Use only water to clean your vagina – No need for vaginal hygiene products, says doc

EVERY woman dreads having unpleasant vaginal odours. However, it is quite normal for our lady bits to have a much stronger scent than it did prior to puberty, because of increased body sweat.

However, this can significantly threaten the confidence of women, who, according to obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Robyn Khemlani, often turn to feminine hygiene sprays and mists to camouflage the odour or try to maintain a smell of freshness — completely oblivious to the potential risks.

“Many women use vaginal hygiene products, such as sprays or wipes, because they believe that the products will make them feel clean and fresh. But the fact that they’re pretty commonly used doesn’t mean they’re actually effective [or even safe],” Dr Khemlani said.

She pointed out that in a recent Canadian study, concerns were raised that vaginal hygiene products could actually do more harm than good for women’s health.

“The study found that women who use these products were three times more likely to experience some type of vaginal infection, like yeast or bacterial infection, even though, in some cases, women bought the product to actually help an existing problem. This is because these products may be preventing the growth of the healthy bacteria required to fight off infection,” she explained.

The obstetrician/gynaecologist also reasoned that many of these sprays and mists contain chemicals and fragrances, which will affect your vaginal pH balance. The manufacturers, however, claim that their products help maintain and/or support a healthy pH, which is unlikely as there is no scientific evidence to support this.

“Use of these hygienic products often strips away good bacteria, causing an imbalance which can lead to an infection called bacterial vaginosis. It can also lead, not just to irritation of the vulva and vagina, but to infections as well,” Dr Khemlani advised.

She cautioned women against using these products, which are designed to cleanse the vulva (the external genital area) on the vagina, because it is senseless.

“There is absolutely no need to use these products in the vagina; it is a self-cleaning area with regular cell turnover and has a balance of microbiomes with your good bacteria working to keep that pH in balance, and therefore should be cleaned with water only,” Dr Khemlani explained.

She warned that if women recognise that they are noticing a bad odour, and not just a scent, this should be thoroughly investigated by a medical professional so that the source can be determined and treatment administered. Dr Khemlani said the same approach should be taken if women feel that their vagina is giving off a discharge that is not normal, and is particularly unpleasant.

In the event that you are still using these products, Dr Khemlani recommends that you discontinue use. She suggests that, instead of these potentially harmful products, that you practise safer options such as bathing more frequently and wearing cotton panties that are breathable and that will keep your vagina dry and cool.