Vagina Soap

Vagina Soap



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Vagina Soap
Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — Written by Sian Ferguson on February 5, 2019
Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C — Written by Sian Ferguson on February 5, 2019
Medically reviewed by Amanda Kallen, MD
© 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information .
© 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information .
No, but you do need to wash your vulva.
Let’s recap some basic anatomy. The vagina is the inner canal inside your body.
The term “vulva” refers to the outer parts around the vagina, such as the:
While you shouldn’t wash inside your vagina, it’s a good idea to wash your vulva.
Washing the vagina can lead to many problems. You might have heard that the vagina is like a self-cleaning oven — a pretty accurate metaphor.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists points out that your vagina cleans itself and keeps itself healthy by maintaining the correct pH balance and cleaning itself with natural secretions.
Your vagina contains a lot of “good” bacteria. These bacteria maintain the ideal pH balance in your vagina, which is slightly acidic.
The acidic pH makes it hard for “bad” bacteria to infect your vagina.
When you use soaps, sprays, or gels — and yes, even water — to wash inside your vagina, you disrupt the bacterial balance. This can result in bacterial vaginosis , yeast infection , and other irritation.
Washing your vagina can also affect your vagina’s ability to clean itself. So if you want a clean vagina, leave it alone to clean itself!
You should wash your vulva with warm water. If you’d like, you can use a mild soap that won’t irritate the skin — but this isn’t necessary.
Spread your lips apart and gently cleanse around the folds, using a clean washcloth or your hands. Avoid getting water or soap inside your vagina.
In addition to washing your vulva, it’s a good idea to wash the anus and the area between your vulva and anus every day.
It’s best to wash “front to back” — in other words, wash your vulva first and then your anus. Otherwise, bacteria from the anus can spread to your vagina, which can cause infections.
Nope! You don’t have to use soap to wash your vulva, according to Mayo Clinic .
If you want to use soap, choose a soap that’s unscented, mild, and colorless. Fragranced soap can irritate the sensitive skin in and around the vulva.
Most supermarkets have a range of feminine washes and sprays that are said to reduce odor and clean the vagina. Don’t buy these.
Your vagina doesn’t need any of these items to be clean, and it certainly doesn’t need to smell like a rose garden!
These products were essentially created to prey on people’s insecurities regarding their bodily odors.
In truth, these products are both unnecessary and harmful, as they can irritate your vulva and vagina.
Yes, you should avoid these at all costs. Scented products — whether they’re soaps, washes, or sprays — can irritate the vagina and the vulva.
Probably not. Your vagina might smell distinctly like a vagina, and that’s OK.
It’s unlikely that someone else will be able to smell it unless they’re very close to your vagina — so your sexual partner will probably smell it.
But that’s perfectly normal, and it’s not something to worry about.
No vagina is odorless, nor should they be. Vaginas have many possible smells , from coppery to sweet. The smell of your vagina might change depending on your diet and menstrual cycle .
If the smell is pungent and unpleasant, contact a doctor or other healthcare provider.
Certain conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis, can cause your vagina to smell strongly. Your provider can advise you on any next steps.
Vaginal discharge is totally normal. If you’re concerned about your discharge, take a look at the color.
More often than not, clear and white discharge is the natural lubrication that your vagina produces to keep the tissues moist and healthy.
Clear discharge could also be a result of ovulation. This is just a sign that your vagina is doing its job.
Your discharge might also appear reddish-brown around your period, as it will be colored by your blood .
You might need to chat with a doctor if your discharge is gray, green, or yellow in color, or if it’s accompanied by itching, pain, or any other unusual symptoms.
You can wash your vulva in the same way while menstruating. If you’re concerned about potential odor, you may consider washing your vulva more than once a day.
Some people use fragranced soap to wash their vulvas without any problems, but it’s still not a good idea. Fragranced, harsh soaps can irritate the sensitive skin around the vulva.
Vaginal douching involves squirting a solution into the vagina, usually with the intention of cleaning the vagina. This doesn’t work and isn’t safe.
Remember the “good” bacteria mentioned earlier? Douches, like soaps, can irritate and kill off that good bacteria, leaving your vagina more vulnerable to infection.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends against using douches. There are a number of complications related to douches, from STI susceptibility to problems with pregnancy.
One 2008 study on vaginal health looked at 2,561 participants. It found that those who douched frequently before pregnancy were more likely to give birth to a premature baby.
One 2016 study found that participants who douched often were more likely to contract human papilloma virus (HPV) .
In short, douching doesn’t make for a healthy reproductive system. Like fragranced feminine washes, they’re unnecessary and harmful.
Vaginal steaming became a hot topic when Gwyneth Paltrow praised it back in 2015.
It involves steeping certain herbs in hot water and sitting over the water so that the steam enters your vagina. It’s said to ease cramps, bloating, and other conditions.
Vaginal steaming isn’t a good idea. There is no scientific evidence that it works, and it can be harmful.
Hot steam can hurt the delicate tissues in and around the vagina, and certain herbs can cause you to have a miscarriage.
When it comes to a body part as sensitive as a vagina, it’s best to stick to well-studied solutions.
There are a number of things you can do to keep your vagina and vulva healthy.
When using the toilet, don’t wipe from back to front, as this can spread bacteria from your anus to your vagina.
This can cause a number of infections. Instead, always wipe from front to back.
The “front to back” rule doesn’t just apply to wiping.
Nothing that goes in or near your anus should go in or near your vagina afterwards, unless you clean it first.
This is especially important when it comes to sex and masturbation — toys, fingers, tongues, penises, and anything else that might go near your anus should be washed before it goes into your vagina.
Pee after sex to push any germs outside of your urinary tract.
During sex, germs can come into contact with your urinary tract, a small hole just above your vagina. Peeing after sex helps flush those germs out.
If you don’t pee after sex, you could get a urinary tract infection (UTI) — an easily treatable, but painful condition.
If anything goes into your vagina, be sure to check out the ingredients before you use it. Scented lube, condoms, and tampons should be avoided.
Cotton underwear is both gentle and comfortable on your sensitive pubic area — and it’s breathable, which lets the moisture “air out” instead of building up.
Nylon and other synthetic fabrics can irritate the sensitive skin around your vulva.
Damp, warm conditions are ideal for breeding bad bacteria. To prevent this bacteria from overgrowing and infecting your vagina, change out of your wet swimsuit or sweaty gym pants as soon as you can.
See a doctor or other healthcare provider if you experience:
It’s also a good idea to see a doctor about your vaginal health if you have any other questions and concerns, as well as for a regular Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
Last medically reviewed on February 5, 2019

