Is It Necessary To Use Feminine Washes: How Safe Are Intimate Washes?

By Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta on October 30, 2021

Many feminine wash brands have appeared and are available over the counters and in store shelves. Most of the feminine washes claim to prevent vaginal smell down there and vaginal infections.

There are many options of vaginal washes in the market but all of them offer a common purpose of keeping the females’ intimate parts clean and fresh. But, is using feminine wash good for vaginal health. Intimate washes claim to maintain the normal pH of vagina to prevent bacterial infection and to treat irritation, itching and dryness of intimate areas. But, the question arises are feminine washes safe for daily use? Should a female use feminine wash. What are the alternatives for feminine wash for cleaning intimate parts?

To get answer to these questions it is important to learn vagina and vulva basics.

Basics Of Vagina And Vulva

Vulva is the external part of female genital tract. Vagina refers to the internal muscular tract that extends from cervix to the vaginal opening. For vaginal health one must ensure that the pH balance of vagina is maintained. The pH of vagina is usually 3.5 to 4.7 and varies according to female menstrual cycle stage and health. The bacterial population in the vagina is effected by the phases of menstrual cycle. Any product that disrupts the pH balance of vagina and vulva is considered unsafe.

What Are Feminine Washes Made Up Of?

Feminine washes are mostly made up from a mix of vinegar, iodine, and water. These ingredients seems harmless, as they are natural.

Is Intimate Wash Safe For You?

Many females use feminine and intimate cleansers.Intimate wash is safe for you if you are using a good quality product that do not disturb the normal pH of vagina. Do not wash your private parts more than two times in a day with intimate washes and wash only the outside of the private parts.

How To Use A Feminine Wash?

Before using feminine washes to clean your genitals, it is important to wash your hands. Then take very little amount of intimate wash on your palm and rub it to form lather. Apply it to be external part of intimate area. Rub it gently and rinse it off with warm water. Wash intimate areas front to back to avoid the entry of germs of anus towards the vulva area.

* There is no need to apply intimate wash to clean the internal vaginal area. Vagina itself produces natural vaginal secretion to clean itself.

After using the intimate wash, dry the area carefully by dabbing the area with a clean and soft towel.

Why To Use Feminine Washes?

The feminine washes balance vaginal pH level and keeps your vagina healthy. It prevents fungal or bacterial infection in the vaginal area. In addition, it supports the growth of good bacteria. Feminine washes leaves you feeling fresh throughout the day with no wetness, odour no stickiness.

Basic Rules For Intimate Hygiene

The basic rules for intimate hygiene includes using a good quality intimate wash. Wash your private parts at least once in a day. Only wash the outside of the private part. Never directly spray water to the vagina. The skin of your private parts is very soft so never use anything abrasive such as sponge to wash it. Always wash the outside of your vagina softly with your clean hands.Always wash your intimate area before and after having intercourse. Avoid sex during periods. Change your pads after every 4 to 6 hours when on period. Restrict the use of tampons and always wear loose cotton panties.

When it comes to personal hygiene females pay lots of attention to her hair and skin but hygiene of intimate areas is not much talked about. However, it is very important to take care of cleaning and hygiene of intimate areas to prevent infection and other vaginal health issues.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta: Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.