Women Genital hygiene
Genital hygiene is very important for preventing infections from developing and spreading.
Many women take the issue of genital hygiene very seriously even to the extreme of becoming obsessed in cleanliness and aroma. Over cleaning of the vagina can in fact be harmful.
The inside of the vagina rarely needs cleaning with the use of soap. It has a natural balance of substances that can become disturbed by washing causing any bacteria that enter to have the potential of developing into an infection.
The external part of the vagina, the labia, should only need cleaning after toilet release using a mild soap and water. The area should also be cleaned following sexual intercourse.
Washing should be performed using a singular front to back motion to avoid bacteria around the anus from coming into contact with the vagina or urethra (the external opening to the bladder).
The anus should be the last part to be cleaned so the bath water or flannel does not become contaminated with bacteria that would be spread to other parts of the body.
Wash cloths and towels should be individual and washed after use.
Particular attention should be paid in the incidence of thrush and cystitis. All items should be single use and washed immediately, not left in the laundry basket.
There is no need to increase washing frequency whilst menstruating, as long as appropriate sanitary wear is being used. The use of stockings instead of tights and cotton underwear with good coverage rather than thongs, can help reduce the likelihood of perspiration and the transfer of bacteria from the anal region being introduced to the genital area. Perfumes and deodorants should not be directly applied to the genital region.
Particular attention should be paid in the incidence of thrush and cystitis. All items should be single use and washed immediately, not left in the laundry basket.
There is no need to increase washing frequency whilst menstruating, as long as appropriate sanitary wear is being used. The use of stockings instead of tights and cotton underwear with good coverage rather than thongs, can help reduce the likelihood of perspiration and the transfer of bacteria from the anal region being introduced to the genital area. Perfumes and deodorants should not be directly applied to the genital region.
Once seen as a taboo subject, menstrual hygiene is now a multi-billion dollar industry with many products available giving women choices as to how they manage their personal menstrual hygiene.
Cleanliness
It is essential to maintain strict hand-washing practices before and after changing sanitary products. Any bacteria on the hands and fingers prior to fitting a sanitary product can be transferred to the vaginal canal and cause infection. Likewise, any bacteria on the fingers following the changing of a product can be transferred to other items.
Cleanliness
It is essential to maintain strict hand-washing practices before and after changing sanitary products. Any bacteria on the hands and fingers prior to fitting a sanitary product can be transferred to the vaginal canal and cause infection. Likewise, any bacteria on the fingers following the changing of a product can be transferred to other items.
Many women feel uncomfortable and unclean during their menstrual cycle and may wish to bathe more often. There are no rights and wrongs for washing and bathing and each individual will adopt practices that are acceptable to them. It should be noted though, that there is no need to clean inside the vagina during your period as this can disturb the normal body flora and increases the risk of infection. It is fine to gently cleanse around the external labia of the vagina and pat dry.
There are many feminine wipes and fresheners available for use during the menstrual cycle, though they are usually unnecessary and are used as much for their reassuring qualities than any other. They should not be used inside of the vagina as they may cause irritation.
Types of Products Available
Tampons
These are tubes of tightly packed cotton that are inserted into the vagina by either the fingers or with the use of an applicator. They are very discreet and once the correct technique of insertion has been established, they are extremely comfortable. They have the benefit of being wearable during any activities that the user wishes and are normally very reliable. The maximum time that they should be worn is eight hours, with the ideal duration between changing being four to six hours, or more frequently if necessary.
If you are likely to have a long sleep, it is not advised that they are worn overnight as the risks of developing toxic shock syndrome are higher. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a potentially life-threatening condition that can arise from the prolonged use of tampons.
It is recommended that the lowest absorbency is used for each individual’s period so as to lower the risk of TSS. It is perhaps advisable to alternate the use of tampons with sanitary towels. Tampons should be avoided in the presence of a vaginal infection as the tampon provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and can spread the infection further.
Sanitary Towels
These are worn externally and are attached within the user’s underwear. They are less invasive than tampons, though can be more uncomfortable top the buttocks and upper thighs due to chaffing, especially in the summer months. They can be noticeable as pads designed for heavy flow tend to be bulky in some brands, so they are not ideal for use with some summer clothes.
Again these should be changed when needed and prolonged use should be avoided as they can develop noticeable odours. It is safest to use sanitary towels at night to avoid TSS.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups can be either disposable or reusable and are worn internally. They collect and retain the flow, and can be emptied, cleaned and reused.
They are the best option for protecting the environment and are very cost-effective. They are discreet and the disposable variety are reported to be extremely comfortable.
