Intimate Hygiene Products: Feminine Wipes
By: Ani Sha
Tags: Women Hygiene, Womens Health, Intimate Hygiene Products, Feminine Wipes, Covid 19

Feminine wipes are moist, sometimes scented cleansing cloths designed to clean the vaginal area as well as the anal area. It is used to wipe the vulva during menstruation or to prevent infections. However, one should not use it inside the vagina.

They are used for a quick wipe down after exercising when no shower is available, to clean up the blood leakage during menstruation, after sexual intercourse, or as a quick shower alternative when we are strapped for time.

However, if we are prone to yeast infections or having a problem with unfamiliar odor then it is not best to use such wipes rather than be advised to consult a gynecologist.

The best feminine wipes are made of natural ingredients and free of harmful chemicals such as Parabens, alcohols, dyes, and fragrances. Following are some of the ingredients used in a cloth-like material:

Water, which makes the wipes wet by providing moisture.

The mild surfactant removes oil and dirt from the skin

Moisturizer to offset the oil-stripping effect of the surfactant.

Preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold on the wipes inside of the container.

A pH regulator, especially for wipes that claim to be “pH- balanced.”

Fragrance

As the wipes are moist, they simply wipe down the mucus, sweat, white discharge, and blood without the use of water.

Direction for use:

Tear open sachet, Open and unfold wipes, Thoroughly wipe down the external private area in a front to back direction, After cleansing properly dispose of it.

Feminine wipes are available in online stores, medical stores, and pharmacy shops but they are quite unreachable to rural areas of Nepal. People of rural areas are often unaware of such wipes.

During pregnancy, it is not advised to use scented wipes as they might cause irritation and may upset the delicate acid/alkali balance of the vagina.

Try to avoid wipes containing harmful chemicals such as:

2-Bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol

DMDM hydantoin

Undisclosed fragrance

Parabens

PEGs

Phenoxyethanol

Methylisothiazolinone

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS)

It will be great if a pregnant woman uses natural intimate wipes containing lavender oil and lactic acid. Lavender oil soothes and helps eliminate odor as well as maintains freshness. Lactic acid naturally helps preserve the integrity of our vaginal flora, preventing infection and irritation.

Right after giving birth, it is better to use hemorrhoidal wipes with witch hazel than regular feminine wipes. Feminine wipes and baby wipes are similar. In some cases, baby wipes are thicker and larger than feminine wipes.

Precautions:

While using feminine wipes, we should not wipe from anus to vagina as it may transmit bacteria towards the urethra or vagina which might cause infection such as UTI later. The bacterias in the rectum and anus are normal for the bowel to have but when these bacterias are exposed to other organs then, it may cause harm, for example, E. coli which exists harmlessly in our gastrointestinal tracts but when exposed to the urethra or vagina it may cause potential health problems.

Similarly, bacterial vaginosis is a common infection caused due to the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.

2. We should not wipe or rub our vagina too vigorously as it may cause microabrasions and infections. wipe it off gently.

3. We should not use a single wipe more than once. Wipes are not reusable. Used wipes are not advised to use for next time. It should be disposed of right away.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feminine wipes can be a great helpful product to clean intimate areas while traveling where we have to use public toilets. It has great advantages in an emergency case where water is not available for cleaning the private parts, especially during menstruation. It can be used in day to day life if it is free from harmful chemicals. However, there are many feminine wipes on the market that are made up of harmful chemicals such as methylchloroisothiazolinone, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, formaldehyde releasers, etc, which not only imbalance the pH level of the vagina but also causes infections. Such wipes do more harm than good. Therefore, we should be careful while buying intimate wipes. It is better to use wipes once a day instead of using them many times in a day.

Similarly, Wipes are non-biodegradable which when flushed usually clog the septic tank and sewer system. It is also expensive. Not everyone can afford it daily. It is not a cost-friendly product.

In my opinion, wipes should only be used in case of an emergency as the vagina is a self-cleaning organ that does not require frequent cleaning. Although it has wonderful benefits, the harmful chemicals inside it are a serious threat to our health. If our vagina has an unusually strong odor, we should consult a medical person instead of wiping it with chemicals. We should not expect our vagina to smell like flowers as a certain amount of vaginal odor is normal. Pregnant women should be careful while choosing feminine wipes brands.

References:

https://www.womensvoices.org/feminine-wipes-health-environment-concerns/