Intimate Care During Your Period: What Helps and What to Avoid
3 min read

Intimate Care During Your Period: What Helps and What to Avoid

Intimate Care During Your Period: What Helps and What to Avoid

Your period changes the environment in your intimate area for several days every month. There is more moisture, more friction from pads or tampons, and often more sensitivity, so it is a time when gentle care counts. Here is what helps and what is worth skipping.

What's different during your period

Menstrual blood is slightly less acidic than the vagina's usual pH, so your natural balance shifts a little each month. Combined with moisture and friction from period products, the area can feel more prone to irritation, odour changes and chafing.

This is all normal and temporary. A few simple habits help the area stay comfortable.

Habits that help

  • Change pads every few hours and tampons every four to eight hours, and never leave a tampon in longer than recommended
  • Wash the vulva gently once a day with warm water and a pH-balanced intimate wash, outside only
  • Pat dry thoroughly before dressing
  • Choose breathable underwear, ideally cotton, and change out of damp clothing promptly
  • Try different products if you notice irritation, since some pads, liners and tampons can cause reactions in sensitive skin
  • Consider alternatives such as period underwear or a menstrual cup if conventional products leave you sore

What to avoid

  • Scented pads, liners and wipes, since synthetic fragrance is a common cause of irritation, especially on skin that is already damp and sensitive
  • Douching or internal washing, which disrupts the natural balance further
  • Harsh soaps and body washes, which are usually more alkaline than intimate skin likes
  • Leaving products in too long, which increases the risk of irritation and infection

Managing odour

Some change in smell during your period is normal, as blood reacts with air and bacteria. Frequent changes, gentle washing and breathable underwear are usually enough. Covering odour with perfumed products tends to make irritation more likely, not less.

Soothing friction and chafing

If pads or movement cause rubbing on the skin, a gentle oil applied to the external skin can help reduce friction and support comfort. Apply it to clean, dry skin and avoid using it in a way that traps moisture against the skin during heavy flow.

When to see a doctor

Speak with your GP if you notice a strong or unusual odour that doesn't settle, itching or burning, unusual discharge outside your period, very heavy bleeding, severe pain, or symptoms that interfere with daily life. Common conditions like thrush and bacterial vaginosis are easy to treat once identified.

FAQ

Can I use an intimate wash while on my period? Yes. A gentle, pH-balanced wash used on the outside of the vulva is fine and often helps you feel more comfortable.

Why do I get irritated every time I have my period? Moisture, friction and fragranced products are common causes. Switching products, changing them more often and using breathable underwear usually helps.

Is it normal for odour to change during a period? Yes, to some degree. A sudden strong or fishy smell, especially with itching or unusual discharge, is worth checking with your GP.

Do I need special products for my period? Not necessarily. Gentle, fragrance-free or naturally scented, pH-friendly options are usually enough, and period products with synthetic fragrance are worth avoiding.

Laver's Wash and Oil are vegan, cruelty-free and lightly scented with real fruit and natural extracts, never synthetic fragrance, so they stay gentle on your pH all month long.