How To Save Your Vagina
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How To Save Your Vagina
Share on Pinterest Inflammation may occur if a person tries to clean their vagina.
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© 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that does not require special cleaning products. It does not even need any cleaning products at all.
Some people may want to clean the vulva, which is the outer portion of the genitals that surrounds the entrance to the vagina. Doing this can help many people feel cleaner and, as a result, more confident.
In this case, they should clean the vulva lips gently. Excessive cleaning can have negative effects.
Attempts to clean the vagina with douches or similar products may cause inflammation and alter the vaginal pH.
In this article, we discuss the anatomy of the vagina, how to clean the vulva safely, and which methods of cleaning to avoid.
The vagina is the internal portion of the female genitals.
The vulva refers to the external portion, which includes structures such as the clitoris, the labia majora and labia minora, and the vaginal opening.
The vagina is an internal organ, and like other internal organs, it does not require cleaning.
A complex colony of good bacteria and other microbes helps keep the vagina healthy. Washing, especially with harsh soaps or douches, can throw the vaginal pH out of balance, increasing the risk of infections and unpleasant odors.
The vagina and vulva produce a variety of fluids that are important for overall health.
People should not try to eliminate all vaginal odor by washing the vagina. A healthy vagina naturally has a slight odor.
Washing the vagina will also not remove vaginal infections. In some cases, it may even make them worse. Using harsh soaps may dry out the delicate vaginal tissue, causing tiny tears that make it easier for dangerous bacteria to infect the vagina.
Research consistently finds that washing the vagina increases the risk of a wide range of health problems.
A 2013 study of Egyptian women who frequently douched found that the practice increases the risk of preterm labor and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Douching correlates with a higher risk of numerous adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, including:
Other risks of vaginal cleaning methods such as douching include:
Although a person can clean their vulva, its proximity to the vagina means that any cleaning products may enter the vagina. Harsh cleaning products can also irritate the vulva.
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and people do not need to clean it. Regular douching is unnecessary.
People can help keep the area clean and healthy by:
To clean the vulva, people can wash the external area with warm water. If they wish to, they can use a mild, unscented soap. Afterward, they should rinse the vulva thoroughly and then pat the area dry.
It is important not to put soap into the vagina, and it is not necessary to use soaps that manufacturers have specifically labeled as being for the genitals.
To avoid infections, pain, and irritation, it is important not to use the following products:
Some alternative health sites advocate vaginal steaming, which involves sitting on a steam bath with a variety of herbs.
These herbs supposedly clean the vagina and improve the health of the uterus.
There is little evidence to suggest that vaginal steaming is effective. The steam cannot penetrate the vaginal tissue or reach anywhere near the uterus.
Additionally, the herbs may irritate the tissue of the vagina or vulva, and very hot steam can cause severe burns.
According to a 2019 article , a woman attempted to use vaginal steaming to reduce a vaginal prolapse. As a result, she sustained second degree burns.
A person should see a doctor if they experience a sudden change in vaginal odor, especially if the odor is very strong.
A fishy odor often signals BV. Frequent cleaning will not make the odor go away, and it may even make the infection worse.
The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, or thrush, may include:
If a person has BV, they are likely to notice the following symptoms:
There is no medical reason to clean the vagina.
Douching and other cleaning methods may cause more harm than good, and there is little evidence to suggest that they clean a person’s vulva or vagina effectively and without risk.
If a person wishes to clean their vulva, they should use warm water and perhaps a gentle soap if they desire.
If a person is experiencing unusual discharge or an unpleasant vaginal odor, they should see a doctor. These are among the first signs of an infection, which will require treatment.
Last medically reviewed on February 25, 2020
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How to Clean Your Vagina and Vulva: 13 FAQs on Soaps, Scents, More
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Wash your vulva daily with suitable soap and water. Washing your vagina the correct way is important in maintaining a healthy pH balance while also preventing infections. A normal pH level ranges from 3.5-4.5 on a scale of 0-14. To keep a regulated pH level: [2]
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Use a regular, unscented soap instead of a body wash. Don't put soap inside your vagina.
Some products (such as body washes) have a pH level of 8, which throw off your normal pH level and cause itchiness, irritations, and odor.
Regular soap also doesn’t contain as much alcohol content (scent) compared with body washes.
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Clean the external areas surrounding the vagina. External parts, such as the vulva and the labia majora (the larger outer folds of the vulva), should also be cleaned with soap and water every day. [3]
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Clean at least once a day to get rid of sweat, traces of urine and discharge that accumulates through out the day.
Use a washcloth or free hand while cleaning.
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Avoid using a loofah and washing too often. Rough and hard washcloths and loofahs can create small tears and expose you to infection. Avoid these and use a soft washcloth or your hand instead. [4]
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Also, do not clean yourself more than once a day. Excessive cleaning can disrupt the pH balance and lead to dryness. [5]
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Avoid douching. Douching flushes water into your vagina, cleaning out natural bacteria and secretions. You should avoid douching because: [6]
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It interferes with your pH level and reduces the acidity in your vagina. This can make you more prone to infections.
It will only temporarily cover up smell instead of curing it. If you have a strong vaginal smell, consult with your doctor instead of using a douche.
