Female genital organs are a perfectly balanced system, but in pursuit of cleanliness, we often show excessive zeal. It is worth figuring out why this does not lead to anything good and how to properly care for the genitals.
“I don’t wash my vagina” — with these words, the video of American Stevie (who runs a blog about sexual education on YouTube) began, under which a controversy unfolded with 7 thousand comments.
This was in 2014, and two years later, questions about whether it is necessary to wash daily with special cleansing products began to appear in the Runet. In particular, sex education activist Tatyana Nikonova and medical science candidate, obstetrician-gynecologist Tatyana Rumyantseva have answered them repeatedly in their blogs.
The dirtiest place in our body is the mouth, but it seems women are trying to cleanse the vagina. There is almost never any real reason to feel unclean in this area, but men often insist that women give the vagina a floral aroma.
Let’s find out why it is important to leave the genitals alone and how to properly care for them to maintain health.
1. The vagina is a perfectly balanced system
“For millions of years, this part of the body has created its highly efficient cleaning process,” says The Daily Mail British consultant gynecologist, Dr. Austin Ugwumadu.
American gynecologist, Dr. Alyssa Dweck confirms: “The vagina is an incredible self-cleaning environment. It has its own ways of maintaining an acidic pH to prevent infections.”
Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine, advises simply leaving the vagina alone: “Your actions can disrupt the pH balance or destroy the natural bacterial flora in the vagina that is necessary for health.”
To clarify, the vagina is an acidic environment with a pH level ranging from 3.8 to 4.4. Intimate hygiene products are divided into those with high acidity (pH around 3.5) and neutral (pH around 5).
Medical science candidate Tatyana Rumyantseva wrote: “There is one study that shows that a gel with acidic pH combined with standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis helps reduce the number of recurrences. But far-reaching conclusions based on the results of one study should never be made. Even if we believe this data, such gels are needed only for women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis.”
Using intimate hygiene products with neutral pH is meaningless in principle.
Rumyantseva says about them: “They should bring neither harm nor benefit for intimate health. There is no evidence to the contrary.”
And most likely, such a product costs many times more than regular shower gel or soap that suits you. Rumyantseva adds that “there are now enough gels with a neutral pH for the whole body available on the market, which can be used for washing all over, not just parts.”
2. Douching is evil
Women’s forums and even gynecologists recommend douching periodically for prevention, for example with chlorhexidine. So, stop.
Douching often does more harm than good. It can kill “good” bacteria, including lactobacilli, which we need to maintain pH balance. Some douching kits sold in stores contain aromatic additives or antiseptics that can seriously irritate the mucous membrane.
The vagina cleans itself; there is no need to rinse it with water, vinegar, or other liquids.
Discharges on underwear are annoying, but this is not a sign of uncleanliness or illness. This is a healthy, normal function of the body.
Discharges can be seen as a vaginal “barometer.” If you are confident that you do not have any diseases and the discharge is not different from what is normal for you, then they are generally a sign of healthy estrogen levels, blood flow, and vaginal pH. This indicates that the vagina is healthy and able to clean itself of irritants.
However, if you notice a significant change in the amount, texture, color, or smell of your discharge, you should see a doctor. This may be a sign of infection.
3. The vulva should be washed, but there is a chance you are doing it wrong
If the vagina cleans itself, then the vulva — the external part of the genitals, including the labia — needs to be washed.
There may be bacteria and smegma in the folds of the vulva — a buildup of skin fat and dead epithelial cells. This needs to be rinsed off, but you are probably being too zealous; all you need are your hands and a little soap. You also don’t need to vigorously scrub with a washcloth. If there is no soap, plain water will suffice.
Too fragrant soap can cause irritation or an allergic reaction on the vulva.
“We are talking about the most sensitive tissue in the body, so the less perfumery and chemicals, the better,” says Dr. Minkin.
Experts recommend using gentle soap without fragrances; simple glycerin or castile soap (based on olive oil) will also work.
