TargetWoman - Portal for Women
TargetWoman - Portal for Woman

Feminine Hygiene

TargetWoman is a directory/portal dedicated to Women - Articles of lasting value from Hair styles to liposuction, from working women to fashion jewellery and a handpicked listing of sites of importance to women.
Search from our Articles
Read This page Later Read this page later    Book Mark Targetwoman - Information Portal for women Book mark this page    print this page Print this page    Send this pageSend this to your friend     Browse by topicBrowse by Topic     Social BookMark

The terms 'feminine hygiene' were being used in the US in the 1930s to mean birth control. In present times, these two terms are employed in their euphemistic sense to mean 'personal care' products such as sanitary napkins, towels, tampons and menstrual cups and feminine wipes that are used during menstruation, vaginal discharge etc.


Proper feminine hygiene is a critical part of overall health and wellness of women. Infact many of the complications that result during pregnancy and childbirth are attributed to poor vaginal hygiene.


Body odors

Puberty is the time all kinds of changes are noticed in the body. There are a wide variety of deodorants, douches and feminine sprays or wipes available in the market to assist in keeping the vaginal area smelling clean and fresh, by reducing moisture and controlling odor.


However, there are times when an infection like 'bacterial vaginitis' causes an unpleasant fishy odor. Odors caused by vaginal infections should be treated with prescription medication rather than by a deodorant spray that covers it up. It is imperative that the vagina be kept clean. Washing daily with a mild soap and plenty of warm water is the basic trick. Showering in warm water during the periods should help reduce menstrual cramps and give reassurance of cleanliness.


Feminine sprays and deodorants are heavily perfumed and can lead to allergic reactions. Infact the vagina has its own natural cleaning system and flushes out bacteria. There is no need for external chemical use to help clean it. The term douching is derived from the French word for 'wash' referring to vaginal wash with prepackaged mix of fluids. But douching should never be done without a doctor's advice. It can cause allergic reactions, irritation and even infections in the vagina.


Menstruation and personal hygiene

Interestingly, it is estimated that most women experience nearly about 500 menstrual cycles or about 2000 period days during a span of years that lasts approximately half the life.


During menstruation she should change the napkins or tampons frequently, bathe daily and wear clean clothes to avoid semblance of any smell. Again it should be a wise idea to keep a spare pair of inners in the backpack to change in case she happens to soak through the pad or tampon. Here are some hygiene tips that can help sail through the challenging monthly cycle comfortably:


  • It is essential that she finds the best fit in sanitary pads and napkins. Shops store thin, long, contoured and winged versions of such pads along with those meant for night time use or light days. Some napkins come with deodorized protection as well. Nowadays most have sealed tapes with tabs that can be pulled off for adhesion to undergarments.

  • Napkins should be changed frequently. This would ensure her fresher and comfortable while reducing the risk of leaks and odor at once.

  • Deodorant products should not be applied directly to the reproductive areas. They tend to cause irritation and possibly even cancer when used overtime in the under clothing in some women.

  • Since during menstruation the cervix is stretched and dilated mimicking childbirth, the uterus is tend to be more prone to infection. Therefore, foreign objects and fragrances should be kept at bay.

During perimenopause, when periods become more irregular and less predictable, you can use light pantiliner and keep a more durable pad for heavier days. There are sanitary pads that offer odor freshness and control associated with menopausal vaginal dryness.


Yeast infection is one of the most common in woman due to internal buildup of yeast. It can cause severe itching and redness and if left untreated it can cause severe health concerns. Often a cream or suppository is prescribed for treating yeast infection which takes a week to clear up.


Perspiration/sweat

During puberty, chances are that the sweat glands are overactive than before and roughly 3 million sweat glands become more active. They begin to secrete different chemicals into the sweat which emit a stronger smelling odor especially in the armpits, groin and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and private parts.


Bathing with a mild soap in warm water will help wash away the bacteria and the smell. Wearing clean inners and clothing and socks should help. While deodorants help rid of the odor of sweat, anti perspirants actually stop perspiration by drying it up. While choosing deodorants and anti perspirants it is important to read the directions for use.


It is preferable to wear cotton undergarments especially during hot weather. If sweating is too much of a problem it is better to consult a doctor as this might be a sign to a medical problem.


Bad breath

Bad breath also called halitosis can pose a major hazard especially during snuggle with a sweet heart or while whispering a joke to a friend. Certain simple and effective steps can help prevent bad breath.


As such bad breath is caused by odor producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. Lack of proper brushing and flossing can lead to accumulation of bacteria on the bits of food left in the mouth between the teeth. The sulfur compounds released by these bacteria cause the breath to smell. Sometimes pungent foods like garlic and onions and certain oils can cause bad breath. Smoking is also a major reason for bad breath.


A mouthwash which contains an antiseptic and plaque reducing agents should be chosen.


