Every woman knows how to take care of them selves during their menstrual cycles. However proper hygine does take some knowledge. Many of the complications that result in pregnancy or child birth is a result of poor vaginal hygiene. Your hygiene will pay a major role in your general health. Not many women know this because this is something they are assumed to know automatically, which is why they don't even ask. A majority of women interviewed in a survey didn't really know what proper vaginal hygiene meant.

Proper feminine hygiene is a critical part of overall health and wellness. It is essential that the vaginal area be kept dry and clean at all times to avoid infections. Wearing cotton (or other breathable fabric) underwear is a good choice for women as it prevents the additional build up of moisture from accumulating. Daily cleansing with mild soap and water is sufficient. Douching is not recommended as a regular activity because it depletes the essential bacteria the body uses to naturally cleanse the vaginal area, causing other issues.

There is a wide variety of products on the market today which assist women in keeping the vaginal area clean, reducing moisture, and controlling odor. These products are available in forms such as deodorant sprays, powders, and wipes which all formulated to meet the needs of woman and promote proper feminine care.

For women who prefer to remove the pubic hair totally or partially, there are many products on the market that have been developed especially for the sensitive areas of women. Shaving and waxing products are conveniently available for at-home treatments. For professional services, salons offer many services to remove or maintain the hair growth such as a bikini wax. The salon services are relatively inexpensive depending on the type of services requested.

During a woman's menstrual cycle, it is especially important to maintain good and daily hygiene to prevent infections, and reduce odor. Choosing the appropriate level of protection from a maxi pad or tampon is important to preventing leaks and staining. Be sure to change both frequently, especially be cautious to remove tampons. Not properly removing them in a timely manner may result in Toxic Shock Syndrome or other serious illnesses or infections.

A common infection that occurs in woman is the yeast infection which is caused by an internal buildup of yeast. It causes severe itching and redness and if left untreated can lead to more serious health concerns. Treatments can be purchased over-the-counter or through a physician's prescription and often take the form of a cream or suppository. It may take up to seven days for the infection to clear up. It is very important that professional medical advice be sought whenever there are symptoms of itching, burning, redness, unnecessary bleeding, unusual discharge, or foul smell. These symptoms can be a clue to a serious illness or infection and not receiving the proper treatment or care could result in serious problems including infertility.

So make a difference today, and if take care of your personal hygiene during your menstrual cycle. It is imperative that you do so because your future and the future of your family may depend on it. It would also be a good idea to share this information with your friends and family. So spread the good word and take care of yourself.