Vulvovaginal health - preferred practices in women's intimate hygiene

Background: Intimate hygiene (IH) plays a significant role in women's quality of life. The aim of the study was to investigate women's preferred daily care practices in relation to vaginal discomfort (VD) and vulvovaginal health. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a sample of 201 women with a mean age of 25.85 years (± 6.25). A self-constructed questionnaire with pilot testing was used for data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive and inductive statistics. Results: The majority of women preferred using cleansing products (61%) or washing with water (47%) for IH. As many as 80% of respondents had experienced VD, which may indicate inadequate IH or untreated infections. Statistically significant differences in IH awareness and practices of IH were observed based on the type of school attended, education level, and relationship status. Women with healthcare education demonstrated better awareness of VD and infections; university-educated women practiced IH at a more satisfactory level, while single women were less likely to consult a physician about vulvovaginal problems. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for health education programs focused on women's vulvovaginal health. It is crucial to focus not only on treating symptoms of VD but also on understanding current epidemiological trends and promoting preventive measures in IH, as this may contribute to a significant reduction in the risk of vulvovaginal infections.