All women manage their hygiene needs individually. There are no ‘correct’ practices and many of the issues surrounding menstrual hygiene are dependent of finances and cultures.
They are the best option for protecting the environment and are very cost-effective. They are discreet and the disposable variety are reported to be extremely comfortable.
All women manage their hygiene needs individually. There are no ‘correct’ practices and many of the issues surrounding menstrual hygiene are dependent of finances and cultures.
Sexually Transmitted Disease
The subject of STDs is a very important topic of discussion in modern society. With children in primary schools being taught about sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of protected sex, this subject cannot go without mention.
Types of STD
There are a multitude of diseases that can be spread from unprotected sex, some causing life threatening illnesses, others causing minor but highly irritating and embarrassing problems.
Sexually transmitted diseases can range from the extremely frightening HIV to the less problematic cystitis.
Preventing a Sexually Transmitted Disease
The most common ways of reducing the chance of transmitting an infection is by abstinence from sexual intercourse or by using condoms.
Condoms can be worn by either the male or female (Femidom), and are available in a wide range of colours, flavours, sizes and can even come with added features such as being ribbed.
Many people enjoy full sex lives without the need for having full sex by using methods of massage, touching and foreplay to enrich their lives; indeed this is particularly useful with a new partner until trust or the subject of being tested has been discussed.
There is nothing to be lost by asking a new partner for a full screen to be undertaken at your nearest clinic, but it is only fair to offer this test to be done on yourself also.
STDs can also be spread through oral sex and the use of condoms or cling film is useful to prevent this occurring.
Common Types of Illnesses
Herpes
Herpes can be found around the mouth or the genitals and can be spread easily from person to person by having unprotected sex and oral sex. Herpes results in painful sores and blisters and is a virus that once treated will continue to remain in the system through-out life.
Medications can be bought over the counter, though if these are not effective, a prescription from your GP or local GUM clinic may be necessary.
Avoid having sex whilst suffering from an outbreak and use condoms at all other times; though if sores have spread to areas outside the coverage of a condom, it can still be spread.
Gonorrhoeae
Gonorrhoeaeis a bacterial infection that can be passed by vaginal, oral or anal sex. The main consequence of Gonorrhoeae is infertility, and as it has no symptoms in its initial development it can be spread very quickly and very easily from person to person.
Avoid having sex whilst suffering from an outbreak and use condoms at all other times; though if sores have spread to areas outside the coverage of a condom, it can still be spread.
Gonorrhoeae
Gonorrhoeaeis a bacterial infection that can be passed by vaginal, oral or anal sex. The main consequence of Gonorrhoeae is infertility, and as it has no symptoms in its initial development it can be spread very quickly and very easily from person to person.
If left untreated for a long period of time, other parts of the anatomy may be affected and can have serious consequences. The best protection from Gonorrhoeae is the use of condoms and not having multiple partners.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection passed through intercourse and oral sex. It has no obvious symptoms and can cause urinary tract infections and infertility if left untreated.
Usually the only symptom of Chlamydia is from the urinary tract infection which can cause burning and increased frequency of urination.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection passed through intercourse and oral sex. It has no obvious symptoms and can cause urinary tract infections and infertility if left untreated.
Usually the only symptom of Chlamydia is from the urinary tract infection which can cause burning and increased frequency of urination.
Typical Symptoms of an STD
Below is a list of many of the symptoms that accompany STDs; it is worth remembering that these symptoms often occur a long while after the infection has developed so your treating doctor or nurse will want you to remember all sexual partners so that each infected person can be traced and treated.
Below is a list of many of the symptoms that accompany STDs; it is worth remembering that these symptoms often occur a long while after the infection has developed so your treating doctor or nurse will want you to remember all sexual partners so that each infected person can be traced and treated.
. Discharge from the vagina or penis, often with itching.
. Pain during intercourse or when passing urine.
. Sore throat.
. Pelvic Pain.
. Sores or blisters developing that do not respond to other treatments.
. Swollen glands, fever, night sweats.
It is important to remember that by using condoms and by reducing the amount of sexual partners you have is the easiest and most effective way of protecting yourself from diseases.
It is impossible to tell from appearance who has an infection and who hasn’t. Do not be embarrassed to go and seek medical help; all appointments are confidential and you will gain respect for taking the responsibility seriously.
Thrush
is a yeast infection that occurs mainly in the mouth, vagina or with nappy rash. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in a warm, dark and moist environment, it is very common is women and is more likely to occur when pregnant, as a side-effect of certain medications, when run down or when immuno-suppressed, such as with HIV or when receiving chemotherapy. The fungal particles are usually harmlessly present in humans, but when unwell or under stress, it can multiply and become problematic.
