Myths and facts about vaginal hygiene

Myths and facts about vaginal hygiene

From my experience I have noticed that the topic of vaginal hygiene is misunderstood worldwide.

Many factors lead to this misunderstanding, such as:

** advertisements on social media that might be misleading

** cultural beliefs

As a result, women practice many behaviors that might be harmful.

Myth number one: use soap to wash the inside of your vagina

** the vagina self-cleans itself through bacteria and PH, using soap will cause irritation, infection and dryness.

What should I do?

Only clean the outside area (skin surrounding vaginal introitus) using soap.

Myth number two: any vaginal discharge means that you have infection

** it is normal to have physiologic vaginal discharge which is odorless and has no color or whitish color.

** the discharge is only considered a sign of infection if it is foul-smelling or is causing symptoms like itching.

Myth number three: you should use deodorants for the perineal area to smell fresh

** this causes skin irritation with superimposed bacterial infection

** having mild natural odor of the vagina is normal

Myth number four: tight underwear is okay

** tight clothing trap moisture and heat leading to bacteria/yeast growth

** you should avoid synthetic underwear and choose loose cotton clothing

Myth number five: you won’t get vaginal infection if you are not sexually active

** not all infections are sexually transmitted, many bacterial and yeast infections are the result of hormonal changes, diabetes, tight clothes, poor hygiene and many other causes.

Myth number six: vaginal steaming prevents infection

** it can lead to skin irritation or burns

Myth number seven: don’t bath during your period

** daily bathing and washing the external area help maintain hygiene and prevents infection.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist