Vulvar Hygiene: Difference between revisions
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== Definition == | == Definition == | ||
Vulvar | |||
== Clinically Relevant Anatomy == | == Clinically Relevant Anatomy == | ||
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Please see the page "[[Pelvic Floor Anatomy]]," for further details regarding anatomy. | Please see the page "[[Pelvic Floor Anatomy]]," for further details regarding anatomy. | ||
'''Vulva: | '''Definitions:''' | ||
''Vulva:'' the external female genital area | |||
''Labia majora:'' the outer folds of skin | |||
''Labia minora:'' the inner folds of skin | |||
The ''vestibule'' surrounds the opening of the ''vagina'' | |||
== Importance of Vulvar Proper Care and Educating Patients == | == Importance of Vulvar Proper Care and Educating Patients == | ||
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Irritation in the vulvar region can contribute to: | Irritation in the vulvar region can contribute to: | ||
* dyspareunia | |||
dyspareunia | * interstitial cystitis | ||
interstitial cystitis | |||
== Vulvar Care == | == Vulvar Care == | ||
'''Clothing and Laundry''' | '''Clothing and Laundry'''<ref name=":0">National Vulvodynia Association. Self help tips. Available from: https://www.nva.org/for-patients/self-help-tips/</ref> | ||
* Wear all-white cotton underwear | * Wear all-white cotton underwear | ||
* Do not wear pantyhose (wear thigh high or knee high hose instead) | * Do not wear pantyhose (wear thigh high or knee high hose instead) | ||
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* Double-rinse underwear and any other clothing that comes into contact with the vulva | * Double-rinse underwear and any other clothing that comes into contact with the vulva | ||
* Do not use fabric softener on undergarments | * Do not use fabric softener on undergarments | ||
'''Hygiene''' | '''Hygiene'''<ref name=":0" /> | ||
* Use soft, white, unscented toilet paper | * Use soft, white, unscented toilet paper | ||
* Use lukewarm or cool sitz baths to relieve burning and irritation | * Use lukewarm or cool sitz baths to relieve burning and irritation | ||
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* 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 | * 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 | * Use 100% cotton menstrual pads and tampons | ||
'''Sexual Intercourse''' | '''Sexual Intercourse'''<ref name=":0" /> | ||
* Use a lubricant that is water soluble, e.g., Astroglide | * Use a lubricant that is water soluble, e.g., Astroglide | ||
* Urinate (to prevent infection) and rinse vulva with cool water after sexual intercourse | * Urinate (to prevent infection) and rinse vulva with cool water after sexual intercourse | ||
* Do not use contraceptive creams or spermicides | * Do not use contraceptive creams or spermicides | ||
'''Physical Activity''' | '''Physical Activity'''<ref name=":0" /> | ||
* Avoid exercises that put direct pressure on the vulva such as bicycle riding and horseback riding | * 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) | * Limit intense exercises that create a lot of friction in the vulvar area (try lower intensity exercises such as walking) | ||
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* Don’t swim in highly chlorinated pools | * Don’t swim in highly chlorinated pools | ||
* Avoid the use of hot tubs | * Avoid the use of hot tubs | ||
'''Everyday Living''' | '''Everyday Living'''<ref name=":0" /> | ||
* | * | ||
Revision as of 00:18, 30 April 2019
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)
Definition[edit | edit source]
Vulvar
Clinically Relevant Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Please see the page "Pelvic Floor Anatomy," for further details regarding anatomy.
Definitions:
Vulva: the external female genital area
Labia majora: the outer folds of skin
Labia minora: the inner folds of skin
The vestibule surrounds the opening of the vagina
Importance of Vulvar Proper Care and Educating Patients[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Clothing and Laundry[1]
- 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[1]
- 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[1]
- 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[1]
- 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[1]
