CAN I WASH DURING MENSTRUATION? 3 THINGS TO KNOW

Wash what? In talking to so many people, we've realized that there's still some confusion about our anatomy. This is simply because it is not talked about enough either socially or among us.

So let's make a brief but fundamental differentiation between the vagina and the vulva.

The vagina represents a part of the internal genitalia, while the vulva represents all the external genitalia. Recall that the vagina is defined by the Oregon Health and Science University as a self-cleaning organ. Did you know? 

Thanks to the mucus and bacterial flora, we have a real vaginal ecosystem ready to protect us and change with us during the various stages of life.  So perhaps the more general question, which goes beyond specific cases, would be: can I wash my vulva during menstruation?

Which intimate cleanser to choose?
Do we really know how to wash during menstruation (and not)?
What device to choose with menstruation?

WHICH INTIMATE WASH TO CHOOSE?

The choice of intimate cleanser is increasingly difficult because it is increasingly broad. We walk the aisle of the supermarkets and we are attracted by the brand, the packaging, the written promises, the fragrances… But what should we really look at?

A certainly important factor, in addition to preferring them without perfumes and as delicate and natural as possible, is the pH. As almost everyone knows by now, the  Vaginal pH changes with us in the various stages of our life: puberty, pregnancy, menopause, menstruation, etc. This is why it is very important to choose the cleanser specifically indicated for menstruation which normally has a pH of 3.5.

The temptation is strong, but let's try not to give in to washing in the shower using a single soap for everything.

DO WE REALLY KNOW HOW TO WASH DURING THE MENSTRUUM (AND NOT)?

We know that there is still a lot of embarrassment in talking, not only about menstruation, but in general about any topic that has our vulva as a subject. This is why sometimes when it comes to intimate hygiene, some details are lost. One of these is certainly how to wash.

The way recommended by professionals is to always wash from front to back: from the vulva to the anus. This is to prevent intestinal germs present in the anal area from reaching the urinary tract and vaginal mucous membranes.

Once cleansing is finished we need to have another little attention. There is a very specific way to dry that we could summarize with a nice slogan: dab and don't rub! Even better if we go to use a towel with a more delicate fabric. And let's remember here too to respect the rule of "from front to back".

A small but great habit that we must make ours. 

WHICH DEVICE TO CHOOSE WITH MENSTRUATION?

When we menstruate, we feel the need to increase the frequency of washing to maintain that pleasant feeling of fresh and clean. But it is important to remember that if washing becomes excessive, the balance of our small ecosystem could be compromised and this could lead to irritation and vulnerability. In some situations we can consider refreshing ourselves even with just water.

What else can help us during menstruation to keep our vulva clean and protected from the harmful effects of a hot, humid microclimate that could lead to the proliferation of bacteria?

The choice of devices. Choosing a good device is part of taking care of our intimate hygiene.

The first of all is the menstrual cup which, inserted inside the vaginal canal, ensures that a warm and humid environment is not created and has the characteristic of not drying or drying out the mucous membranes, as other aids do, but that of collect menstrual blood. 

A second very interesting device is menstrual underwear . They are beautiful, comfortable, enveloping and they are safe (you can choose them according to your menstrual flow). 

But to return to our main topic it is essential to say that there are models with a yarn that makes the fabric antibacterial and antiviral. 

Furthermore, both of these choices are a great economic advantage (a small expense for a product that lasts many years)  and being reusable they are also an important choice we make for ourselves and for our planet.

Furthermore, both the cup and the menstrual underwear can be worn while waiting for your period, to feel more secure, without even realizing it. Top!

Thus, the answer to the initial question "Can I wash during my period?" is: certainly yes!

It is important to know how to wash and how to help us improve our intimate health.