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Avoid scented wipes, deodorants and feminine products. Products that contain perfume disrupt your vagina’s pH balance and can cause irritation.
If your concerned with the way your vagina smells consult your doctor.
Vaginal odor changes at different times of the menstrual cycle so don’t always think a bad smell is a sign of infection or illness. [7]
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Eat a healthy diet. The key to maintaining vaginal health is a nutritious and well-balanced diet as well maintaining proper hydration. Add the following foods to your diet to promote vaginal hygiene: [8]
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Cranberry juice may help treat and prevent yeast infections. [9]
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://simpleorganiclife.org/vagina-health/
Yogurt may help maintain vaginal pH balance. [10]
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://simpleorganiclife.org/vagina-health/
Soy products help with vaginal dryness and act as a natural lubricant. [11]
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Nuts and wheat contain vitamin E that help prevent vaginal dryness while also aiding in keeping your skin healthy. [12]
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://simpleorganiclife.org/vagina-health/
Water helps your body function correctly and is essential for the health of the mucous membranes, such as those in your vagina. These membranes rely on proper hydration so getting enough water is essential.
Drinking 8 glasses of water a day also promotes natural lubrication and a milder vaginal scent. [13]
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Practice safe sex. Practicing safe sex helps prevent against harmful bacteria and sexually transmitted diseases and promotes vaginal health. [14]
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Always use a condom when having sex, especially if you are not in a monogamous relationship.
Make sure to always change condoms when switching from anal or oral sex to vaginal sex. This will help prevent harmful bacteria from entering into the vagina.
Use lubricants when having sex. Lube helps prevent the skin of your labia and vagina from becoming irritated.
Lubrication occurs naturally but some women don’t produce enough. Using an artificial lube can help prevent friction and irritation.
Avoid petroleum jelly or other oil-based products as these can break down the latex in condoms, making them ineffective and can cause infection to the vagina. [15]
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You may also want to shower after having sex so you can remove bodily fluids and residue from the condom that may otherwise cause irritation or infection.
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Have regular checkups with your doctor. In order to maintain good vaginal health it’s important to have regular checkups with your gynecologist.
During a gynecologic exam, your doctor will take a pap smear that can help diagnose diseases (such as cancer) or disorders that can affect the health of your vagina as well as your reproductive system. [16]
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As you reach the ages of 21, your gynecologist will begin cervical screening. These screenings look for changes in the cervix and are used for diagnosing cancer. [17]
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Wear comfortable and dry clothing. Keeping your vagina clean and dry is important to reduce the risk of infection and overgrowth of bacteria. Some fabrics can increase heat and moisture in the vagina so avoid the following: [18]
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Wear cotton underwear instead of thongs.
Avoid wearing tight-fit clothing.
Change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes immediately after you’re done. [19]
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Change your menstrual products regularly. When you’really having your period, your vagina is constantly moist so changing products regularly is vital. Extra moisture and warmth can lead to infection. [20]
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Change pads or tampons every 2-8 hours during your period.
When you’re not on your period, avoid wearing pads or panty liners to absorb vaginal discharge. These can lock in moisture, which can promote infection if exposed to bacteria or yeast. If you need to use panty liners, change them regularly.
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Diagnose and treat yeast infection. Yeast infection is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. [21]
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Overgrowth of Candida albicans can happen due to antibiotic use, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, impaired immune system or changes in your normal vaginal flora.
Symptoms of yeast infection include itching and burning, painful urination, gray or white vaginal discharge that is thick, pain during sex, and redness/swelling of the vulva. [22]
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Yeast infection can be treated with antifungal ointment, tablet or suppository, such as butoconazole (Gynazole-1), miconazole (Monistat 3), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), and terconazole (Terazol 3). [23]
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In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication called fluconazole (Diflucan).
Reduce your risk of yeast infection by avoiding douching, wear loose-fitting pants, avoid pantyhose, and change wet clothes as soon as possible. [24]
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Diagnose and treat bacterial vaginosis. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina and is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44. [25]
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Bacterial vaginosis is thought to result from imbalance in the normal vaginal bacteria. New or multiple sexual partners and douching may disrupt the balance and lead to switching from “good” to “harmful” bacteria. [26]
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Bacterial vaginosis may be symptomless or you may notice white/gray vaginal discharge, pain or burning, or fish-like odor. Itching inside and outside the vagina may also occur.
Bacterial vaginosis may make you more prone to sexually transmitted diseases.
Sometimes this condition can go away without treatment but your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics. Best way to prevent bacterial vaginosis is to maintain proper vaginal hygiene that supports normal healthy bacterial balance. [27]
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Prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs are bacterial, viral or parasitic infections are transferred from partner to partner during unprotected sex. More than 20 types of STDs are known (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis). [28]
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Many STDs can be symptomless but if you do experience symptoms they may include unpleasant odor, white, clear, yellow, or green vaginal discharge, itching, and painful urination. [29]
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Some bacterial and parasitic STDs can be treated with antibiotics whereas others have no cure, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and genital herpes, but can be managed with medications. [30]
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Mayo Clinic
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If you suspect you have an STD, contact your doctor immediately and/or make an appointment for testing.
