Vulvar Hygiene

This article is currently under review and may not be up to date. Please come back soon to see the finished work! (30/04/2019)

Clinically Relevant Anatomy

Please see the page "Pelvic Floor Anatomy," for further details regarding anatomy.

Vulva: the external female genital area

Importance of Vulvar Proper Care and Educating Patients

There are numerous products on the market targeting women and the vulvar region. It is important as health care professionals who interact with this population

Irritation in the vulvar region can contribute to:

dyspareunia

interstitial cystitis

Vulvar Care

Clothing and Laundry

• Wear all-white cotton underwear
• Do not wear pantyhose (wear thigh high or knee high hose instead)
• Wear loose-fitting pants or skirts
• Remove wet bathing suits and exercise clothing promptly
• Use dermatologically approved detergent such as Purex or Clear
• Double-rinse underwear and any other clothing that comes into contact with the vulva
• Do not use fabric softener on undergarments

Hygiene

• Use soft, white, unscented toilet paper
• Use lukewarm or cool sitz baths to relieve burning and irritation
• Avoid getting shampoo on the vulvar area
• Do not use bubble bath, feminine hygiene products, or any perfumed creams or soaps
• Wash the vulva with cool to lukewarm water only
• Rinse the vulva with water after urination
• Urinate before the bladder is full
• Prevent constipation by adding fiber to your diet (if necessary, use a psyllium product such as Metamucil) and drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily
• Use 100% cotton menstrual pads and tampons

Sexual Intercourse

• Use a lubricant that is water soluble, e.g., Astroglide
• Urinate (to prevent infection) and rinse vulva with cool water after sexual intercourse
• Do not use contraceptive creams or spermicides

Physical Activity

• Avoid exercises that put direct pressure on the vulva such as bicycle riding and horseback riding
• Limit intense exercises that create a lot of friction in the vulvar area (try lower intensity exercises such as walking)
• Use a frozen gel pack wrapped in a towel to relieve symptoms after exercise
• Enroll in an exercise class such as yoga to learn stretching and relaxation exercises
• Don’t swim in highly chlorinated pools
• Avoid the use of hot tubs

Everyday Living