Five Habits Women Believe Are Healthy but Are Actually Harmful

Pharm. Onyehalu Jennifer
Jan 3
2 min read

Many women make conscious efforts to maintain good health, which is commendable. However, certain habits that are commonly perceived as harmless or beneficial can, over time, negatively affect health when misunderstood or practiced excessively.

Below are five common habits women often consider healthy but which medical evidence shows can be harmful.

1. Over-Washing or Using Harsh Products in the Genital Area

There is a widespread belief that frequent washing or the use of strong products improves genital health.

As a result, many women regularly use:

scented soaps
antiseptic or medicated washes
strong cleansers
deodorizing products
excessive scrubbing

These practices can disrupt the natural protective balance of the area.

Overwashing and harsh products may:

remove beneficial protective bacteria
cause dryness and irritation
trigger allergic reactions
increase susceptibility to infections

Healthier approach:

Use mild, unscented soap on external areas only
Avoid internal washing
Allow the body’s natural self-cleansing mechanisms to function

2. Repeatedly Treating “Infections” Without Proper Diagnosis

Symptoms such as changes in discharge, itching, or mild abdominal discomfort are often automatically assumed to be infections.

This leads many women to take antibiotics or antifungal medications repeatedly without testing.

In many cases, these symptoms may instead be caused by:

hormonal fluctuations
normal physiological discharge changes
stress
irritation from products or clothing
yeast imbalance
sensitivity or allergic reactions

Frequent, unnecessary medication use can result in:

antibiotic resistance
persistent or recurrent symptoms
incomplete or inappropriate treatment
delayed identification of the actual cause

Healthier approach:

Test before treating
Seek professional evaluation for persistent symptoms
Avoid routine self-medication

3. Wearing Tight Clothing on a Daily Basis

While tight-fitting clothing may be fashionable, wearing it continuously can trap heat and moisture, creating an environment that may irritate the skin.

This can increase the risk of:

discomfort and irritation
yeast imbalance
reduced air circulation

Healthier approach:

Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton
Allow adequate airflow, particularly when at home
Avoid prolonged daily use of very tight clothing

4. Ignoring Ongoing Stress and Fatigue

Many women normalize chronic tiredness and emotional exhaustion, often dismissing these symptoms as unavoidable.

Commonly overlooked signs include:

persistent fatigue
emotional burnout
inadequate sleep
constant mental strain

Long-term unmanaged stress can contribute to:

mood disturbances
weakened immune response
frequent headaches
hormonal imbalance
reduced concentration and productivity

Healthier approach:

Prioritize rest and adequate sleep
Set realistic boundaries
Address mental and emotional well-being.
Recognize that persistent fatigue is not normal

5. Assuming Pain Is a Normal Part of Life

Pain is often tolerated or dismissed, particularly when it becomes familiar.

Many women believe that:

severe menstrual cramps
painful intercourse
constant bloating
recurrent pelvic discomfort

are normal experiences.

However, persistent or severe pain is often a sign that medical evaluation is needed.

Possible underlying causes include:

fibroids
infections
hormonal disorders
stress-related conditions
digestive issues

Healthier approach:

Pay attention to persistent or worsening symptoms
Seek medical care early
Avoid normalizing ongoing pain

Final Message

Good intentions alone do not always translate into good health outcomes. Habits that appear beneficial may become harmful when misunderstood, overused, or practiced without proper guidance.

A healthier approach involves: