HEALTHY LIVING

9 Ways To Keep Your Genital Area Clean

Published

1 year ago

November 7, 2023

9 Ways To Keep Your Genital Area Clean | Fab.ng

Maintaining good hygiene in your genital area not only leaves you feeling refreshed but also contributes to your overall health. Neglecting proper hygiene in this area can result in unpleasant odours, irritation, and potential health concerns.

For individuals of all genders, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to genital hygiene, but there are healthy practices that can help you stay fresh and reduce the risk of future issues.

Here are some practical tips to ensure your genital area looks and feels good:

1. Eat Right

It’s quite simple: what you eat has a direct impact on your overall health. Your body’s nourishment comes from what you consume. Eating healthy foods and avoiding unhealthy ones can enhance your immune system and promote well-being.

A poor diet can cause hormonal imbalances and various health issues that may be concerning. Proper nutrition is powerful, and don’t forget to stay well-hydrated as well.

2. Shower, Shower and Shower

Bacteria thrive in unclean areas, so maintaining good hygiene in your bathroom is crucial to prevent unpleasant odours, itching, and potential infections in your genital region.

For the males, it’s essential to thoroughly clean with soap and water, ensuring you wash beneath the foreskin to avoid smegma buildup, which can lead to body odour.

As for ladies, the vagina is self-cleansing, so it’s best to use only water for thorough washing and cleaning. If you choose to use soap, opt for a gentle one to prevent irritation.

3. Good Grooming

9 Ways To Keep Your Genital Area Clean | Fab.ng

In the past, many people used to let their pubic hair grow unchecked. However, this practice can lead to sweat accumulation and the growth of odour-causing germs, as well as potential health problems.

9 Ways To Keep Your Genital Area Clean | Fab.ng

It’s advisable to regularly trim or wax your pubic hair. Try to do this before you shower to ensure that any excess hair is washed away.

4. Leave It As dry As The Sahara

It’s important to keep your genital area dry. While moisturizing is beneficial, be sure to thoroughly dry your privates after bathing, swimming, or sweating. This helps lower the risk of fungal infections.

It is a good practice to also dry the area before engaging in sexual activity. While it may not prevent the transmission of viruses or bacteria, it can reduce the chances of transmission.

5. Use Clean Underwear

Dirty underwear can indeed harbour bacteria and microbes, which can lead to various health issues and unpleasant odours. Washing your underwear with clean water and soap or detergent and ensuring they are properly dried before wearing them is a good practice to follow.

9 Ways To Keep Your Genital Area Clean | Fab.ng

Additionally, changing your underwear daily or more frequently can help maintain better hygiene and overall comfort. Taking care of your hygiene is essential for your well-being and can help you feel more confident and comfortable.

Get the latest & greatest updates right away! Join our exclusive WhatsApp Channel & never miss out on exciting news again.

6. Use Wipes And Tissues

If you experience haemorrhoids, anal fissures, polished anus syndrome, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, using wipes is highly recommended. They provide a refreshing feeling after use. If you do not have any bowel issues, it’s best to use toilet paper, but be gentle while wiping.

7. Use Natural Lubricants

Coconut oil and olive oil work well as moisturizers for sensitive skin. If you’re not using condoms, you can also consider using silicone or water-based lubricants as alternatives.

8. Use Protection

Trust me, experiencing both treatable and non-treatable STIs may not be pleasant. To avoid contracting HIV, herpes, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, and unwanted pregnancies, use protection.

Condoms are readily available, so make sure to use them with your partner. You can also opt for other methods of sexual protection.

9. Go For Hospital Check

Consider your doctor a friend and make a routine of checking yourself regularly, not only when you sense something is wrong.

9 Ways To Keep Your Genital Area Clean | Fab.ng

When necessary, get vaccinated, and before visiting the hospital, a regular shower is sufficient – there’s no need for special touch-ups. For women, HPV vaccination is essential to prevent cervical cancer.

Following this guide, you’re heading toward a healthy experience. If, despite these efforts, you still observe any abnormalities, please go to the nearest hospital for a thorough medical examination.

