Menstrual and vaginal odours and itching all reflect bad personal hygiene. Dr Parul R Sheth has ways you can avoid these boo-boos

WE learn basic hygiene when we’re kids. Washing your hands, taking a bath, trimming your nails is considered good hygiene practice. Every part of the body needs attention on a regular basis. And yet women are not careful about their personal hygiene.

Stinking odours arise when your body is not cleaned properly and bacteria begin to multiply. Here are a few tips that will help you run your life as smoothly as ever.

After Sex
Scrupulous hygiene is essential before and after sex because you could end up with infections that can be easily avoided. Both partners should cleanse the genital area with water, especially after sex. The most common infection that occurs in sexually- active young women is cystitis, an infection of the bladder. It is important therefore for women to pee after sex in order to flush out bacteria that may be present in the urethra and bladder. Do not hesitate to visit your gynaecologist in case of problems.

A ‘must do’ for women
•Keep the genital area clean, and wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
•Wash the genital area every time you bathe or shower.
•Wash your hands before preparing or eating food and after going to the toilet.
•Use soap only on the outside of the vagina.
•Do not wear underpants or jeans that fit tightly over the genital area.
•Wash the vaginal area before and after sex and keep it dry and clean.
•Douching is not good as it will destroy the natural flora of organisms in the vagina.
•If using diaphragms as contraceptives or medical applicators, cleanse them well before insertion.
•Avoid wearing a bathing suit for long periods of time.
•Practise safe sex.