Should You Wash The Inside Of Your Vagina?

Women generally want to feel feminine fresh but may be wondering the best way to accomplish this. Keeping the vagina clean helps with freshness and it also is how to prevent a UTI. However, over washing or using douches can actually make things worse, so it is important to follow certain tips on how to maintain vaginal freshness.

Signs of Poor Vaginal Health

If you are not properly taking care of your feminine area, there are numerous signs that indicate poor health. One is if you need chronic UTI treatment, as a urinary tract infection is a sign the pH levels down there are higher or lower than normal. Other infections include bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Symptoms of these may include:

• Foul odor
• Abnormal discharge
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Burning during urination or sex
• Frequent urination

 Proper Way to Wash

 Keeping the vagina clean is one part of maintaining proper pH levels, and the process does not need to be complicated. The vagina naturally cleans itself so all that is necessary is to use warm water and mild, preferably unscented, soap. Do not place soap inside the vagina, but just wash the area thoroughly and make sure all the soap is rinsed off. After a bath or shower, make sure to pat the area dry with a dry, soft towel.

If you want to freshen up in between a shower or bath, you can just apply soap and water with a washcloth or fill a small plastic bottle with warm water and squirt it around the outside of the vagina. Avoid using a douche or any smelly “freshening” sprays in or around the vagina. These remove the healthy bacteria and mess up the normal pH levels.

Other Hygiene Tips

 Washing properly is just one way to keep the vagina healthy and clean. The key to preventing UTIs after sex is to urinate immediately after intercourse, as this helps flush any bad bacteria out. This is the case even if a condom was used.

Avoid wearing tight underwear or pants because they can trap bacteria. Cotton underwear is the best choice because it is breathable. After exercising or being in a pool or hot tub, remove clothes and undergarments as soon as possible, as wetness stimulates the growth of bacteria.

Monthly menstruation is normal, and the vagina is able to keep itself clean during this time. However, there are things you can do to help encourage proper pH levels while you have your period. Organic cotton pads or tampons are the best, as the synthetic kinds contain toxic chemicals and fragrances that get absorbed by the vagina. It is also important to change them regularly.

Taking probiotics can also help improve vaginal health. An infection is often an indication that there are more bad bacteria than good, and a probiotic helps encourage more of the good bacteria. This keeps pH levels normal.

Keeping pH levels normal is important to avoid infections of the vagina. Cleaning the area properly is important, as is taking additional steps to ensure a healthy feminine area. Keep UTIs at bay by practicing good hygiene.