If you would like to read more articles on health, check here.

Up Next

15 Signs A Woman Is Sexually Attracted To You

Don't Miss

Is Staying Hydrated Necessary?

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stay Healthy While Boosting Productivity

Published

3 days ago

November 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Balancing health and productivity is essential for personal well-being and professional success. Integrating healthy habits into your daily routine enhances focus, reduces stress, and increases overall efficiency.

Here’s how you can maintain good health while staying productive:

1. Prioritise Physical Health

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity enhances both physical health and mental clarity. Simple practices like taking short walks during breaks or stretching between tasks improve circulation and energy levels.

Maintain Good Nutrition: Eating balanced meals fuels your body and brain. Choose healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels.

Sleep Well: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) improves memory, focus, and mood, contributing to higher productivity. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Time

Identify peak productivity periods in your day. Allocate complex or creative tasks to those high-energy times, and save routine work for low-energy periods. This practice optimises your natural rhythms for maximum efficiency.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Take Short Breaks: Regular breaks prevent burnout and boost concentration. Even a five-minute pause every hour can refresh your mind.

Mindful Practices: Meditation or deep-breathing exercises reduce stress and improve focus. Incorporating these into your daily routine fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience.

4. Create a Healthy Work Environment

Ergonomic Workspace: Arrange your workspace to support good posture and reduce strain. Use ergonomic furniture and ensure proper lighting to prevent fatigue.

Limit Distractions: Reduce noise and digital interruptions to stay focused. Tools like “Do Not Disturb” settings and noise-cancelling headphones can help create a conducive work atmosphere.

5. Foster Mental Health

Set Boundaries: Separate work from personal time. Avoid checking work emails after hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Stay Connected: Engage in positive social interactions at work. A supportive environment enhances motivation and reduces feelings of isolation.

6. Optimise Productivity Techniques

Batch Tasks: Group similar activities together to avoid frequent context-switching, which drains mental energy. This method enhances focus and efficiency.

Use To-Do Lists: Organise tasks by priority. Focus on completing high-value activities first to maximise your productivity.

By integrating these health-focused strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain physical well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity, creating a sustainable path to professional success and personal fulfilment.

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stop Snoring When Sleeping

Published

1 week ago

November 23, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

How To Stop Snoring When Sleeping | fab.ng

Snoring disrupts sleep for both the person snoring and their partner, lowering overall sleep quality. It’s more than a nighttime nuisance—it often signals health concerns like sleep apnea. Learning how to stop snoring is essential for better sleep and improved health.

To stop snoring, start by addressing your sleep position. Sleeping on your back can worsen snoring as gravity pulls the tongue and soft tissues backward, narrowing the airway.

Shift to your side to improve airflow. Another effective method for how to stop snoring is maintaining a healthy weight. Excess fat, especially around the neck, constricts breathing passages.

Lifestyle choices also matter. Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, as they relax throat muscles, making snoring worse.

Staying hydrated is another simple tip for how to stop snoring, as dryness thickens the mucus in the throat. For nasal congestion, saline sprays or humidifiers can keep airways open.

In severe cases, consult a doctor. Conditions like sleep apnea may require treatments such as CPAP machines or surgery.

Committing to these strategies can show you how to stop snoring effectively, transforming your sleep quality and overall well-being.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

Weight Management: Excess weight, particularly around the neck, can contribute to snoring. Weight loss can alleviate this issue.
Dietary Adjustments: Limiting alcohol and sedatives can relax the throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of snoring. A balanced diet can also help maintain overall health.
Smoking Cessation: Smoking irritates the airways, making snoring worse. Quitting smoking can improve respiratory health and reduce snoring.
Optimal Sleep Posture: Sleeping on your back can worsen snoring. Side sleeping or using a special pillow designed to keep you in a side position can be beneficial.

2. Over-the-Counter Remedies

Nasal Strips: These adhesive strips can help open nasal passages, reducing snoring caused by nasal congestion.
Oral Appliances: Mouthguards or dental devices can help keep the airway open during sleep. Consult a dentist for a proper fit.