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Wash the area around your vagina at least once a day. Throughout the day, sweat and moisture can build up in your genital area, providing a good environment for bacteria and yeast. Wash the area daily as part of your regular bath or shower routine to prevent vaginal infections and unpleasant odors. [1]
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If you are on your period, it’s a good idea wash more than once a day during your menstrual cycle.


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Use plain, unscented soap to wash your genital area. When you wash yourself, use warm water and a gentle, unscented soap, feminine wash or body wash. Harsh, perfumed soaps can irritate your vulva and vagina and throw off your vagina’s natural pH balance, possibly leading to infections. [2]
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Some people can use lightly scented soaps without any problems. However, if you are prone to infections and irritation, try switching to an unscented or hypoallergenic soap.
You can use your hand or a very soft washcloth to wash your vulva, but don’t use a harsh washcloth or loofah. Scrubbing the area can cause irritation. [3]
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Spread your outer labia and clean the folds around your clitoris. As you wash, be careful to clean all the creases and folds around your vagina. Gently spread your outer labia (the large, fleshy pads or “lips” on the outside of your vulva) and wipe around the skin folds inside, making sure to wash around the hood of your clitoris and the area outside the entrance to your vagina. [4]
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Try not to get any soap inside your vagina itself, since this can be drying and irritating.

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Cleanse your anal area last. Once you’re done washing your vulva, move to your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) and then your anus and the area between your buttocks. Always move from front to back while you are washing so that you don’t spread germs from your anal area into your vagina. [5]
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Washing from back to front can increase your risk of developing a vaginal infection or urinary tract infection .

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Rinse away all the soap when you’re done. After you’ve washed your entire genital area, rinse yourself thoroughly with plain, warm water. Make sure to wash away any remaining soap suds, since leaving it there could dry out or irritate the delicate skin around your genitals. [6]
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If your rinse with a handheld shower jet, take care not to get any of the spray inside your vagina. Forcing water into your vagina can cause irritation, upset your vagina’s natural pH balance, or push unwanted bacteria up into your uterus. [7]
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Pat the area dry with a clean towel after you rinse. Once you’re done washing and rinsing yourself, use a clean, dry towel to pat your genital area dry. Don’t rub the area, since doing so can cause irritation. [8]
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You can also gently dry your vulva and groin area with a blow-dryer on a low, cool setting.