Sugar free gums and mints can only temporarily mask odors. It is imperative to brush and floss regularly to contain bad breath. Sometimes bad breath may be due to a medical problem such as sinusitis or gum diseases. Under such circumstances, consult a doctor or a dentist for advice.


Targetwoman - Portal for Women - A treasure trove of information on women ...

More on Women Health Issues
General Women Health
Women Health Issues - Women Health - key to understanding your health ...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Watch what you eat ...
Healthy Eating Habits - Eat right, feel good ...
Colon Cleansing - Getting rid of toxins ...
Women and Substance Abuse - Reclaim joys of life ...
Water Retention Causes - Excess fluids in body ...
Improving Blood Circulation - Maintaining blood flow ...
Shortness of Breath - Not getting enough air ...
Feminine Hygiene - Personal care ...
Nail Fungus - Brittleness, crumbling, discoloration ...
Postpartum Depression - Care for a new mom ...
Hemorrhoids - Swollen veins ...
Antidepressants and Weight Gain - Psychiatric medications ...
Iron deficiency Anemia - 20% women and 50% of pregnant women suffer iron deficiency anemia ...
Avian Flu Pandemic - Possible Asian flu epidemic in the near future ...
Mood swings and women - Not going crazy ...
Evening Primrose Oil - Rich content of fatty acids ...
Sleep Apnea - Don't ignore this sleep disorder ...
Sleep Deprivation - Inadequate rest, improper functioning ...
Epidural - Relieve pain ...
Knee Replacement for Women - Improve mobility, reduce pain ...
Medical Alert Devices - Medical help on time ...
Comfrey Root Benefits - Promoting faster healing ...
Cholesterol Levels for Women - Cholesterol Levels in Women ...
Ischemic Heart Disease - Impaired blood flow to heart ...
Framingham Heart Study Risk - Landmark study on heart risk factors ...
Women Heart Disease Statistics - Increased susceptibility to heart disease ...
Reverse Heart Disease - Preventing coronary disease...
Women's Heart Attack Symptoms - Identify heart problems...

Skin Care
Vitiligo Skin Disease - De-pigmented patches ...
Prickly Heat - Painful fallout of hot and humid summers ...
Narrow Band UVB - Used for skin conditions ...
Photodynamic Therapy - Combination of light and photosensitizing drugs ...
Mold Allergy - Reacting to mold spores ...

Natural Remedies
Natural Diuretic - Flush out toxins ...
Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure - Nature's bounty for health ...
Natural Remedies for Constipation - Reduce the digestive complaint ...
Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux - Control the reflux naturally ...
Natural Remedies for Acne - Control eruptions, reduce scarring ...
Natural Remedies for Anxiety - Natural help to relax ...
Natural Remedies for Depression - Heal your mind, with nature ...
Comfrey Root Benefits - Promoting faster healing ...

Supplements for Women
Vitamin Supplement - Supplementing good health ...
Anti Aging Natural Supplements - Fighting age lines ...
Fiber Supplements - Providing roughage ...
Whole Food Vitamins - Natural micronutrients ...
Low Carb Diet Supplement - Do they aid weight loss ...
Creatine Supplements - Improved muscle mass ...
Joint Supplements - Improve overall mobility ...
Zinc Supplements - Vital trace element ...
HGH Supplements - Artificial growth supplement ...
Amino Acid Supplements - Aid in enzyme production ...
Selenium Supplements - Vital trace material ...
Liver Supplements - Overworked often abused organ ...
Women's Vitamins - Wellness needs...

Women Disorders
Metabolic Syndrome X - Beware of a larger waist ...
Menopause and Weight Gain - Battling weight gain with advancing age ...
Surgical Menopause - Drastic fall in hormones ...
Bariatric Surgery - Treat morbid obesity ...
Endocrine Disorder - Play a key role in overall wellbeing ...
Thyroid Disorder - Located in the middle of the lower neck ...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Excessive worrying and brooding ...
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Compulsion to repeatedly perform certain acts ...
Panic Disorder - Repeated panic attacks ...
Borderline Personality Disorder Women - Serious mental illness ...
Binge Eating Disorder - Indicative of a deeper malaise ...
Overcome Emotional Eating - Eating as a defense mechanism ...
Acid Reflux Syndrome - Discomfort and unease ...
Insomnia and Weight Gain - Sleep it off ...
Altitude Sickness - Decreasing air pressure ...

