Feminine Intimate Hygiene
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The reading content herein is not advice, is real, and is intended for a mature audience. Consult your physician to determine what feminine intimate hygiene and relevant products apply to you.
Self-Care Matters
You want to live your life in the way only you know how. Eat, sleep, study, work, and
play—not necessarily in that order. In order to do that you have to take care of yourself.
When it comes to sailing, if you're not prepared within the limited resources you have while on the water, you may be caught in a hygiene pickle. Don't let it happen to you!
Small or Big Boat
On a small boat you don't have access to a lavatory as you might on a larger boat. In such a case, one might decide not to go if you're on a menstrual cycle, and the like. If you do, keep track of your time on the water. Focus on what you CAN control.
On a larger boat that does provide a working lavatory, one has limited access and there are extreme restrictions on how one does dispose of the soiled feminine hygiene products. There are plenty of products on the market that will aid in making your sailing experience a good sailing experience.
Solution
➣ Planet conscious biodegradable wipes are something to seriously consider.
Skin Chafing
Sweating while sailing may cause chafing in the inner thighs, groin, armpits, feet, and underneath the breasts.
Solution
➣ Wear comfortable clothes like moisture-wicking, anti-friction fabric.
➣ Shower when you're done sailing. Stay clean!
Microbiome What?
Pay attention to preventative health matters. What women eat and drink on a daily basis determines how healthy the vaginal area is. There are some intimate hygiene products that could be misused in relation to time on the water, resulting in microbiome imbalance, pathogen proliferation, and abnormal pH levels.
When you're out on the water for 3-4 hours or longer in extreme heat or cold, such as if you're in a days' long regatta, you may not be able to tend to what needs to be tended to, hygiene-wise, due to lack of accessibility.
Solution
➣ Rethink that extra cup of coffee before race day. Avoid other diuretics if you can.
➣ Eat and drink healthy
➣ Watch your intimate hygiene product ingredients. They may be counterproductive.
Stay Hydrated
Onboard, hydration is key to healthy sailing in general, but for women it's even more important. Your body is sweating a lot under the hot sun, which means that you're losing sodium and water at a quick rate.
Solution
➣ Infusing a 2 Liter water bottle with flavored electrolytes is effective in replenishing.
➣ Sometimes, though, all you need is water.