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Stay away from douches, scented wipes, and deodorant sprays. There are a variety of products on the market that claim to promote good vaginal hygiene and keep you smelling fresh. However, these products can cause irritation and wash away good bacteria, potentially leading to infections. Never use perfumed products on your vulva or vagina, and don’t use any type of douche unless your doctor recommends it. [9]
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Avoid using scented bath oils or bubble baths, since these can cause irritation or vaginal infections.

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Wear cotton underwear to prevent irritation and reduce moisture. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester keep in moisture and heat around your genital area, creating an environment that’s good for harmful bacteria and yeast. [11]
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To prevent this, opt for more breathable cotton underwear, and change into a fresh pair daily (or more often, if your underwear gets damp or sweaty).

Avoid thongs and tight-fitting leggings or pants, since these can trap heat and moisture and irritate your vulva. [12]
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Try sleeping without underwear or wearing loose cotton boxers at night.


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Launder new underwear before you wear it. New underwear may have harsh dyes or chemical residues that can irritate your vulva and vagina. Always wash your underwear before wearing it for the first time. [13]
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When you wash your underwear, use a mild, unscented detergent. You can also use an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the detergent is rinsed out.

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Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. Whenever you use the toilet, gently wipe from front to back—even if you’ve only urinated. Wiping from back to front can move bacteria from your anal area into your vagina or urethra, putting you at risk of developing a vaginal or urinary tract infection. [14]
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Avoid toilet papers that contain perfumes, dyes, or lotions, since these can irritate your vulva and vagina. Stick to plain white paper. [15]
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Clean up with mineral oil after stubborn bowel movements. Doctors don’t recommend using wet wipes—even unscented ones—to wipe yourself. If you have trouble getting fresh and clean after a bowel movement, you can make wiping easier by adding a little mineral oil or unscented soap (such as Dove or Cetaphil body wash) to your toilet paper. Rinse off with a little water when you’re done, and pat yourself dry. [16]
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Studies show that using feminine wipes can not only cause pain and irritation, but may significantly increase your chances of getting a urinary tract infection. [17]
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Get out of wet clothes immediately after swimming or exercising. After you swim or exercise, change out of your wet clothing right away and dry yourself off thoroughly. [18]
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Staying in wet or sweaty clothing can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast in and around your vagina.
It’s also a good idea to shower as soon as you can after exercising or swimming to wash away sweat, grime, or chlorine.

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Change your tampons and pads often during your period. If you have periods, change your pads or tampons frequently. [19]
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Never wear a tampon for longer than 8 hours to prevent potentially deadly toxic shock syndrome . You should also try to change your pads at least every 3-4 hours, even if you’re not bleeding that much. [20]
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Don’t use scented pads or tampons, and stick to products made from 100% cotton if you can. [21]
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Use condoms during sex and urinate afterwards to prevent infections. If you have sex, you can reduce your risk of getting an STI (sexually transmitted infection) or a bacterial infection by using a condom every time. [22]
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Ask your partner to put on a condom, or use a female condom to protect your vagina.

It’s also a good idea to urinate and shower immediately after sex. [24]
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This can help rinse away bacteria, sweat, and other bodily fluids that might contribute to a bacterial or yeast infections.

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Try a baking soda soak to reduce excess odor and discharge. Mild odors and most vaginal secretions are natural and healthy. However, if they bother you, you can use a baking soda soak to cleanse your vulva and minimize odors. Fill a bathtub partway with lukewarm water and stir in 4-5 tablespoons (58-72 g) of baking soda. Soak in the tub 1-3 times a day for 10 minutes at a time. [25]
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A baking soda soak can also help reduce itching and burning if you’re dealing with irritation or an infection.

How to keep the vagina from smelling?

It's natural for your vagina to have a mild odor. The best thing you can do is wash daily with mild soap and water and wear breathable cotton underwear and loose, comfortable pants to prevent sweat from building up in the area. If your vagina has a very strong, unpleasant odor, talk to your doctor to find out what might be causing it.

My vagina feels irritated after penetration. Can that be a result of yeast infection?

