INFLUENCE OF HYGIENE HABITS ON THE GENITAL SELF-IMAGE OF YOUNG

Abstract

Objective: To verify the impact of intimate hygiene habits on genital self-image in young university women. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study. The study population consisted of women aged between 18 and 25 years old, who were enrolled in undergraduate courses at UNIOESTE, located in Cascavel, in the academic year of 2021. Data collection took place through a link that provided access to self-administered questionnaires about personal data, intimate hygiene practices, and the Female Genital Self Image Scale (FGSIS) questionnaire, which refers to genital self-image. Results: No significant interference was found between hygiene habits and genital self-image, however, all adequate intimate hygiene habits evaluated, except for washing time of female genitalia, were related to a higher mean FGSIS score compared to inappropriate habits, demonstrating that proper hygiene practices can favor women's confidence in their genitalia, providing in addition to physical health, well-being. Conclusion: Intimate hygiene habits did not significantly interfere on genital self-image, but inadequate hygiene habits suggest a relationship with worse genital self-image, and regardless of the population, intimate care should be addressed by health professionals in order to promote physical health and well-being.