Why have I been suffering from a white discharge for the last 10 or 12 years?
White discharge is normal if it is not foul-smelling or itchy. If you're concerned, though, you should see a gynecologist... and certainly shouldn't wait a decade to do so.
Does using hair conditioner on your vagina work?
Do not clean your vagina with hair conditioner. Do not apply hair conditioner to your vagina for any purpose. If you've used shampoo on your pubic hair, apply a little to your pubic hair after washing. You can also use conditioner for shaving your pubic hair if you have no alternatives such as shaving cream.
What could be the reason my vagina hurts all the time?
Many reasons, including yeast infections, BV, herpes, PID, and too many others to list. You should really see a doctor, I know it's not fun, but it could be serious.
Will washing my vagina with salty water help make it cleaner?
No. You should clean your vulva/vaginal area with a mild, unscented soap and regular tap water.
Can't washing the vagina with soap cause infections?
It can throw off your PH balance, which can lead to an infection. So be sure to use a non-fragrance soap.
My discharge comes out clear, a little yellow, and smooth-textured. Should I be concerned?
No. What you're describing is completely normal.
Why do I get irritated after sex and get blisters?
Irritation during sex, especially if infrequent, is common. However, blisters are often associated with herpes. When the blisters occur, go to your doctor and get assessed.
Can toilet paper cause a yeast infection?
No, just irritation. Yeast infections are due to a build up of bacteria.
How do I tell if my vagina is infected?
if your vagina is infected, there will be itching and skin will start appearing reddish. There may also be an odor or discharge. Consult your doctor if you suspect you may have one, as it's easily treated with medication.
You probably have a yeast infection. One of the common symptoms is an itchy labia.
What can I do to stop the sweating and smell?
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
This article was medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD. Dr. Windham is a board certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Tennessee. She attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and completed her residency at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2010, where she was awarded the Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, and Most Outstanding Resident Overall. This article has been viewed 259,374 times.
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Last Updated: December 8, 2019
References
This article was medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD . Dr. Windham is a board certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist in Tennessee. She attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and completed her residency at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2010, where she was awarded the Most Outstanding Resident in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Most Outstanding Resident in Oncology, and Most Outstanding Resident Overall.
There are 30 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 259,374 times.
Maintaining vaginal hygiene is important for all women to do and understanding how to properly take care of your vagina is vital for your health. The vagina is naturally acidic and contains bacteria that can help fight off infections and maintain a normal pH balance. Discharge is also a normal secretion that the vagina produces in order to keep itself clean. Although this is a self-cleaning organ, you can take steps to improve your vaginal hygiene. [1]
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Why should you avoid using a loofah?
Not necessarily! Using a loofah should not make any area of your body, including your genital area, itchy. If it does, stop using the loofah or contact a doctor. Pick another answer!
Nope! If used correctly, loofahs should clean your genital area just fine. However, there's another reason to avoid them. Click on another answer to find the right one...
Not exactly! Washing your genital area too often, whether you use a loofah or not, can disrupt your pH balance, resulting in dryness. Make sure you aren't cleaning your genital area more than once a day. There’s a better option out there!
Yup! These small tears can then become infected. Use a soft washcloth or your hand to wash yourself instead. Read on for another quiz question.
How can drinking water keep your vagina healthy?
Nope! Cranberry juice, not water, helps treat and prevent yeast infections. Try again...
Exactly! You have many mucus membranes in your vagina. These require proper hydration to function, so getting enough water is essential for your vaginal health. Read on for another quiz question.
Not exactly! Drinking water does not prevent vagina dryness. However, soy products, nuts, and wheat can prevent dryness! Try again...
Definitely not! Drinking water does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. Always wear a condom to protect yourself. Choose another answer!
Which is true of bacterial vaginosis?
Not exactly! A yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, not bacterial vaginosis. Pick another answer!
Nope! HIV and genital herpes do not have cures. However, there is a cure for bacterial vaginosis. Click on another answer to find the right one...
Absolutely! While this disease is common, you can prevent it by maintaining proper vaginal hygiene. If you think you have bacterial vaginosis, talk to your gynecologist about possible treatment options! Read on for another quiz question.
Not necessarily! Bacterial vaginosis can have no symptoms. However, you may also experience white/gray vaginal discharge, pain, burning, a fish-like odor, or itching inside and outside the vagina. There’s a better option out there!
While your vagina actually cleans itself, there are a few steps you can take to keep it cleaner. Wash your vulva at least once a day with unscented soap and warm water. It’s important not to use scented soaps or wipes since these can disrupt your vagina’s pH balance and cause irritation. Besides cleaning your vagina, you should wear comfortable, cotton underwear to keep your vagina clean and dry. If you go swimming or workout, make sure to change your clothes immediately afterward to prevent bacteria build-up. If you experience any itching, burning, or have thick discharge, talk to your doctor, since you may have a yeast infection or a bacterial infection. These can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal ointments or probiotic tablets. However, if your symptoms don’t go away you may need antibiotics. For advice on keeping your vagina clean during and after sex, read more from our Gynecology co-author.
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