There are a lot of reasons your vagina might feel irritated after penetration. It's possible you have an infection, in which case you might see other symptoms, like redness, itching, and unusual discharge. If you don't produce a lot of natural lubrication, that could also lead to soreness and irritation. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist about your concerns--they can help you figure out what's going on.

My vagina color is so very dark. How can I lighten the color?

If you are concerned about the color of your vagina, there are private clinics that offer chemical or laser bleaching procedures. However, please be aware that these procedures can cause harmful side effects, such as blistering, scarring, redness, and irritation. There is a huge range of natural variation in the color of women's genitals, so there's nothing harmful or abnormal about having dark pigmentation in your vagina.

What must I do if my vagina is clean, dry, and doesn't have any discharge?

Even if your vagina seems clean, it's a good idea to wash your genital area every day and wear clean, breathable underwear.

My vagina is too tight. Should I see doctor?

It's a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your vaginal health. They can help you determine if you have vaginismus, a condition in which the vaginal muscles become painfully tight. This condition can be treated with a combination of physical therapy, psychological therapy, and devices such as vaginal dilators.

Can I use Vagisil while on Terconazole?

Ask your doctor or a pharmacist if it is safe to use these two medications together. They can tell you if there is any risk of harmful interactions.

What if the vagina smells so bad and always has this whitish discharge that comes out like your menstruation? What do I do to stop it?

If you have a strong odor and heavy vaginal discharge, see your doctor. It's possible that you have a vaginal infection. They can run tests to determine what's causing these symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment.

I was washing my vagina last time. My mom told me to not take a bath because if the soap goes in, it can hurt you. But I wanted to do so I did, just without soap, all after a shower. I slightly opened my legs and water went in my vagina and that burned. Why?

Getting water inside your vagina can cause slight irritation. It's also possible that your vagina was already irritated for some reason. If you have any concerns, make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist.

Can I use Mycoten for vaginal discharge?

Before using any medication to treat your discharge, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Some vaginal discharge is normal, and using medications to treat it could upset the natural balance of your vagina and cause irritation or infections. If you do have an infection, it's also important to determine what type (i.e., bacterial or yeast) so that you can choose the right kind of medication.

There's always toilet paper stuck around my vagina, and it smells sour and stinky. How do I get rid of this? I can't take a shower every time I go to the bathroom.

Ask your doctor about using gentle, unscented wipes to clean yourself when you go to the bathroom. You could also gently wipe yourself with a clean, damp washcloth. Consider switching to a stronger toilet paper if the paper you use tends to easily shred and stick to your body.

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This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 8,690,845 times.


Bahasa Indonesia: Membersihkan Vagina


"I should know how by now to but I wanted to make sure I was doing it right, this helped a lot. Many young ladies can benefit from this article, especially those who are motherless. Also, the article empowered me to consider speaking with the doctor freely. " ..." more


"I stumbled across this by accident but was very impressed. I was a nurse and know these facts, however a lot of young women don't and are too embarrassed to ask. I think this was very well put and extremely easy to understand. Keep up the good work!" ..." more


"It's nice knowing you aren't really supposed to shave or wax the area because to me this has never appealed to me. I also didn't know it was bad to use antibacterial soap because my mother basically told me it was good to use just about everywhere." ..." more


"Very important to use a mild, non-perfumed soap. Also, since I had estrogen positive breast cancer and cant use my estrogen, uncomfortable dryness can be a problem. For relief, I use just a dab of pure emu oil, instant relief!" ..." more


"Its awesome to know there are readers like me who are concerned with their vaginal needs. The tips on how to properly clean your "girly" area was very helpful and helped me feel confident. Thank you!!" ..." more


"It helped me in the sense that I know what to do to make my vagina clean, and the kind of panties I should wear. I like sleeping with my panties, but now, I understand it is not good. Thanks a lot." ..." more


"This helped me eliminate the strange odor that was coming from my bikini bottom and has taught me some valuable information that I was never taught as a female progressing into a young woman." ..." more


"Thank you for posting this article! Many of us never learned how to properly care for our private parts. I never knew a smelly vagina was normal. Glad to see this, very insightful!" ..." more


"I've learned to not wash inside the vaginal canal. I always take my finger and wipe out any discharge/wetness in there. I'm going to see how things go without doing that." ..." more


"I was not very clear as to how I need to keep myself clean. After reading this article, I feel more confident that I can take better care of myself in the right way." ..." more


