Feminine hygiene

Feminine Hygiene

Feminine hygiene (/fɛmɪnɪn haɪˈdʒiːn/) refers to the personal care practices that women and girls use to maintain cleanliness and promote health in the female genital area. The term is often used in a narrower sense to refer specifically to products used for menstrual management, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups, but it can also include other products and practices related to cleanliness, odor control, and sexual health.

Etymology

The term "feminine hygiene" is derived from the Latin femina, meaning "woman", and the Greek hygieia, meaning "health". It has been used in English since at least the early 20th century to refer to products and practices related to women's health and cleanliness.

Related Terms

Menstruation: The monthly shedding of the uterine lining in women and girls of reproductive age. Feminine hygiene products are often used to manage menstrual flow.
Sanitary napkin: A type of absorbent pad worn in the underwear to absorb menstrual flow.
Tampon: A plug of absorbent material inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual flow.
Menstrual cup: A reusable device inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow.
Douching: The practice of washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids, which is generally discouraged by health professionals due to potential health risks.
Vaginal hygiene: Practices related to maintaining cleanliness and health in the vaginal area, which can include the use of specific soaps, wipes, and other products.