Moreover, there is no need to wash the vulva with soap every day. “Over-cleaning can disrupt the skin’s protective layer,” says Dr. Dweck. Even if you take a shower twice a day or feel the need to wash after sex, still try to use soap only once.
And do not vigorously rub the genital area with a towel afterward — this is too rough for such delicate tissue. Just gently pat the area with a clean towel.
4. Be careful with bath bombs
A hot bath with scented candles and your favorite series is a great relaxing procedure. But if you want to add a colored scented bath bomb, your vagina is unlikely to appreciate it.
Dr. Minkin asserts that bath bombs, like bubble baths, can disrupt the pH in the vagina. This can make you more susceptible to irritation or infections.
This does not mean you need to throw away all bath products; just reduce their use to once or twice a month. And do not use bombs if you already have itching or irritation. Also, watch for any nasty symptoms that arise after using new products.
5. Every vagina has its unique smell, and that's normal
Often, the cause for concern is the smell, but this is not an indicator of uncleanliness. It is merely a sign that you have a vagina.
Every woman has her own unique vaginal smell, which can change depending on the menstrual cycle and diet. And this is perfectly normal.
There is no need to try to mask it with special perfumed products; this irritates the vulva significantly.
It's worth remembering your smell and noticing when it changes, especially if additional symptoms like itching arise. This is a reason to see a doctor.
6. Scented pads should be thrown away
Scented pads and tampons have harsh compositions, and such substances definitely should not be near the sensitive tissue of the vulva or vagina.
“Scented tampons can disrupt the pH balance in the vagina and cause irritation or an allergic reaction, so it is better to choose options without fragrances,” says Dr. Dweck.
In other respects, it does not matter what type of pads or tampons you use: with natural coating or synthetic, with plastic applicator or cardboard. The main thing is that hygiene products are unscented.
7. High-quality and comfortable underwear is very important
You probably have some super uncomfortable, uncomfortably tight underwear that you haven’t the heart to throw away. The time has come: get rid of all panties that don’t fit you.
Experts recommend cotton underwear or at least underwear with a cotton gusset. Whether you wear thongs or “grandpas” doesn’t matter if they are comfortable and allow your skin to breathe.
If the genitals do not have access to air, this increases the risk of yeast infection. Yeasts thrive in warm and moist places, so sitting in non-breathable underwear all day is not a very good idea.
8. The cause of most irritations is everyday cosmetic products
“The primary cause of irritation in the vulva is an allergy or sensitivity to the ingredients of the products we use every day. They can cause itching and abnormal discharges,” says Dr. Dweck.
These products can include lotions, soaps, shaving creams, sprays, shower gels, and everything else that comes into contact (directly or indirectly) with your vulva or vagina.
Moist wipes, if used for intimate hygiene, can also cause irritation. “Beware of wet wipes: the chemicals in them can cause rashes from the vulva to the anus,” says Dr. Dweck.
For your own safety, buy unscented products with minimal ingredients. And save the trendy lotions for your legs and arms.
9. The vulva should be regularly checked for skin cancer
Just because the genitals usually do not get sunlight doesn’t mean there can’t be skin cancer or something else there.
Therefore, doctors advise checking the vulva and the skin around it using a mirror. This will help detect changes. Note the appearance of new moles, birthmarks, areas of skin that often get scratched.
If you notice anything unusual, consult a dermatologist.
Conclusion
So, it’s worth remembering the following:
- The vagina cleans itself.
- Douching does more harm than good.
- The vulva should be washed no more than once a day with plain water or unscented soap.
- Do not overuse bath bombs and other products with fragrances and dyes.
- Discharges are normal. Monitor their changes.
- The natural smell of the vagina is also normal; do not spray it. Watch for changes in smell.
- Wear comfortable underwear.
- Do not use scented pads or tampons.
- Periodically check the vulva and the skin around it for new moles or bleeding areas of skin.
