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Proper care of the intimate area – tips for a healthy vaginal environment

Sep 27, 2025

Disorders in the external genital area can affect the vaginal environment, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to properly care for the external genital area and protect it from harmful influences.

It's important to understand how the intimate area actually functions and how an imbalance in the vaginal environment or a bacterial infection can occur. This makes it easier to incorporate the following tips into your daily routine.

You should avoid this

Toilet visit

Coarse toilet paper with a high wood fiber content
Incorrect wiping technique: from back to front

Panty liners, tampons and sanitary pads

Panty liners made of synthetic material and plastic film with fragrances
Use tampons outside of your period (dry
mucous membranes)

clothing

Briefs made of synthetic fibers
String thong
Pants without underwear
Tight pants
nylon tights

Washcloths & towels

Repeated use of the same washcloth
Sharing washcloths and towels with your partner

Intimate care

Shaving or hair removal if you are prone to ingrown hairs
Depilatory creams
Dry shaving, electric shaving, epilation, waxing
Use of used blades from other people
Alkaline soaps and shower gels with aggressive washing substances
Washing several times a day, vaginal douching, intimate sprays

Sexual contact

Alternating anal and vaginal intercourse
Unprotected sex with different partners

You should do this

Toilet visit

Soft, skin-friendly toilet paper
Correct wiping technique: from front to back

Panty liners, tampons and sanitary pads

Panty liners without fragrance and plastic film, but with a high cellulose content
Frequent tampon changes (3-6 hours for the first 2 days, then every 4-8 hours)

clothing

Cotton briefs (wash at 60 °C)
Change your panties daily
Comfortable pants
Cotton tights

Washcloths & towels

Cleaning the intimate area with hands or disposable washcloths, use fresh cotton washcloths
Dry thoroughly
Washing textiles at at least 60 °C

Intimate care

Wet shave, lather beforehand, shave in the direction of hair growth
Use fresh blades, rinse thoroughly, dry and apply cream
Use of special mild intimate wash lotions (e.g. 3.8 pH intimate wash foam )
Wash once or twice a day
Protection and care of irritated skin with cream (e.g. intimate care cream )
Exclusive cleaning of the external intimate area (self-cleaning function of the vagina)

Sexual contact

Moisturizing the mucous membranes with an intimate hydrogel for vaginal dryness
Respect your partner's intimate hygiene
Timely toilet use for self-cleaning after sexual contact

Always seek medical advice

Important note: This article contains only general information and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a doctor.

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