Here's the correct way to clean your vulva (and how not to)

Which product is best to use to wash my vulva? Alternatively, can I use products at all? And if so, how do I best clean my vulva? Can I use a flannel for that or do I do it by hand? No doubt these are questions women have asked themselves before. Yet, partly due to insecurities, these questions are not often addressed. However, who is waiting for discomfort in the intimate area due to improper care? Shinn reveals the best things you can do to cleanse your vulva in the best possible way.

The Vagina Book written by sexologist Goedele Liekens spells it out clearly: a majority of women say the vagina is the organ they know the least about. However, there is more. For instance, most women claim to be ashamed of their vagina or have difficulty discussing it.This is strange, because the vagina is one of the things that makes a woman 'woman' and is consequently also a very important organ for both the body an sich, but also for feeling well.Proper care not only affects your health but also the way you feel. 

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ

Whether the vagina cleans itself, you ask? The answer to this is a resounding "YES". But exactly how does this work? Well, it is mainly the vaginal discharge that plays a major role in this. We'll explain.

Vaginal discharge is essential for a healthy vagina. A normal vaginal discharge consists of the fluid of the vaginal walls (the transudate), mucus (mucus) produced by the cervix, and lactobacilli. The latter produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins, and interact with pathogenic organisms. This fragile and balanced ecosystem is called the vaginal microbiome. It is from that microbiome that a certain level of acidity stems, as well as cleansing properties that protect the vaginal region from infection.

Can I use soap to clean my vagina?

Consequently, if you know that your vagina is a self-sustaining organ, you should also know that your vagina does not need too many extras. The rule is therefore: wash your vagina with water only. Soap and your vagina don't mix.

So should I stop using intimate hygiene products altogether?

"Should I then stop using intimate hygiene products altogether?" Of course you can, but you need to know carefully which ones and where you apply them. It is important not to disturb your microbiome when using intimate hygiene products. Should that happen, unwanted germs will get free rein and threaten complaints such as bacterial or fungal infections. However, how can you take this into account? The answer is: know what you are doing and act deliberately.

Use products for intimate hygiene externally only

First of all, it is important to distinguish between your vulva (outer part of your sex organ) and your vagina (inner part). Cleansing the outside of your sex organ can be done perfectly well with water. Nevertheless, many women opt for that little bit more because it feels more comfortable during their period, for example. This does not have to be a problem. However, it is important to limit yourself to the area around the vagina (external labia, urethra, and vagina exits) and the perineum (area between your vagina and anus). In other words, never use soaps or other products on the inside of your genitals. You can read it here.

Choose gentle products

Your vagina has a pH of around 3.5 to 4.5. Knowing that most shower soaps have a pH of 8, you probably already know what we will say: wrong. Therefore, choose gentle products that respect the specificity of your vagina and have a pH closer to it. Then, if a small amount of the product does get in, you will still limit the risk of problems

Be kind to your vulvar skin

Intimate skin is sensitive skin. So be kind to it. Therefore, choose mild products with a mild soap and without allergens like perfumes. Another tip: choose a product composed of as few ingredients as possible. This will reduce the risk of skin reactions. Another thing: on and around the vulva, you will find a multitude of secretions that have an odor. This is perfectly normal. So don't try to wash them away, because they have a lot of benefits. Embrace the wonders of nature.