Still fresh in the floods

This year’s flooding doubled hospital admissions for vagina-related ailments, says Associate Professor Saifon Chawanpaiboon, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Mahidol University’s Siriraj Hospital. Extra attention to hygiene is clearly needed.

Lingerie maker Sabina is promoting the cause with its panties made of a more hygienic material and is encouraging women to visit its website for more information about how to stay safe from disease.

“If you can’t avoid being in the contaminated floodwater, you have to be extremely careful with the delicate parts of the body, especially the vagina,” says Dr Saifon.

“Women who have had sexual relations or children have a more open vaginal canal, so they face a greater risk of infection, and could even be penetrated by leeches or insects.”

At even higher risk are diabetics and women who are menstruating, when the cervix is wider. And women who fail to dry themselves properly are asking for problems.

Yet the greatest risk of all faces pregnant women. Contamination is easily passed on to the embryo and could lead to premature birth, the newborn disabled or even stillbirth.
Those who must wade into floodwater should wear protective outer gear or plastic pants. They should pay special attention to hygiene and dry the vagina thoroughly afterward. Panty liners are recommended and should be change every two to three hours.

Maintain a good diet, get lots of exercise and shake off stress by trying to stay optimistic.
“To promote better care during the flooding, Sabina is offering a list of easy steps to prevent disease,” says the firm’s Kannika Buasap.
“We have advice on how to choose the right panties and take care of them, and the ladies can be fully confident in everything they do thanks to our hygienic products.”

Among the tips:

* Before you buy panties, make sure they have the quality and characteristics that are appropriate for a subtropical climate. The fabric should be soft and comfortable, easy to clean, and hypoallergenic. Sabina uses a material composed of micro-fibres, ensuring softness, lightness, absorbency and freedom from dampness.

* Choose the right size and shape. Check the label and don’t be shy about asking sales assistants for help. Your figure might well be changing, so adjust your panty size accordingly.

* Clean your panties with water and soap or with lingerie detergent. Soak them first. Wash with care, especially the crotch. Rinse them several times until they’re completely clean. Hang them to dry in the sun – not in the bathroom because it’s damp and airless, inviting odour and fungal stains.

If your panties have any black spots on them, it’s probably fungus, so throw them away. Fungus can cause vaginal

disease, or at least itching that can become chronic and require medical attention.

* Change your panties anytime they get wet. If you’re going into water, have an extra pair ready for later.

* You should own more pairs of panties than there are days in the week. Keep at least two pairs at work in case of emergencies.

* When you sleep well, your vagina gets a good rest too. Don’t wear panties to bed unless you’re on your period to let your thigh and hip muscles relax.

Kannika points out that taking good care of underwear also extends its life, but once the colour fades and the fabric stretches, toss it out. Just remind yourself that there’s nothing like a new pair of panties to boost confidence.

Sabina’s “Bye Bye Flood” sale features hygiene tips and discount prices on brassieres and panties. Find its lingerie at most department stores.