How to Clean Your Vagina and Vulva

Intimate hygiene is an integral part of overall health and must not be ignored or taken lightly. Many times, we don’t realise that certain actions or practices that we’ve become so accustomed to are, in fact, harmful for your vagina’s health. Which is why it is important to know how to clean your vagina and vulva correctly. Read more about intimate hygiene and how to care for vaginal discharge here.

• Difference Between Vagina and Vulva
• Does your vagina need cleaning?
• How to keep your vulva clean and safe?
• How to clean vulva during periods?
• Cleaning practices to avoid

The vagina and vulva two different organs that are often used interchangeably. Technically, the vagina is the internal portion of your genitals. Whereas the vulva is the external part of a female’s genitals – comprising the clitoris, labia and vaginal opening. A reliable and healthy set of bacteria helps keep the vagina healthy.

If you’re wondering how to clean your vagina, the truth is that the vagina does not need cleaning, it is the vulva that needs to be washed and cleaned in a gentle manner. The vagina is an internal organ and does not need to be cleaned. A host of good bacteria helps to clean the vagina and keeps infections at bay. Vagina naturally has a distinct smell, and it’s completely normal to have a mild smell ranging from coppery to sweet. Many factors such as which stage of the menstrual cycle you’re in, activities and diet affect the smell of your vagina. If you’re concerned about having a clean vagina and not having too strong an odour, you can wash your vulva to feel fresh.

Here are simple steps to wash your vulva:

• Use warm water to gently wash between the folds of your labia.
• If you want, you can also use a mild soap and rinse thoroughly after.
• Pat the area dry using a clean towel.

Some helpful tips to remember for a clean vagina and vulva, and to keep vaginal irritation and rashes at bay:

1. Wear cotton underwear as it is comfortable and gentle, which will help your sensitive genital area.
2. Avoid wearing tight clothing all the time. Wear loose, breathable, and comfortable clothes.
3. Keep the vaginal area dry by changing underwear whenever needed. For instance, if it becomes wet due to sweat, menstrual blood or excessive discharge.
4. Use panty liners to manage excessive vaginal discharge. The ALWAYS Comfort Protect Panty Liners have an innovatively discreet design that is flexible and reliable, so you can go about your activities freely. It also has a unique odour neutralising technology keeps you confident and secure all day. Read more about reasons to wear panty liners for hygiene and comfort.
5. When you clean yourself after using the toilet, make sure to wash from the front to the back. This will avoid transferring faecal matter near or into your vagina which can increase risk of infection.

When you’re on your period, you may have a slightly messy situation. True, your vagina is a self-cleansing organ but your vulva isn’t. You need to clean your vulva, that is the outside of your vagina, since it may be smeared with blood during your periods. Using warm water is the best way to clean your vulva. As much as you feel tempted to use any scented feminine hygiene products, stay away from them as they may irritate the sensitive skin around your vulva. If you feel you need something extra, you can use a mild soap. Read more about how to avoid period rashes.

Some cleaning practices do the opposite of their intent and end up harming your vaginal health. Avoid the below practices.

1. Douching, which involves using a device that allows water to flush through the vaginal cavity.
2. Intimate hygiene products that have strong fragrance
3. Deodorants or perfumes
4. Vaginal steaming, which involves sitting on a steam bath with herbs.

If you notice any unusual smell, colour or texture in vaginal discharge, you must report it to your doctor. Some of the other symptoms that warrant a visit to the doctor are as follows:

• Itching

• Having a burning sensation

• Fishy odour

• Pain when urinating

• Discharge with a chunky texture

• White coating on the lining of the vulva

Be careful to clean your vagina and vulva safely. Most cleaning practices such as douching and steaming are harmful for your vagina’s health. Follow healthy and simple practices to keep your vagina clean. Here's a complete step-by-step guide on how to use a tampon to maintain intimate hygiene. Now keep a track of your ovulation period with Always Safe Days Calculator.

You can wash your vulva gently using warm water and a mild soap. Do not use methods such as douching and vaginal steaming as it may harm your vagina’s health.

Your vagina will always have a mild natural smell. In order to stay fresh in your vaginal area, you can wear loose clothing, wear cotton underwear, maintain a healthy diet and avoid douches and scrubs to keep your vagina clean.

The internal portion of your genitals is called the vagina and you don’t need to clean your vagina it as it is a self-cleaning organ. You can, however, wash your vulva using warm water and a mild soap.

Disclaimer:

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