Women's Reproductive Health
Sexual Dysfunction in Women - Reclaim your sex life ...
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Women - Decreased desire ...
Vaginal Dryness - Common menopausal problem ...
Premature Menopause - Early cessation of menses ...
Bacterial Vaginosis - Abnormal growth of bacteria ...
Yeast Infection - Nearly 5% of women tend to have chronic yeast infections ...
Irregular Menstrual Cycle - Irregularity of menses ...
Testosterone Patch for Women - Controversial use ...
Testosterone Cream for Women - Home replacement option ...
Uterine Prolapse - Sliding of uterus ...
Fibroid Tumor - Mass of fibrous tissues ...
Menorrhagia - Excessive loss of blood during menstruation ...
UTI - Urinary Tract Infection - Nearly 50% of all women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime ...
Endometriosis Symptom - Affects 10% of women during their reproductive cycle ...
Pheromones for Women - Ignite more passion in him ...
PMS - Menstruation - PMS is triggered off due to the interplay between hormones and neurochemicals ...
Dysmenorrhea - Painful menstruation ...
Mid Cycle Bleeding - Hormonal change ...
Cervix Cancer - The Pap Smear is a diagnostic tool that identifies abnormal cells in the cervix and detects early cancer ...
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - A condition that occurs due to an endoctrine imbalance ...
Breast Cancer Symptom - Breast Cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options ...
Hysterectomy - Feel a sense of loss ...

Contraception & Pregnancy
Pregnancy - Articles on nutrition and exercise so that you can regulate your lifestyle to accommodate the needs of pregnancy ...
Belly Wrap after Pregnancy - Compress loose abdominal skin ...
Emotional Health during Pregnancy - Happy mother, healthy child ...
Lactating Mother-Vital nourishment for infant ...
Infertility - Find out how an infertility clinic diagnoses and treats couples who are seeking to conceive ...
Contraception - Best method - you have to choose one that suits you ...
Recurrent Miscarriage - Traumatic on the mother-to-be ...

Face & Head
Lasik Eye Surgery - Correct your vision ...
Xerophthalmia - Inability to produce tears ...
Dry Eye Syndrome - Chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye ...
Peripheral Neuropathy - Painful and debilitating ...
Cerebral Palsy - Neurological disorder ...
Migraine Headache Symptom - Throbbing pulsating pain ...
Bipolar Disorder - Euphoria and depression ...
Chronic Schizophrenia - Mental illness ...
Women with Epilepsy - Effects of epilepsy ...
Tinnitus - Loud buzzing sound in the ears ....
Sinus Infection - Nearly 1 of every 7 Americans suffer from ....
Oral Hygiene - Don't lose your smile ...
Halitosis - Banish sour breath ...
Treatment for Gingivitis - Gum inflammation ...
Neck Pain Causes - Stiffness and soreness ....
Whiplash Injury - Sudden collision injury ...

Body
Internal Body Cleansing - Feel rejuvenated ...
Ulcerative Colitis - Confusing symptoms ...
Body Sculpting - Non-surgical ways to sculpt the figure ...
Spinal Decompression - Ease pain and discomfort ...
Scoliosis Treatment - Curved spine ...
Polymyalgia Rheumatica - Pain in the muscles ...
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Managing a painful condition ...
Osteoarthritis - Stiffness and swelling in joints ...
Drop Wrist Deformity - Radial Nerve Palsy ...
Ankylosing Spondylitis - Inflammation of verterbral joints ...
Systemic Lupus - Autoimmune disorder ...
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy - Regional pain syndrome ...
Urinary Incontinence - Embarrassing condition ...
Premature Infant - Require medical attention ...
Eczema Treatment - Red, flaky skin, cracks or tiny blisters ...
Carcinoid - Often noticed in the GI tract ...
Bone Density Test - Bone density indicates 80 % of the strength of your bones ...
Disc Herniation - Understanding treatment options ...
Slipped Disc - Prevent injury, reduce pain ...
Cause of Insomnia - Lying awake counting sheep? ...
Symptom of Depression - Silent malady that creeps upon you ...
Anorexia Nervosa - Pursuing an unhealthy low body weight ...
Hypertension Primary Pulmonary - Don't let the pressure get to you ...
Low Blood Pressure High Pulse - Directly linked to life signs ...
Managing High Blood Pressure - Understanding hypertension ...
Cause of Osteoporosis - Start exercising and insure yourself against this silent disease ...
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - This syndrome can creep upon you without your realizing it ...
Chronic Sciatica - Pain down the leg ...
Bladder Problems in Women - Treatable and curable ...
Diet and Kidney Disease - Control sodium and water ...
Varicose Veins - Veins swell and rise above the level of the skin ...


Alternative Therapy
Homeopathy - Attempts to stimulate the body to recover itself ...
Hypnosis Quit Smoking - Concentrated relaxation ...
Acupuncture Point - Feel the pins and needles ...
Chinese Herbal Remedies - Seeking relief from herbs ...
Reflexology - Each part of the foot is a mirror site for a part on the body ...
Reiki Therapy - Energy therapy for healing ...
Magnetic Therapy - Use of static magnetic fields ...
Chromotherapy - Color up your life ...

Women Health Directory - Listings on Women health sites ...
Feminine Hygiene
Targetwoman - Portal for Women

RSS feed on Women Health Issues
Feminine Hygiene
Copyright © 2004 - 2010 TargetWoman.com No part of this page may be reproduced electronically, or in any website or in print without written permission. All rights reserved.
Last modified Date: March 20 2010 18:54:38.
Page Created on 22 Sep 2009