Intimate hygiene: Why it's so important and how to do it right

Your intimate area is a very sensitive part of your body. The skin and mucous membranes there are particularly delicate, and the natural balance can easily be disrupted. Incorrect or insufficient intimate hygiene can lead to unpleasant odors, itching, infections, or inflammation.

The goal of proper intimate cleansing is to maintain this balance while ensuring a fresh, clean feeling – without disrupting the natural protective barrier. Did you know that your intimate area has its own protective flora, produced by lactic acid bacteria? These bacteria maintain a slightly acidic pH level (between 3.8 and 4.5) that helps ward off pathogens. Aggressive or improper cleansing can weaken this protective function.

Intimate hygiene means more than just "a little water and soap". It encompasses a whole range of habits that support your body in staying healthy.

1. Proper intimate cleansing

The best way to clean your external genital area (vulva, penis, testicles, perineum) is daily with lukewarm water. If you use any hygiene products, make sure they are specifically formulated for intimate hygiene. These products are pH-balanced for the natural environment of the genital area and do not contain irritating fragrances or harsh surfactants.

Absolutely avoid using regular shower gels or soaps, as they can destroy the acid mantle and thus promote fungal infections or irritations.

Tip: A mild intimate wash lotion with lactic acid or chamomile can be ideal for daily intimate cleansing – especially during menstruation or after sports.

2. Less is more – also when it comes to cleaning.

You don't need to clean your intimate area constantly. Once or twice a day is perfectly sufficient. Washing too frequently can irritate sensitive skin or harm beneficial bacteria.

You should also use so-called intimate sprays or deodorants with caution. Many of them contain alcohol or fragrances that can dry out or irritate the skin and mucous membranes.

3. No water "inwards"

Especially when it comes to intimate hygiene for women: no vaginal douches! The vagina cleans itself – through secretions and the vaginal flora. Douching or steam baths can disrupt this balance and even promote infections.

4. Pay attention to the correct wiping technique.

After using the toilet, the direction you wipe is crucial. Always wipe from front to back – that is, from the vulva towards the anus. This prevents bacteria from the intestines from getting into the genital area.

5. Clean, breathable underwear

Cotton underwear is your best friend when it comes to intimate hygiene. It allows air to circulate and absorbs moisture. Avoid tight briefs or thongs made of synthetic materials – they promote sweating and friction, which can lead to skin irritation.

Change your underwear daily and wash it at at least 60°C to kill germs.

6. Intimate hygiene during menstruation

During menstruation, it's especially important to pay attention to thorough yet gentle intimate cleansing. Change tampons, pads, or menstrual cups regularly – ideally every 4 to 6 hours. Again, use mild cleansing products and avoid fragrances.

A little extra tip: Many women find an additional intimate shower pleasant during their period – but here too, the rule is: only externally and with lukewarm water or a pH-neutral intimate wash lotion.

Men should also pay attention to good intimate hygiene. It's especially important to regularly retract the foreskin and thoroughly clean the area underneath with water. Smegma can build up there – a mixture of dead skin cells, sebum, and urine residue. If it isn't removed, it can lead to inflammation or unpleasant odor.

When washing, also pay attention to the area between the testicles and anus – moisture can quickly accumulate there due to sweating, which is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Many half-truths circulate about intimate hygiene. Here are the most common misconceptions – and what's actually true:

Myth 1: The vagina needs to be "cleaned".
Wrong! The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. You don't need to, and shouldn't, clean anything "inside." External intimate cleansing is perfectly sufficient.

Myth 2: An unpleasant smell means poor hygiene.
Not necessarily. Everyone has their own body odor, including in the genital area. A slightly acidic smell is perfectly normal. Only if it smells very strong, fishy, ​​or sweet should you see a doctor – that could be a sign of an infection.

Myth 3: Intimate deodorants help against odor.
On the contrary – many products only mask the odor temporarily and can even worsen the problem due to aggressive ingredients.

Intimate hygiene is important – but you don't need expensive products or complicated rituals. With a little mindfulness, the right habits, and gentle cleansers, you can protect your body and feel completely comfortable.

Here's a summary of the most important points:

• Clean the external intimate area once or twice a day with lukewarm water.

• Use only special products for intimate cleansing – without fragrances and with a suitable pH value.

• Avoid vaginal douches, intimate deodorants, or harsh soaps.

• Wear breathable cotton underwear and change it daily.

• Pay attention to hygiene around menstruation, sex, and sporting activities.
  
  

If you follow these tips, you'll have healthy intimate hygiene that supports your natural protective barrier – and you'll feel fresh, well-groomed and confident.

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