Signs and Symptoms
Oral thrush is first seen with a redness of the tongue with the occurrence of a few small white spots. It can develop to a full coverage of the tongue with a thick whitish carpet-like appearance.
Vaginal thrush is distinguished by having a thick creamy discharge that can be odorous and itchy. The area may be red and tender with a small chance of pain when passing water.
Vaginal thrush is distinguished by having a thick creamy discharge that can be odorous and itchy. The area may be red and tender with a small chance of pain when passing water.
Treatments
There a many creams and pessaries available for the treatment of vaginal thrush, and a selection of oral preparations to help eliminate oral thrush, many available as a single dose; the pharmacist at your local chemist can help select an appropriate treatment.
Prevention of Thrush
There a many creams and pessaries available for the treatment of vaginal thrush, and a selection of oral preparations to help eliminate oral thrush, many available as a single dose; the pharmacist at your local chemist can help select an appropriate treatment.
Prevention of Thrush
Avoid tight fitting clothes and underwear, especially in hot weather as this can increase the chances of developing thrush. If you know you are prone to thrush, try wearing stockings instead of tights and always wear cotton underwear, which should be changed at least once daily. Ensure the correct methods of sterilization of baby equipment is followed to help reduce the incidence of thrush in infants; if you are unsure, speak to your health visitor who will give advice on types of sterilization equipment available and demonstrate how to use it.
If using an inhaler of any type, always rinse the mouth after using the inhaler to prevent bacterial and fungal build-up.
Use separate towels for bathing and ensure strict hand washing techniques are employed to avoid the spread of thrush and the transfer of fungal infection from hand to mouth, especially after using the toilet or tending to menstrual hygiene. Avoid the unnecessary use of anti-biotics as this can increase the use of thrush developing.
Avoid unprotected sex, even with a long-term partner if thrush has developed as the infection can spread to partners. If thrush is a persistent problem, speak to your GP who may want to do blood and urine tests to rule out the incidence of diabetes.
If you are caring for someone with thrush, particularly the very dependent such as the elderly or mentally incapacitated ensure they have a frequent supply of clean fresh fluids and ensure teeth/dentures are cleaned thoroughly to help alleviate the symptoms.
Thrush is a very common problem and should not be confused with a sexually transmitted infection. It is a fungal infection that can develop in people of any age at any time.
Use separate towels for bathing and ensure strict hand washing techniques are employed to avoid the spread of thrush and the transfer of fungal infection from hand to mouth, especially after using the toilet or tending to menstrual hygiene. Avoid the unnecessary use of anti-biotics as this can increase the use of thrush developing.
Avoid unprotected sex, even with a long-term partner if thrush has developed as the infection can spread to partners. If thrush is a persistent problem, speak to your GP who may want to do blood and urine tests to rule out the incidence of diabetes.
If you are caring for someone with thrush, particularly the very dependent such as the elderly or mentally incapacitated ensure they have a frequent supply of clean fresh fluids and ensure teeth/dentures are cleaned thoroughly to help alleviate the symptoms.
Thrush is a very common problem and should not be confused with a sexually transmitted infection. It is a fungal infection that can develop in people of any age at any time.
Urinary tract infection or UTI
A urinary tract infection or UTI occurs when bacterial cells are found in the urine. Normally sterile before being passed from the body, urine is produced to excrete waste products from the body via the kidneys and out through the urethra. The urinary tract consists of the kidney, the ureters (tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder), the bladder, muscles and the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the external orifice.
If an infection is limited to the urethra, it is called urethritis, if it concerns the bladder, it is called cystitis; involving the kidneys is named pyelonephritis.
Causes of a Urinary Tract Infection
The bacteria that causes a UTI is normally found in the digestive tract, and is found to be abnormal to the bladder. As it is more common in women than men, experts believe that the reason for this is due to the shorter length and location of the urethra; it is a lot closer to the anus than in men, and it is thought that bacteria from the digestive tract migrates to the frontal area.
It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, either from the transmission of germs from the anus, or passed on from the partner if they are suffering from a UTI themselves.
Causes of a Urinary Tract Infection
The bacteria that causes a UTI is normally found in the digestive tract, and is found to be abnormal to the bladder. As it is more common in women than men, experts believe that the reason for this is due to the shorter length and location of the urethra; it is a lot closer to the anus than in men, and it is thought that bacteria from the digestive tract migrates to the frontal area.
It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, either from the transmission of germs from the anus, or passed on from the partner if they are suffering from a UTI themselves.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of a UTI is finding the urge to pass urine is a lot more frequent than normal. Often sufferers want to go to the toilet often, but when trying, cannot pass anything.
