Feminine wash: what to choose, how to use and how to care for your vagina

If you do want to use feminine wash, then there are some tips to keep in mind. Read on!

#1. DO NOT wash your vagina

Let’s say it louder for the people in the back: the vagina is self-cleaning! Do not douche, do not try to wash your vagina, do not insert any kind of soap or water into your vagina. There are a lot of bacteria in your vagina that take care of it just fine. Washing it in the inside will wash away the beneficial bacteria and disturb the natural pH, causing infections. Plus, your vagina produces mucus – as you most probably are aware – and this is sort of mother nature’s feminine wash. Simply perfect as is.

#2. DO wash your vulva

Now with that being said, do wash your vulva and perianal area with either only water or a mild feminine wash. The choice is yours. While some medical professionals say that no feminine wash or soap is required, some others will recommend a low pH (less than 4,5) feminine wash for daily hygiene.

Washing your vulva is quicker and gentler than you might think. Wash it with the right kind of feminine wash, in soft motions around the labia, near the opening of the vagina, and in the perineal area. Be careful to wash your vulva from the front to the back, just as in wiping, to avoid bringing bacteria from the anus. After rinse abundantly with just water. That’s it.

#3. DO NOT try to mask odours

Do not use perfumed products, be it scented feminine wash or scented wipes. Scented means chemical, and your vagina does not like that. If there is any odour or smell that is bothering you, please do visit a doctor. But keep in mind that every vagina has its own scent, and most often than not, it is practically imperceptible to anyone else other than you.

The same advice goes for menstrual products, like perfumed pads and tampons, or the infamous vaginal sprays and deodorants. Just a general no-no. These products were just created to prey on women’s insecurities regarding body odours. Nope.

Check a complete guide to handle a rash down there!

#4. DO go for the most natural alternatives

You may want to get advice with your gynaecologist on this one – but a good starting point is to steer clear of everything that looks or smells too chemical. Try to go for the most natural alternatives you can find. This means stay away from parabens, sulphates, dioxins, artificial perfumes and colourants, and the likes.

Needless to say, this also applies to sanitary pads and tampons. Go for natural alternatives – that actually are also organic and eco-friendly. Avoid plastic, especially in the ingredient list, and watch out for toxics and carcinogens.

#5. DO NOT overdo it

Of course, it is important to maintain a good hygiene overall, and intimate hygiene is no different. But don’t overdo it. Just like you wouldn’t wash your hair three times a day, you shouldn’t wash your vulva with feminine wash three times a day, right? Maybe when you are on your period it can be helpful to wash a second time, just evaluate if you need to use feminine wash every time, and if you really need more than a pea-sized portion of soap. On normal days, gynaecologists say that it is okay to do your intimate hygiene in the shower.

Also, help yourself and check some underwear rules for a healthy vagina.

Let us know what you think about this topic: are you a fan of feminine wash? Why or why not?

 

Take good care. Of yourself. Of your health. Of mother nature.