Happy 2019, loves! May this year see the fulfilment of your heart’s desires.
Today’s post is all about feminine hygiene, a topic we don’t talk about as often as we should.
When it comes to feminine hygiene, many of us are uncertain about a number of things:
- How do I wash my vagina?
- Should I be using feminine washes?
- Is it normal for my vagina to have an odour?
- Does the white discharge on my underwear mean I have an infection?
- Is it okay to douche?
These and more are some of the questions we ask ourselves but never get answers to because talking about the vagina is gross, right? Wrong.
Cleaning your vagina
Above all else, good vaginal health is maintained with a good diet and exercise. What you eat does affect the smell and health of your vagina. Natural yoghurt, cranberry juice and vegetables are some foods that can help boost the overall health of your vagina.
The vagina is self-cleaning but the vulva requires daily cleaning.
With warm water, a washcloth or your fingers, you should clean the vulva daily; once or twice a day.
When cleaning my vagina, I ALWAYS use feminine washes. So naturally, when I heard about the BETADINE Daily Intimate Care range, I was curious to test it.
For the past two months, I have been using the Betadine Daily Intimate Care range which was sent to me by Rubybox.
The range which includes the Daily Intimate Foam and Wash have been specifically designed to support the natural pH of the vaginal flora.
Did you know? An imbalance in the pH results in bacterial or fungal infections and unpleasant odours.
What can I say about this range? Not only is it affordable, Daily Intimate Care Foam (100ml: R49.95, 200ml: R64.95), Daily Intimate Care Wash (50ml: R39.95, 150ml: R49.95) available at Dischem and selected Clicks stores but it also smells good.
Some vaginal washes throw off my pH and I end up getting a yeast infection which is why I’m always very cautious about what I use down there but Betadine is formulated from natural ingredients.
Its unique Tri-Care formulation combined with prebiotics offer optimal daily protection from unwanted symptoms such as odour, itch and irritation associated with pH imbalance.
My favourite from the range is the Daily Intimate Care Foam. It’s convenient and easy to use.
Vaginal odour
It is okay for the vagina to have a scent. Just like your armpit has an odour when it is devoid of antiperspirant, so does the vagina. However, the vagina is a lot more sensitive than the armpit which is why for most people, scented wipes and vaginal deodorants disrupt the vagina’s healthy natural balance.
Your vagina isn’t meant to smell like perfume but it shouldn’t smell like fish either. If it does, promptly see your doctor as you may have an infection.
Washing with water and plain soap or using an intimate wash with natural ingredients that help maintain your body’s natural pH is all you need. No douching, no vaginal deodorants or perfumed soaps down there.
Dos & Don’ts for a healthy vagina
Don’t eat processed foods or foods high in sugarsDon’t wash inside your vagina – it self-cleans- Do wash your vulva with natural ingredients
- Do trim/shave your pubic hair
Betadine Daily Intimate Foam and Wash is hypoallergenic, gynaecologically tested, has natural ingredients and is free of parabens and colourants.
The range is currently available at ALL Dis-Chem stores, selected Clicks stores and leading pharmacies.
Recommended retail price for Daily Intimate Care Foam (100ml: R49.95, 200ml: R64.95)
Recommended retail price for Daily Intimate Care Wash (50ml: R39.95, 150ml: R49.95)