The vulva (the external part of the genitals) is not self-cleansing. It often accumulates debris, sweat, period blood, urine, and all sorts of discharge from your vagina. It thus requires good cleaning and care, and this forms the basis for the use of feminine washes and the likes. However, using just simple lukewarm water does the trick and remains the best option for feminine hygiene.
Genital hygiene is a top priority for every woman, especially since society tends to portray the female genitalia as unclean, needing extra measures to maintain cleanliness and freshness.
In pursuit of this ideal, many women turn to feminine hygiene products, marketed as “safe to use” and “necessary," akin to skincare and haircare products, for that feeling of cleanness, freshness, and comfort. However, despite their widespread advertising and use, medical research reveals they may not be entirely safe and can have adverse effects on feminine health.
Read on to discover why feminine washes may not be good for you and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions regarding your intimate routine and well-being.
Feminine washes, also known as intimate washes or vaginal cleansers, are personal feminine hygiene products specifically formulated for cleansing women's external genital area.
These products come in various forms, including liquid washes, wipes, foams, and lubricating gels, and often contain a blend of ingredients targeted at providing women a feeling of cleanliness, freshness and comfort.
Typically, feminine washes claim to:
Feminine washes are marketed as gentle alternatives to regular soap for cleaning the delicate skin around the vulva. They aim to remove impurities without causing irritation or disrupting the vulva's natural moisture balance.
One of the primary concerns addressed by feminine washes is odor control. These products often contain fragrances or antibacterial agents to mask or eliminate unpleasant odors associated with sweat, menstrual flow, or bacterial overgrowth.
Many feminine washes contain ingredients such as lactic acid or formulations designed to mimic the natural pH of the vagina and maintain just the right acidity for a healthy vaginal environment.
Some feminine washes also offer relief from dryness in the external genitalia by providing gentle moisturization to the vulva, especially in people who are in menopause.
Additionally, some products (lubricants) are designed to enhance vaginal secretion, reducing discomfort and mucosal damage after vaginal intercourse in sexually active women.
When it comes to the safety and efficacy of feminine washes, it's crucial to understand how and where these products should be applied. For example, contrary to the fact that they are called “vaginal washes,” they are unsafe for the vagina and should not be used near it.
To clarify, let's briefly discuss the anatomy of the female genitalia. We often use the term "vagina" to refer to the entire genital area, but it's important to recognize that it consists of two main parts: the vulva and the vagina.
The vulva comprises the external structures of the female genitalia, including the clitoris, labia folds, urethral, and vaginal openings. As such, it is constantly exposed to external factors like skin debris, sweat, urine, menstrual blood, and all sorts of vaginal discharge.
Proper cleansing and maintenance of the vulva is essential to prevent bad smells, irritation, discomfort, and the accumulation of harmful bacteria and yeast. This is where feminine washes come into play and may be beneficial in maintaining vulvar hygiene.
On the other hand, the vagina, part of the internal female genitalia, is situated deeper within the female genitals and functions like a canal, extending from the vulva to the cervix (the neck of the uterus). It is naturally protected by a mucus barrier and a healthy flora that maintains an acidic pH level, creating an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria and disease-causing organisms.
The vagina also undergoes a regular self-cleansing process where it sheds its epithelial lining and expels any bacteria or foreign substances through mucus vaginal discharge, ensuring its cleanliness without the need for external cleaning products like feminine washes, which can disrupt its natural microbiome (natural beneficial bacteria in the vagina).
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Feminine washes may be touted to have benefits, but they are not without risks, which include:
Research reveals feminine washes can disrupt the normal vulvovaginal pH and bacteria flora by stripping out healthy mucus and bacteria from the vaginal cavity, which is needed for maintaining healthy vaginal immunity.
When the vaginal microbiome is altered, it increases susceptibility to the overgrowth of harmful opportunistic bacteria, yeast, and even viruses (a condition called bacterial vaginosis), predisposing women to various infections and diseases, including vulvovaginal infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Disruption of the vaginal microbiome has also been associated with an increased occurrence of medical conditions that affect the reproductive tract, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, ectopic pregnancies, and even infertility.
In stripping out normal vaginal flora, these washes may also remove vaginal lactobacilli, an important bacteria needed for a healthy pregnancy, full-term delivery, and immunity in newborns.
Research reveals that harmful bacteria from conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV) can travel from the vagina to the placenta and fetus, causing premature labor, fetal injury, and other complications that could affect the baby's health for life.
Some women may experience side effects from using feminine washes, such as:
These side effects can cause discomfort and can lead to further health issues if not addressed.
If you're considering or already using feminine washes, it's important you use them with caution to prevent these risks. Here are some key safety tips to look out for when using feminine washes:
Below are tips on the best way to clean your vulva:
Should you use feminine wash every day?
Can feminine wash treat yeast infection?
Is using a feminine wash necessary?
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