"It's very helpful. I got so much information which I didn't know before. As a girl I should know how to make my vagina cleaner and healthier. Thank you so much." ..." more


"I've learned a lot from this mini article. And the Q&A section answered questions that I needed and wanted to know. I would recommend this to anyone. Thanks." ..." more


"This article has helped me a lot. I didn't know whether I was washing my vagina the right way, thank you. Now I know how to take care of my private parts." ..." more


"It's great to know that the vagina has its own natural cleaning cycle, and that the use of heavily-perfumed soaps only alters the pH value. Great read." ..." more


"The tip about the unscented wipes, I was curious about wipes that can help you keep clean & the tip of getting unscented wipes helped." ..." more


"I used to wash the inside of my vigina with just water and it made me feel clean, but now that I have read this I will stop doing so." ..." more


"What helped most is knowing that the vagina has its own smell, instead of trying to make it smell nice with deodorants." ..." more


"I've learned quite a lot from reading this article and would love to continue reading how to treat myself as a female." ..." more


"Great tips. Honestly, I didn't know a lot of things, like not using perfumed soaps. Now I know, thanks wikiHow."


"I'm grateful to know there is good bacteria that shouldn't be washed away. Thanks."


"I didn't know you are not supposed to wash inside the vagina, something new to me."


"Great tips. I didn't know I'm not supposed to wash with soap inside my vagina."


"It really gave me useful information, and now I look and smell way better."


"I didn't know entirely how, but this article helped. Thanks."


"I didn't know you shouldn't clean the inside of the vagina."


"The whole thing thing helps me. Can't just pick one part."


"How to clean the vagina. This gave me good warnings."


"I learned a lot from this website, very informative."


"Step by step explanation of how to clean the vagina."


"Learned to never wash the inside of the vagina."

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90% of readers found this article helpful .
% of people told us that this article helped them.

"I should know how by now to but I wanted to make sure I was doing it right, this helped a lot. Many young ladies can benefit from this article, especially those who are motherless. Also, the article empowered me to consider speaking with the doctor freely. " ..." more


"I stumbled across this by accident but was very impressed. I was a nurse and know these facts, however a lot of young women don't and are too embarrassed to ask. I think this was very well put and extremely easy to understand. Keep up the good work!" ..." more


"It's nice knowing you aren't really supposed to shave or wax the area because to me this has never appealed to me. I also didn't know it was bad to use antibacterial soap because my mother basically told me it was good to use just about everywhere." ..." more


"Very important to use a mild, non-perfumed soap. Also, since I had estrogen positive breast cancer and cant use my estrogen, uncomfortable dryness can be a problem. For relief, I use just a dab of pure emu oil, instant relief!" ..." more


"Its awesome to know there are readers like me who are concerned with their vaginal needs. The tips on how to properly clean your "girly" area was very helpful and helped me feel confident. Thank you!!" ..." more

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Last Updated: October 8, 2020

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This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards.


There are 28 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.


wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 34 testimonials and 90% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.


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Learn more...


Your vagina is a delicate part of the body that needs proper care to stay clean and healthy . The vagina itself (the internal opening that leads to your cervix) is self-cleaning and doesn’t need to be washed. However, it’s important to wash your vulva (the outer part of your genitals) and the area around your anus to help prevent infections and irritation in the vagina. Establish a daily washing routine to keep the area around your vagina clean. You can also keep clean by adopting good hygiene habits, such as wearing breathable cotton underwear and wiping front to back when you use the bathroom.

Did you know? A healthy vagina has a population of beneficial bacteria that can help keep yeast and bad bacteria under control. When the population of good bacteria in your vagina is disrupted, unwanted organisms can move in and cause an infection. [10]
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Mayo Clinic
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Caution: While washing up after sex can help prevent problems like urinary tract infections, it won’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy . Using a condom is one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs. [23]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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It’s also a good birth control method, especially when combined with other forms of contraceptives, such as hormonal birth control pills.
To wash your vagina, start by cleaning the area around it with unscented soap and water to get rid of any bacteria and yeast. Then, move to your perineum, which is the area between your vagina and anus, and end with your anus so you don’t spread germs from your anal area into your vagina. While keeping a cleansing routine is key to vaginal health, avoid douches, scented wipes, and deodorant sprays, which can wash away good bacteria and lead to infections. To learn how to pick the best underwear for vaginal health, keep reading!
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