How to Clean Vagina and Vulva

How to properly clean your vagina

How to clean vagina and vulva. The vagina is a female genital organ that does not require special cleaning tools or products because it can clean itself. Even the vagina does not need any cleaning products at all.

To get a cleaner and more confident feeling, some women do vulvar lip cleansing. The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia that surrounds the entrance to the vagina. But women should be careful in cleaning the lips of the vulva, it is recommended to do a gentle cleaning. Because cleaning the lips of the vulva excessively can cause negative effects and side effects. It should also be noted that attempts to clean the vagina with a douche or other similar product can cause inflammation and change the pH of the vagina.

In this article, we will discuss the anatomy of the vagina, how to safely clean the vagina and vulva, and how to clean the vagina and vulva to avoid.

Difference between vagina and vulva

The vagina is the inner part of the female genitalia. Like other internal organs, the vagina is an internal organ that does not need to be cleaned. A large collection of good bacteria and other microbes help keep the vagina healthy. Washing the vagina with harsh soaps or douches can unbalance the vaginal pH and increase the risk of infection and bad odor.

The vulva is located on the outside of the vagina, which includes structures such as the clitoris, labia majora, labiya minora, and vaginal opening.

Does the vagina need to be cleaned?

The vagina and vulva produce a variety of fluids that are important for maintaining the overall health of these organs. A healthy vagina naturally is odorless, so women should not try to get rid of all vaginal odors by washing the vagina.

In some cases, washing the vagina will also not get rid of the vaginal infection but can make the infection worse. Using harsh soaps can dry out the delicate vaginal tissue, causing tiny tears in the vagina. The small tear in the vagina makes it easier for harmful bacteria to infect the vagina.

How to clean the vagina and vulva safely

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:
  • using barrier methods, such as a condom, to reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs with a sexual partner
  • keeping the vaginal area as dry as possible, which may involve changing underwear if it becomes wet with sweat, menstrual blood, or other fluids
  • urinating after having sex, to avoid developing a UTI
  • wiping from front to back after urinating
  • refraining from having vaginal sex straight after having anal sex, as this can spread bacteria from the anus to the vagina
To clean the vagina and 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.

How to clean the vagina and vulva to avoid

To avoid infection, pain, irritation of the vagina and vulva, it is important not to use the following products:
  • douches, even those that the manufacturers claim are safe or natural
  • feminine deodorant sprays
  • perfumes
  • detergent soaps
  • soaps containing perfume

When should women see a doctor for vagina problems?

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:
  • itching
  • white or yellow discharge
  • burning
  • discharge with a chunky texture
  • white coating on the lining of the vulva
  • pain during intercourse
If a person has BV, they are likely to notice the following symptoms:
  • fishy odor
  • itching
  • pain when urinating
  • pain during sex

Summary - How to clean the vagina and vulva

From a medical point of view, there is no medical reason to clean the vagina and vulva. So everything is returned to the women. If you want to clean the vagina and vulva, you should use warm water and mild soap.

All cleaning methods like douching and others, can do more harm than good. There is little evidence to suggest that these methods can clean the vagina and vulva effectively and without risk.

You should see a doctor and get treatment, if you experience unusual vaginal discharge or an unpleasant vaginal odor. These symptoms are one of the first signs that an infection has occurred in the vagina and vulva, so it requires treatment and intensive care from a doctor.


Article source:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-clean-your-vagina

Image source:
https://www.teahub.io/viewwp/JmJTTb_dua-lipa-adidas-woman/
Previous Post