Although menstruation can be messy and physically unpleasant, it is the body's own way of cleansing by expelling from the uterus the lining which it no longer needs. Once a woman's period is finished, her uterus, cervix and vagina do not need to be cleaned. Vaginal mucus is naturally acidic and contains the proper balance of bacteria, which hinders the growth of harmful bacteria. Any sort of internal cleansing, such as douching, is not only unnecessary but can increase the chance of infection by disturbing this healthy balance of bacteria. It is important to wash the exterior portion of the genitals throughout the month however, particularly during and directly after menstruation.
Instructions
Genital Hygiene
1. While showering, lather your pubic hair with a mild soap and rinse it under running water. To prevent burning yourself, use warm, not hot, water when washing your genital area, since it can scald more easily than other parts of your body.
2. Apply a mild soap to your genital area, using either your hand or a freshly laundered washcloth. Always use a front-to-back motion to avoid introducing anal bacteria into the vagina. Do not scrub vigorously or insert soap into your vagina.
3. Stand with your legs apart and gently pull back the sides of your labia. Adjust your position so that streams of water from the shower are flowing over your genital area. You may need to tilt your pelvis forward or bend your knees slightly to allow the water direct contact. Alternately, you can rinse by squeezing warm water from a squirt bottle or a clean, saturated washcloth over your genital area.
4. Continue rinsing until you all the soap has been washed away and you feel clean.
5. Pat your genital area dry with a clean towel.
Tags: genital area, your genital, your genital area, balance bacteria, mild soap