9 Essential Facts About Intimate Hygiene Every Woman Should Know

The female genital area is a finely tuned system, but in the pursuit of cleanliness, many tend to overdo it.

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In 2014, a video by American blogger Stevie, who focuses on sexual education on YouTube, sparked a heated debate with over 7,000 comments titled “I don’t wash my vagina.” Two years later, questions about the necessity of daily washing with special intimate cleansers began circulating globally. Experts like sexual education advocate Tatiana Nikonova and medical doctor, obstetrician-gynecologist Tatiana Rumyantseva have addressed these concerns in their blogs.

Interestingly, the dirtiest part of the human body is the mouth, yet women often focus on cleaning the vagina. There is rarely a valid reason to feel unclean in this area, though societal pressures sometimes push women to give their vagina a floral scent.

Let’s explore why it’s best to leave the genital area alone and how to care for it properly to maintain health.

1. The Vagina Is a Perfectly Balanced Ecosystem

"For millions of years, this part of the body has developed an efficient self-cleaning process," explains British gynecologist consultant Dr. Austin Ugwumadu in The Daily Mail.

American gynecologist Dr. Alyssa Dweck confirms, "The vagina is an incredible self-cleaning environment with natural mechanisms to maintain an acidic pH that prevents infections."

Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine, advises, "It's best to leave the vagina alone. Over-cleaning can disrupt the pH balance or destroy the natural bacterial flora essential for vaginal health."

To clarify, the vagina maintains an acidic environment with a pH ranging from 3.8 to 4.4. Intimate hygiene products vary between acidic (around pH 3.5) and neutral (around pH 5).

Dr. Tatiana Rumyantseva notes, "One study showed that acidic gels combined with standard bacterial vaginosis treatment reduce recurrence rates, but broad conclusions cannot be drawn from a single study. Such gels are only necessary for women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis."

Using neutral pH intimate products generally provides no benefit.

Rumyantseva adds, "Neutral pH products neither harm nor benefit intimate health, and there’s no evidence to the contrary. They often cost significantly more than regular body washes or soaps suitable for you." She also points out there are plenty of neutral pH body washes available that can be used for the entire body.

2. Douching Is Harmful

Despite some forums and even healthcare providers recommending douching with antiseptics like chlorhexidine as a preventive measure, it’s time to stop.

Douching often causes more harm than good. It can kill beneficial bacteria, including lactobacilli, which help maintain the vaginal pH balance. Many commercial douching kits contain fragrances or antiseptics that can irritate the mucous membranes.

The vagina naturally cleanses itself; there’s no need to rinse with water, vinegar, or other liquids.

Discharge on underwear may be bothersome but is not a sign of uncleanliness or illness. It’s a healthy, normal bodily function.

Consider vaginal discharge as a "health barometer." If you’re confident you have no infections and your discharge matches your usual pattern, it generally indicates healthy estrogen levels, good blood flow, and balanced vaginal pH. This means your vagina is healthy and capable of self-cleaning.

However, if you notice significant changes in the amount, texture, color, or odor of your discharge, consult a healthcare professional as it may indicate infection.

3. Washing the Vulva Is Necessary, but You May Be Doing It Wrong

While the vagina cleanses itself, the vulva—the external genital area including the labia—needs regular washing.

Bacteria and smegma (a buildup of skin oils and dead cells) can accumulate in the folds of the vulva and should be gently cleaned. Usually, warm water and your hands with a mild soap are sufficient. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or using washcloths aggressively. If soap is unavailable, plain water works well.

Strongly scented soaps may cause irritation or allergic reactions on the vulva.

"We’re dealing with some of the most sensitive tissues in the body, so the fewer fragrances and chemicals, the better," says Dr. Minkin.

Experts recommend mild, fragrance-free soaps, glycerin-based cleansers, or castile soap made from olive oil.

Washing the vulva with soap every day isn’t necessary. "Over-cleaning can damage the skin’s protective barrier," warns Dr. Dweck. Even if you shower twice daily or feel the need to wash after sex, try to use soap only once a day.

Also, avoid rubbing the genital area with a towel; gently pat dry with a clean towel instead.

4. Be Cautious with Bath Bombs

A hot bath with scented candles and your favorite show is a great way to unwind. However, adding colorful, fragrant bath bombs might not be a friend to your vagina.

Dr. Minkin explains that bath bombs and bubble baths can disrupt the vaginal pH, increasing susceptibility to irritation and infections.

This doesn’t mean you must discard all bath products. Limit their use to once or twice a month, avoid bath bombs if you have itching or irritation, and monitor for any adverse reactions after trying new products.

5. Every Vagina Has Its Unique Scent, and That’s Normal

Many women worry about vaginal odor, but it’s not a sign of uncleanliness—just a natural characteristic.

Each woman’s vaginal scent is unique and can fluctuate with menstrual cycles and diet, which is perfectly normal.

Trying to mask this scent with perfumed products can cause irritation to the vulva.

It’s important to become familiar with your natural scent and note any changes, especially if accompanied by itching. Such changes warrant a visit to a healthcare provider.

6. Discard Scented Pads and Tampons

Scented menstrual products often contain harsh chemicals that should not come into contact with the sensitive vulvar or vaginal tissues.

"Scented tampons can disrupt vaginal pH and cause irritation or allergic reactions, so unscented options are preferable," advises Dr. Dweck.

Other aspects like natural vs. synthetic covers or plastic vs. cardboard applicators are less important than choosing fragrance-free products.

7. Quality and Comfortable Underwear Are Vital

You probably own some uncomfortable, tight underwear that you hesitate to discard. Now is the time to let go of any ill-fitting pairs.

Experts recommend cotton underwear or at least options with a cotton crotch panel. Whether you prefer thongs or full-coverage styles doesn’t matter as long as they’re comfortable and allow your skin to breathe.

Restricted airflow in the genital area increases the risk of yeast infections. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, so wearing non-breathable underwear all day is not advisable.

8. Everyday Cosmetic Products Often Cause Irritation

"The primary cause of vulvar irritation is allergies or sensitivities to ingredients in everyday products, leading to itching and abnormal discharge," says Dr. Dweck.

These products include lotions, soaps, shaving creams, sprays, shower gels, and anything that comes into direct or indirect contact with the vulva or vagina.

Using wet wipes for intimate hygiene can also cause irritation. "Beware of wet wipes: chemicals in them may cause rashes from the vulva to the anus," warns Dr. Dweck.

For safety, choose fragrance-free products with minimal ingredients and reserve scented lotions for less sensitive areas like legs and arms.

9. Regularly Check the Vulva for Skin Cancer

Just because the genital area usually isn't exposed to sunlight doesn't mean skin cancer or other issues can't develop there.

Doctors recommend inspecting the vulva and surrounding skin with a mirror to detect any changes. Note new moles, birthmarks, or areas prone to scratching.

If you notice anything unusual, consult a dermatologist promptly.

Summary

Remember these key points:

1. The vagina cleanses itself naturally.
2. Douching causes more harm than good.
3. Wash the vulva once daily with mild, fragrance-free soap or plain water.
4. Limit the use of bath bombs and scented bath products.
5. Discharge is normal—monitor for changes.
6. Natural vaginal scent is normal—avoid sprays and perfumes.
7. Wear comfortable, breathable underwear.
8. Avoid scented pads and tampons.
9. Regularly examine the vulva and surrounding skin for unusual changes.

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