When it comes to body parts, there is no shortage of products designed to keep the vaginal area fresh and clean. There are “feminine wipes” that claim to be more refreshing than toilet paper and skin care products that cost more because they are packaged in feminine colors and have floral scents.
But misunderstandings about feminine hygiene and the best way to clean “down there” can be harmful and lead to wasting money on unnecessary products. We asked health experts for the best way to keep your vagina and vulva clean simply, without spending a fortune.
Should we wash the INSIDE of the vagina?
There is no need to wash the inside of the vagina regularly because they are “self-cleaning ovens,” according to Dr. Karyn EilberA urogynecologist and co-author of “A Woman’s Guide to Her Pelvic Floor: What’s Going On Down There?»
Lactobacilli, a type of naturally occurring bacteria that inhabits the vagina, produces lactic acid to keep vaginal pH within the normal acidic range. This helps keep the vagina clean, explains Dr. Alyssa Dweckgynecologist and chief medical officer of Bonafide Health. Washing inside the vagina, also called douching, can disrupt the natural levels of microbes and pH in the vagina, she said. When this happens, it is possible to become irritated or develop infections.
This doesn’t mean people need to take special precautions to keep cleansing products away from their vaginas completely. If a little soap or shower gel gets into the vagina while bathing, it may be uncomfortable, but is unlikely to be harmful, said Dr Victoria Scotturogynecologist and co-author of Eilber. If someone accidentally puts a cleanser in the vagina, they should rinse it gently with water from the shower head, said Dr Christine Grèvesgynecologist-obstetrician.
There is, however, a rare exception.
Although the inside of the vagina does not need to be cleaned regularly, it sometimes needs to be rinsed.
“It may be helpful to let a little water enter the vaginal canal when showering to help flush out blood or discharge from a yeast infection,” said Dr. Jennifer Anger, A urogynecologist. Anger explained that one can perform cleaning if necessary “with a simple swipe of the finger while showering” by “placing a wet finger inside to remove any blood or discharge.” You should not use soap or cleaners when cleaning.
Should we wash around the vulva?
Unlike the inside of the vagina, the outside, called the vulva, is not self-cleaning. “When you don’t wash the vulva, it’s like not cleaning other areas with glands and hair, like your armpits,” Eilber said. She recommends washing the vulva every time someone goes swimming.
Dweck explained that because yeast and bacteria tend to thrive in moist, dark environments like the vulva, poor vaginal hygiene can lead to health problems. “Not washing can lead to unpleasant odors, yeast infections, other infections, irritation, inflammation, swelling and even cysts on the hair follicles,” said Dr. Cecilia Zhangobstetrician/gynecologist at Atlantic Health System in New Jersey.
Because the vulva is delicate, Dweck emphasized that “vigorous scrubbing is not necessary” and can be harmful. She recommended cleaning the vulva with your hands or a soft washcloth. Both methods are effective and which one someone uses is purely a matter of personal preference.
Greves recommended washing back and forth to prevent soap from entering the urethra and to avoid contamination of the rectal area, which can cause urinary tract infections.
After washing, Anger said it’s important to use a towel to dry before putting on underwear to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to bacterial and yeast growth. She adds that sleeping without underwear is an ideal way to keep the vaginal area dry throughout the night, which can help prevent irritation and infections. “It’s important to allow your vaginal area to breathe,” Zhang said.
According to Dweck, even with regular washing, vaginal odor is normal and can vary throughout a person’s cycle. However, some vaginal odors can indicate an infection. Unusual odors or “odors accompanied by unusual discharge, itching, irritation, bleeding or pain are best evaluated by a health care provider,” she said.
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What products are safest to use to clean the vulva?
It’s not a good idea to use regular soap or shower gel before cleaning down there. Some products contain ingredients that can disrupt the vulvar microbiome, leading to infections and irritation. It is therefore important to think about it.
For most people, a simple rinse with warm water is enough, Zhang said. However, for those who prefer to use more than water to wash, many gentle cleansers are safe, Zhang said. Additionally, water alone can’t remove odors caused by sweat, so those who sweat a lot may need to use a cleanser, Greves explained.
When looking for a vulva-safe cleanser, Scott recommends using products that are “gentle, pH-balanced, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and preservative-free.”
Specifically, she recommended avoiding products containing parabens which can cause hormonal disruption. Scott also advised avoiding scented products, harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, glycerin and glycol, antibacterial agents such as triclosan, petroleum-based ingredients and alcohol. “Not only can these substances be abrasive and cause irritation, dryness and pain in the vagina and vulva, but they can also change the pH balance, which can predispose you to developing infections,” she said. she declared.
Even if a cleanser appears safe to use, if it causes irritation, Dweck recommends rinsing the vulva with lukewarm water and avoiding that product in the future. Greves emphasized that you don’t need cleansers or soaps that claim to be made just for the vaginal area. These will likely cost more without any added benefits.
When in doubt, Eilber advised keeping things simple. “Less is more when it comes to the vagina. Treat your vulva like delicate skin,” she said.