4 Important Rules for Cleaning the Vagina

4 Important Rules for Cleaning the Vagina

All women should care about their vaginal health. A healthy vagina is naturally acidic and rich in beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli) which helps prevent infection and maintain its pH level. A healthy vagina will also excrete small amounts of fluid to keep it clean, such as saliva produced to help clean your mouth. Even if there is a slight disruption in the vagina, you may experience irritation or infection.

Cleaning the vagina should not just rinse. There are a number of rules that you must understand to keep the vagina not only clean, but also stay healthy. Anything?

Do not use vaginal douche
Vaginal douche is a special vaginal spray and liquid that is usually used to clean the inner vagina. Manufacturers of vaginal douches on average offer a service to clean the inside of the vagina that can help you maintain normal pH levels. But be careful, don't be fooled by advertisements.

Actually, you don't need to clean the inside of the vagina. The vagina has an automatic "cleaning" program with the help of lactobacilli that settles in your vagina. Lactobacilli acts as a regulator of vaginal acid balance to prevent pathogens from multiplying.

The liquid that is sprayed from the douche into your vagina will rinse out the vaginal mucus, causing even the good bacterial ecosystem to be wiped out. Eventually, your vagina will be taken over by bad bacteria, and can cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - infections that lead to serious complications, such as sores, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.

Douche is also not proven to protect you from contagious venereal disease. In fact, douches can increase your risk of infection. When women lack lactobacilli populations, they are more likely to contract infections when they are vulnerable.
Do not use scented soap, gel or antiseptic for the vagina
The inside of the vagina is not cleaned, but the outer area around the vagina (vulva and labia) you still need to clean, as long as you don't use scented soap or special antiseptics.

Normal vagina has a pH level of around 3.5-4.5 (pH is measured on a scale of zero to 14). If you use scented or antiseptic soap (has a pH of around eight), this can damage the pH balance of your vagina, and cause itching, irritation, and odor.

Normal for vaginal discharge. Vaginal odor can change at different times of the reproductive cycle and should not always be considered a sign of infection or certain diseases. If your vagina has a strong or strange odor, consult your doctor. Vaginal douche or scented soap will only cover the odor without addressing the root cause of the problem.

Wash special once a day
Wash your outer vaginal area with a cloth dampened with water and plain soap, or wipe it with your hands.

Besides after urinating, just clean the vagina specifically once a day, for example after exercising, after sex, or while bathing. If you do not clean the vagina, the risk is that you allow sweat and vaginal discharge to accumulate.

But remember, vaginal skin is very sensitive. If you are too diligent in cleaning it, you can upset the balance of your vaginal area. The skin's natural oils will also erode, which can cause irritation.

Keep it clean and dry
Your vagina must be kept clean and dry. What you wear will also affect the condition of your vagina.

Some types of fabric and clothing can tightly attach to your genital skin, increasing moisture and heat. A disturbed pH balance can cause the vagina to produce bacteria outside the normal range and cause infection.

Use cotton underwear, and avoid wearing underwear that is too tight. Immediately change into a wet swimsuit or sweat suit that is damp with sweat.