Hygiene Part 2

Basic steps to clean the genitals

Taking care of your body includes keeping your genitals clean and healthy. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Using the wrong products or excessive cleaning can cause irritation or infections. Here’s what you need to know to stay healthy, and comfortable. We are going to be talking about anatomy, if you need a refresher, check out our anatomy information here!

For people with vulvas

First things first: the vagina (the internal organ) is self-cleaning! You don’t need to use soap around the vaginal opening. However, the vulva (the outside area) does need gentle cleaning.

Avoid scented soaps, sprays, or menstrual products, they can mess with your body’s natural pH balance, and this can lead to irritation or infections. If you haven’t had a chance to catch up on last week’s blog for  hygiene tips part 1.

How to clean the Vulvas:

1. Wash gently: Use warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap to clean the outer area including the pubic mound.
2. Rinse carefully: Let the soapy water run down and gently clean the inner and outer labia with warm water. Fold back any skin if needed.
3. Clean around the clitoris: Gently pull back the clitoral hood and wash around it using just warm water, no soap needed for this area.

For people with Penises

Whether you’re circumcised or not, cleaning the genitals daily is important for hygiene and comfort.

1. Wash every day: With warm water and gentle, unscented soap.
2. If you have foreskin: Gently pull it back to clean underneath, never force it. Rinse well and return it to is usual position when done.
3. Don’t forget the rest: Wash the base of the penis, scrotum, inner thighs, and pubic area. These spots can often collect sweat.
4. Dry gently: Pat (Don’t rub) the area dry. If you have foreskin, make sure it’s dry underneath before putting on underwear.

Things to avoid:

• Scented products: Skip perfumed soaps, body washes, or laundry detergents for underwear. They can often irritate sensitive skin.
• Overwashing: Cleaning too much or scrubbing harshly can do more harm than good. Once a day is plenty.
• Too much shaving or waxing: Pubic hair helps protect your skin from friction and bacteria

Things to remember:

• Clean regularly. Shower daily and clean around your genitals.
• Keep it dry. Bacteria love warm, damp spaces. Change out of wet or sweaty clothes as soon as you can and wear clean underwear.
• Choose the right fabrics. Cotton or linen underwear helps your skin breathe.
• After sex: Peeing after sex helps flush out bacteria and can prevent UTIs.

Extra Tips for People with Vulvas:

• Wipe front to back: This keeps bacteria from spreading from the anus to the vagina
• Keep things clean: Anything that goes in the anus shouldn’t go into the vagina unless it’s been washed first- that includes pleasure enhancing toys, fingers, and penises.

The genitals are a unique ecosystem. Knowing how to clean them properly helps you stay healthy and more confident in your body. If anything ever seems different than what is normal for you, it could be a sign to go to the doctor. Find a clinic using the TeenSource Clinic Finder and get care. Knowledge is power and hygiene is one simple way to look after yourself.