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Female genital hygiene is a topic people tend to shy away from, which is why there may be confusion around what’s happening when you get something like thrush. It’s important to educate yourself about your body – you’re in charge of it, after all.
Day-to-day
Water is enough to clean the vagina because it is self-cleaning. Soaps can be harsh on the pH-sensitive body part. A clear discharge is normal from the age of puberty until after menopause. For those who are not content with cleaning with water, there are pH-balanced, soap-free feminine washes on the market. They are available at Dis-Chem or Clicks in the sanitary towel section.
Some sexually transmitted infections will lead to a discharge. If your vagina is itchy, or if it burns when you pee, it won’t hurt to see a doctor and run a few tests.
Waxing and shaving
Waxing and shaving are not functionally necessary, but some women prefer it. For those who do want to keep a shaven area, trim the pubic hair before shaving with the grain of the hair growth. It you wish to shave the vulva, use an exfoliator every other day to keep ingrown hairs at bay.
Thrush
Thrush is a common infection that 80% of women will experience at least once in their lifetime. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the bowel and sometimes in the vagina. Symptoms are a thick white discharge, sometimes yellow or even grey, depending on the severity of the infection. A burning and irritable sensation is also common.
Over-the-counter remedies are available in the form of overnight and weekly treatments. These can be oral or cream solutions. If you suffer from recurring thrush, avoid perfumed products like soaps, panty liners and douching.
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