Down There Care

The Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia

There are things you can do to keep your genitals healthy. These tips can also lessen the symptoms of some infections and irritations.

Cleaning

Do’s: 

• Use your hands to clean your vulva
• Use mild soaps or soap substitutes
• Pat your genitals dry
• Use a bland barrier cream if the skin feels irritated or to protect it from irritation caused by moisture

Don’ts:

• Avoid using cloths or sponges
• Avoid fragrant or irritating soaps
• Avoid cleaning inside the vagina or douching
• Avoid rubbing the area dry
• Don’t use ‘feminine’ sprays, perfumes and deodorants on your vulva

Clothes and laundry

Do’s:

• Wear cotton underwear
• Wash and change out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible after sport
• Wash clothes with pure soap (such as Lux flakes)

Don’ts:

• Avoid wearing underwear when sleeping
• Avoid wearing tight, synthetic clothing
• Avoid washing clothes with strong detergents and softeners

Toileting and menstruation

• Wipe from front to back on the toilet
• Avoid using sanitary pads or panty liners unless you have your period

Sex

Do’s:

• Use water-based glycerine lubricants
• Use non-latex condoms
• Get checked for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year or before changing sexual partners
• Get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV)

Don’ts:

• Avoid sex until any genital irritation has passed

Hair removal and genital piercings

Don’ts:

• Use a fresh razor each time you shave
• Wash with mild soap and water before and after shaving
• Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about getting a genital piercing

Don’ts:

• Avoid shaving and waxing
• Don’t share razors
• Don’t get any piercings from an unqualified practitioner