Common genital hygiene practices among women of reproductive age in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Objective: Genital hygiene is vital for female reproductive health and is influenced by sociocultural, educational, and personal factors. Regardless of increasing awareness, intimate hygiene practices among Saudi women lack research, particularly outside of menstruation. This study assessed genital hygiene behaviors among women of reproductive age in Saudi Arabia and identified the factors that shape these behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using an online Arabic questionnaire distributed via snowball sampling across major regions of Saudi Arabia from April 1, 2025 to May 14, 2025. Data from 549 participants were analyzed employing the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests to assess the relationship between hygiene practices and demographic variables. Results: Most participants reported using external genital hygiene products with limited internal douching (9%), consistent with global health endorsements. Higher hygiene scores were significantly associated with being married, having a postgraduate education, and mid-range income levels. Social media (44.4%) and self-guided decision making (42.4%) were the primary sources of hygiene information, surpassing healthcare advice (20.4%). Conclusion: Although practical hygiene behaviors were predominant, traditional practices and misinformation persisted. Targeted, culturally sensitive education is indispensable for improving hygiene practices, correcting misconceptions, and discouraging detrimental behaviors. Engaging healthcare professionals and regulating the information circulated via social media can augment women's reproductive health.