3. Medical Interventions

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies are ineffective, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. They may suggest:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A machine that delivers pressurised air to keep the airway open during sleep.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to correct structural issues in the throat or nose.

If you or your partner notices loud, frequent snoring, especially accompanied by symptoms like daytime sleepiness, choking sounds, or gasping for air, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve your overall health and quality of life.

By implementing these strategies and seeking professional help when needed, you can enjoy quieter nights and a healthier sleep pattern.

For more reads, visit here.

HEALTHY LIVING

5 Health Problems That Can Develop From Crying

Published

2 weeks ago

November 16, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Health Problems Caused By Crying | fab.ng

Crying acts as a natural way to release emotions and can help relieve stress in difficult moments. However, health problems can arise and they can be caused by crying too often or too intensely.

Health problems caused by crying can arise, especially when linked to extreme emotions like grief, anxiety, or prolonged sadness. For instance, frequent crying may result in headaches, swollen eyes, or even chest discomfort due to increased stress.

Moreover, health problems caused by crying can include shortness of breath or heart palpitations, especially if crying episodes are intense. Individuals who cry excessively might also experience exacerbation of mental health conditions like depression.

Understanding these health problems caused by crying is crucial, as it helps people take the necessary steps to manage their emotional health effectively.

1. Headaches and Migraines

One of the most common physical effects of crying is a headache. The act of crying can cause muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, leading to headaches or even migraines.

When you cry, your body releases a surge of stress hormones like cortisol, which can cause blood vessels in the brain to expand and trigger pain.

Frequent crying, especially if it’s intense, can worsen this pain, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted afterwards. For people already prone to migraines, crying can act as a trigger, making these episodes more frequent.

2. Puffy and Swollen Eyes

Crying often leads to swollen, red, and puffy eyes. This happens because tears contain salt, which can irritate the sensitive tissues around the eyes.

Additionally, the increased blood flow to the area during intense crying can cause fluid to accumulate, leading to puffiness.

If someone cries frequently, this can become more than just a temporary cosmetic issue—it can cause persistent irritation and swelling, particularly if they rub their eyes often during crying episodes.

3. Difficulty Breathing and Hyperventilation

During an intense crying spell, some people might experience shortness of breath or even hyperventilation. This occurs because crying affects your breathing pattern, causing rapid, shallow breaths.

When you hyperventilate, you expel too much carbon dioxide, which can lead to dizziness, light-headedness, or even fainting. For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma, crying episodes can exacerbate symptoms, making it harder to catch their breath.

4. Chest Pain and Heart Palpitations

Strong emotions, especially those tied to crying, can put a significant strain on your cardiovascular system. Crying intensely can lead to chest tightness and palpitations because it activates the body’s stress response.

The surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones can make your heart rate increase, which can feel like a racing heart or chest discomfort.

While occasional crying-induced chest pain may not be harmful, if it occurs frequently, it could indicate deeper emotional or cardiovascular issues that may require medical attention.

5. Exacerbation of Mental Health Conditions

While crying can sometimes be a healthy emotional release, crying excessively might indicate deeper mental health concerns like anxiety or depression.

Chronic crying can worsen feelings of hopelessness or sadness, creating a cycle that affects mental well-being. According to research, while some people may feel relief after crying, others may not, especially if they are already struggling with depression.

This emotional toll can manifest physically, causing fatigue, body aches, and a weakened immune system due to prolonged stress.

Coping Strategies for Managing Excessive Crying

If you find yourself crying frequently, there are ways to manage it. Mindful breathing techniques, physical exercise, and speaking to a mental health professional can help reduce the frequency of emotional outbursts.

It’s also essential to recognize that crying may be a sign of underlying health conditions, particularly if it begins to interfere with your daily life.

While crying is a normal and often healthy emotional release, understanding its physical and emotional effects can help you manage your well-being more effectively. If crying episodes become overwhelming, consider seeking support from healthcare professionals.

Visit here for more health articles.