Everything you need to know about intimate hygiene
Getting to know your normal
Getting familiar with your ‘normal’ is a good way of feeling more confident about the skin you’re in. It also makes you more aware of any changes.
All women have a unique vulva shape, size and smell, and this is something to celebrate. If you’re familiar with your ‘normal’ you can judge whether everything’s OK, or if a change needs checking out with your doctor.
Your vulva (or external genitals) is made up of the labia majora (your outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), clitoris and vaginal opening. Your inner lips and vagina are meant to be moist: discharge helps maintain the right moisture level and keeps things healthy by supporting your natural pH, protecting the good bacteria and getting rid of anything potentially harmful.
While moisture is healthy and normal, too much can feel uncomfortable, especially when you add sweat, discharge and/or period blood to the mix. A quick wash or shower will stop bacteria from developing an smell. But you might have other questions. Like, which soaps or washes will respect your vulva and vagina’s pH, so you don’t get itchy, dry or sore. Or how can you feel clean and fresh during busy days, when washing is out of the question?
V-Care™ your way
Throughout life, certain changes can alter the way your V-zone looks, feels and functions. These could include anything from childbirth to menopause to contraception that contains hormones. You might notice differences in the amount of discharge you produce, or the sensitivity of your V-zone area. Women experience change in many different ways.
As your body adapts to these different stages, so too might your V-Care™ routine. But the way you care – from how (and how often) you wash, to products you use, to what you do with your pubic hair (it can be nothing!) – is totally up to you.
When something’s not quite right
There are some common V-zone problems you may face from time to time. These can include irritation or itchiness (if you’ve been using a wash or body cream that you’re sensitive to) and thrush, a yeast infection that makes your labia sore and changes the consistency of your discharge.
Another common infection is bacterial vaginosis, with symptoms including a thin, greyish discharge and unpleasant smell. If anything is making you uncomfortable, a doctor’s visit will usually identify whether something needs treating.