When able to pass water, it is often accompanied by a burning sensation that can be very uncomfortable for some. Urine may appear cloudy or even blood stained, and may cause pelvic pain. Any pain felt in the kidney area indicates the infection has reached the kidneys and needs immediate treatment, as untreated kidney infections can cause permanent damage.
The most common symptom of a UTI is finding the urge to pass urine is a lot more frequent than normal. Often sufferers want to go to the toilet often, but when trying, cannot pass anything.
When able to pass water, it is often accompanied by a burning sensation that can be very uncomfortable for some. Urine may appear cloudy or even blood stained, and may cause pelvic pain. Any pain felt in the kidney area indicates the infection has reached the kidneys and needs immediate treatment, as untreated kidney infections can cause permanent damage.
Risk Factors
Being female seems to be the greatest risk factor as the incidence is much higher in women than men. There is also further increased risk if pregnant.
Those who are diabetic are more probable to develop a UTI, as are those who wear a catheter or use an intermittent catheter. Any foreign body of the urinary tract raises the chances of developing an infection; factors such as tumours or stones all increase the likelihood of an infection.
Children whom suffer from these types of infections are often found to have some degree of anatomical abnormality which will need treating.
Those who are diabetic are more probable to develop a UTI, as are those who wear a catheter or use an intermittent catheter. Any foreign body of the urinary tract raises the chances of developing an infection; factors such as tumours or stones all increase the likelihood of an infection.
Children whom suffer from these types of infections are often found to have some degree of anatomical abnormality which will need treating.
Treatments
Increasing oral intake of fluids is useful for helping to flush toxins away and out of the bladder.
Increasing oral intake of fluids is useful for helping to flush toxins away and out of the bladder.
Drinking cranberry juice has been proven to help prevent the bacteria from adhering to the tissues of the urinary tract, so a daily drink of cranberry coupled with a generous intake of water will help to clear the infection.
Anti-biotics are frequently prescribed for the treatment of this infection, and the full course should be taken or symptoms may return.
Anatomical abnormalities, tumours or stones will need to be removed, often by a surgical procedure in order for the condition to be eliminated.
If pregnant, see your GP immediately who will prescribe anti-biotics, as a urine infection can complicate the pregnancy. Scientists are currently exploring the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of a UTI.
Anti-biotics are frequently prescribed for the treatment of this infection, and the full course should be taken or symptoms may return.
Anatomical abnormalities, tumours or stones will need to be removed, often by a surgical procedure in order for the condition to be eliminated.
If pregnant, see your GP immediately who will prescribe anti-biotics, as a urine infection can complicate the pregnancy. Scientists are currently exploring the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of a UTI.
Prevention
. Drinking plenty of fluids, including cranberry juice will help to stave off infections.
. If you are prone to infections, it may be worth considering a change in sexual practices as this may be the cause.
. When passing water make sure the bladder is fully emptied.
. When using toilet roll, always clean the area from front to back to avoid spreading the bacteria from anus to urethra.
. A diet rich in zinc and vitamin C increase the body’s immunity to infections.
. Urinary tract infections are a very common and often recurrent problem that affects more women than men. By employing some preventative measures the risk of developing a UTI may be lowered, some however will still be at significant risk of developing an infection.
. When passing water make sure the bladder is fully emptied.
. When using toilet roll, always clean the area from front to back to avoid spreading the bacteria from anus to urethra.
. A diet rich in zinc and vitamin C increase the body’s immunity to infections.
. Urinary tract infections are a very common and often recurrent problem that affects more women than men. By employing some preventative measures the risk of developing a UTI may be lowered, some however will still be at significant risk of developing an infection.
Herbal medication for all women Genital Hygiene
Vagaclean powder is our herbal line of diseases and health problem prevention; it maintains healthy vagina, female organs, urinary tract, and in general good health and high female hygiene at one time.
It eradicates most resistant bacteria, virus, or fungus infection before it does any harm to your organs and your body.
Vagaclean powder is 100% organic herbs, no additives no chemical inside the formula.
It is very gentle and soft for all sensitive parts in your body. It is stringent, and would stop most of the vaginal discharges from happing, protect the urinary tract from infection, and keep your healthy organs maintained.
Package: 50 grams powder in tight container
Uses direction: use one small teaspoon in 3 cups of boiling water. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then let it to cool down or use it as little warm. Put the prepared liquid in a douche container, and start to clean the vagina and area around until the liquid is finished.
Repeat every day in the same time if you feel there is still dissatisfaction or abnormal discharge continues.
Price: 10 USA dollars or 30 RM inside Malaysia + shipping accordingly.
Posts
