Taking care of your intimate health can sometimes seem like a complicated chore. Much of society is still in a phase of awkwardness and embarrassment when it comes to talking about these issues openly, and this makes it much harder for people to ask for and find solutions to their problems. Shame is an unhelpful emotion and should be left behind when caring for your intimate health, because your wellbeing is more important than embarrassing someone. Here are some important tips to keep your intimate area healthy.
Hair Removal
Removing the hair around your intimate area has been a fluctuating trend for a few decades now. It is a personal choice as to whether or not you keep or get rid of your body hair but how you choose to do it can affect your intimate health. Poor methods and rushing can make it more likely to cause skin irritation and potentially wounds. Learn how to properly and safely remove hair from the sensitive parts of your body before attempting it. It is also worth noting that having body hair in your intimate area is perfectly natural and, in fact, good for the health of your body.
Menstrual Awareness
When you are more aware of how your menstrual cycle normally behaves, you will be better able to notice if and when it is abnormal. Noticing these signs earlier is an important part of diagnosing potentially serious illnesses in the future. Pay attention to how regular your period is, how heavy or light, and how many days it usually lasts for. If you have any concerns about your period, it is important to speak to a doctor for further advice.
Illness and Infection
Preventing infection is an important part of intimate health and wellbeing but it can be a challenge. The most common types of infections and conditions you can experience in your intimate area include:
- Yeast infections – This can be caused by an imbalance in the body and is usually simple to treat with few serious effects.
- Genital herpes – This is an uncomfortable virus that includes symptoms of blistered skin and unusual discharge. You can treat genital herpes with Aciclovir and alleviate your symptoms.
- Bacterial vaginosis – This is an infection caused by too much of a particular kind of bacteria. It can clear up on its own but sometimes antibiotics might be prescribed by your doctor to help.
To protect against infection, only wash your intimate area with water, not with soap or deodorant, and communicate openly with any intimate partners about possible risks. If you use tampons during your period it is important to change them within eight hours to prevent toxic shock syndrome.
When You Should See a Doctor
Sometimes issues relating to intimate health are minor and can go away on their own, but if you experience any sudden or severe changes, irregularity, or pain then you should get in touch with your doctor and listen to their advice.
