Why Tissues Are Ineffective: Tips for Cleaning Your Vagina After Urination to Prevent Odour.
Written by Noble People Crew on 30 October 2024
Why Tissues Aren’t Enough: Proper Hygiene After Urinating to Prevent Vaginal Odour
To maintain freshness and prevent odour after urinating, it’s crucial to clean your vaginal area effectively. While various factors such as lifestyle and health conditions can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), your toilet habits may also play a significant role.
Statistics indicate that over half of all women will experience a UTI at some point in their lives. Residual urine droplets in the vaginal area can transfer to underwear, leading to unpleasant odours and promoting bacterial growth, which may heighten the risk of UTIs. Therefore, cleaning the vagina promptly after urination is essential for reducing this risk.
How to Clean Your Vagina After Urinating
There are two primary methods for cleaning after urinating: using toilet paper or tissues for wiping or washing with water.
Using Tissue Paper:
While tissue paper effectively absorbs moisture, it can also generate waste and potentially irritate the skin and vaginal area if not used correctly. If used improperly, it may facilitate the spread of bacteria.
Using Water:
Washing with water can help remove urine droplets, but it can leave the vaginal area damp, increasing the likelihood of bacterial growth. A bidet—an attachment in the toilet specifically designed for cleaning the genital area—works particularly well for this purpose.
For optimal hygiene, it’s recommended to combine both tissue and water. After urinating, first rinse the vagina with clean water, then gently wipe with tissue paper. This method not only reduces the risk of infection but also helps keep the area dry.
Wiping Direction Matters
A study conducted on patients at two hospitals in Japan between April 2020 and March 2023 explored the relationship between wiping direction after using the toilet and UTI risk. Participants filled out surveys regarding their wiping habits and any history of UTIs.
Out of 294 participants (141 men and 153 women), 32 men (23%) and 68 women (44%) reported wiping from front to back. Notably, women reported higher rates of UTIs compared to men, with approximately 40–50% of women indicating that they wipe from the front. This practice could increase the risk of UTIs, particularly in middle-aged women, making the back-to-front technique a potentially safer option.
Conclusion
In summary, the direction in which you wipe can also influence the risk of infection. To maintain optimal hygiene and minimize the risk of UTIs, it’s best to use both tissue and water in your cleaning routine.