such substances the sweat can not be absorbed. This creates the feeling of wetness. If then panty liners are used, which have a plastic protection, heat accumulation and moisture are additionally promoted. This can lead to inflammations such as a fungal infection.

Too tight pants also do not allow air circulation and can have a negative impact on the vaginal flora. Intimate sprays, but also body powder, wet wipes and normal soap interfere with the pH. Basically, it is important to use toilet paper properly when cleaning the anus. These, as well as the washing, should not be "from the back to the front", but "from the front to the back". In swimming pools should be paid to a certain hygienic standard. In particular, warm water, as found in whirlpools, is a bacterial focus for the genital area.

Hygiene tips for men
For men, general hygiene tips are not significantly different from those for women. The use of soaps, wet wipes and intimate deodorants should be avoided and one to two cleanings a day should suffice. The smegma, the white to pale yellow substance that develops between the glans and the foreskin, should be thoroughly washed off daily, since it can cause glans inflammations, among other things. It is also important for men to always dry their private parts well. In addition, they should make sure that when entering the toilet no intestinal germs in the area of ​​the urethral opening come. Even with them tight clothing and the use of synthetic fibers can hold back the sweat. The skin can then lose its resistance to moisture and pave the way for eczema and inflammation. (Ad)