Sudhir just could not understand why his wife Rhea was making such a fuss. She refuses to have sex till the time he doesn’t quit smoking. “Oh come on! You never objected to my smoking and drinking during courtship. In fact, you thought it was manly” Sudhir cajoled. “That was the biggest blunder of my life. Your entire body reeks of tobacco and your mouth smells like a gutter. How can you expect me to enjoy sex when I feel like throwing up?” was Rhea's retort.
Can malodour really have this kind of an impact? The answer is an emphatic yes. It is unfortunate that the person who is causing the malodour is completely oblivious to the impact it can have on others.
While Rhea was put off by oral malodour, many others are put off by genital malodour.
Personal hygiene is an integral part of sex. Maintaining good hygiene is important for good health. Since sexual health is an inseparable part of general health, attention to genital hygiene is all the more important. It is the most basic of all forms of personal hygiene.
A woman's vaginal fluids are usually odourless. But when they reach the air and are allowed to become stale, they will start releasing an offensive smell that can also become a breeding ground for germs.
Women while taking a bath should separate the vaginal lips and clean the clitoris, the urinary opening and the vaginal opening with soap and water. Ordinary bath soaps are sufficient for cleaning. Chemicals of any sort ought not to be used on the genitals without the doctor's advice. Strong chemicals are liable to damage the genitals by causing chemical burns.
In men, a white waxy secretion called smegma is produced under the skin of an uncircumcised penis. If the foreskin of the penis is not pulled back and washed with soap and water an unpleasant smell will emanate and the smegma can breed germs.
Undergarments should be changed every day. Preferably these should be cotton as it helps in the absorption of sweat. The used undergarments should be washed thoroughly and sun-dried.
If you are a smoker, here are some tips that you must follow:
- Brush your teeth before approaching your wife.
- Use a mouthwash.
- Chew on a clove, peppermint or any mint based mouth freshener.
- Most important, quit smoking.
The writer is a sexologist. Mail him at dr.narayana@deccanmail.com
