Feminine Hygiene: Everything To Know About “Down There” Wipes
PUBLISHED
Dec 1, 2023
AUTHOR
Grace Guan
It’s important to take care of the things we care about. That’s why our feminine parts deserve that extra TLC. Your vagina is a delicate microbiome and with a balance of good bacteria that keeps things feeling right. With that said, you do need to take some steps to make sure things stay in harmony.
There’s a ton of different feminine hygiene products out on the market like washes, sprays, creams, and wipes. If you’re just starting out it can be overwhelming to have an entire routine just for your vagina (even though she deserves it!) A great option to keep things fresh for beginners are intimate wipes. They’re discreet, on-the-go moist washcloths that you can use to quickly freshen up on your period or before/after getting intimate.
The Rundown
Can you use wipes on your vagina – am I doing this right?
Yes! Of course you can use moist wipes on your vagina. Make sure you are getting something high quality, with natural ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. If you can, avoid alcohol and things like fragrances since that can throw off the delicate balance of your pH. Once you have them, make sure you wipe front to back and to throw them away after each use.
Are feminine wipes safe?
Yes, in most cases gynecologists consider feminine wipes safe! But if you’re particularly sensitive, be wary because these wipes can have additives, chemicals, and fragrances that can cause discomfort. Also, if you’re prone to vaginal infections, it might be better to steer clear entirely.
Should I opt for scented or unscented feminine wipes?
Depending on what works for your body, both can be safe to use. But, with sensitive areas like your vagina, unscented feminine wipes are the safer option to start out with since they contain less irritants.
Does wiping sperm with tissue kill it?
If you use a feminine wipe to off semen, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will kill it. Sperm can survive outside of the body for up to 20 minutes and even longer depending on the surface. For example, on non-porous surfaces, they can survive up to 72 hours. So to play it safe, always use protection or opt for something like spermicide to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
How to choose the right feminine wipes?
It all comes down to what you’re looking for. If you’re struggling with dryness then you can look for ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E for that added moisture. If you’re looking for something soothing, chamomile is always a great choice. Or if you just want something standard, pH balancing wipes can be great for maintaining that balance.
What types of wipes for your vag are there?
pH Balancing Wipes:
Most wipes on the market are pH balancing. You pH can get thrown off easily causing itchiness or odour. There’s not always a reason – sometimes it's diet, sex, or stress. So, when you need a little pick-me-up these are a great way to help you get back on track.
After Sex Wipes:
Contrary to their name, these wipes are designed for before or after intimate play. They usually help moisturize and refresh, but it’s also nice to find something that’s pH balancing to avoid any flare ups.
Soothing Wipes:
When you’re not feeling at the top of your game these wipes can help with the itch and sooth any inflammation. Look for natural ingredients like chamomile or cucumber, and avoid any unnecessary fragrances. Brownie points if they’re also pH balancing.
There are so many different types of feminine wipes out there, here’s a few you might find:
How else can I care?
A feminine care routine is just a little extra you can do to take care of your parts. One of the cheapest, easiest and gynecologist recommended ways to keep things fresh is just with plain water and a clean washcloth. If you’re looking to make more of a routine, then it’s okay to experiment with a wash or spray. Your body is different from everyone else’s so finding the right products can take some trial and error. But remember, hygiene isn’t a substitute for health, so make sure you’re still taking care of your sexual health and discussing your routine with your gynecologist.
At the end of the day, finding the right hygiene products and routine for yourself is part of your overall sexual health. It’s personal and will take some experimentation to find what feels the best for you and your needs. You don’t need every product out there to keep yourself feeling fresh – sometimes less is more. But, now you have more info to make the right choices for yourself. If you’re looking to expand on your feminine hygiene then check out Fonder’s feminine hygiene wipes – hypoallergenic, pH balanced, and packed with body supporting ingredients like vitamin E & A.