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Is Douching Safe For Pelvic Health?

Hey ladies! Feeling like you’re in a “funk” lately or just trying to avoid funk altogether in and near your lady parts?

We get it.  We want to feel confident and clean ALL DAY but with summer temps arising and everyday errands keeping us on the go, it is very possible that we start to notice an odor over time.

Obviously, there are different reasons for such and you are welcome to dive in deeper to the “why” by peeping some of our other blogs like, “What does discharge odor tell us about our vaginal health”.

But today, we are going to talk about everyday care and washing of your private areas, under the usual circumstances of a healthy, ph-balanced vagina.

If you walk up and down the feminine aisle, you’ll be bombarded with tons of options for feminine care. Soaps that boast ph balancing, soft scents, and anti-itching properties.  

The problem, however, is that your body is capable of cleaning itself.  In fact, vaginal discharge plays an important role in keeping the vagina healthy. As well as, providing a protective environment, vaginal discharge provides natural lubrication with between 1- 4mls of fluid produced every 24 hours.

Because of this, it’s a good idea to avoid perfumed soaps, gels, and antiseptics because they can offset the already-natural process of self-cleansing and even disrupt the process, causing irritation.

For this reason, we say skip on the perfumed soaps and opt for something that is fragrant-free to wash the area around the vagina (the vulva).

We also recommend washing gently with a new, clean washcloth each time as opposed to a rough surface like a loofah sponge which is used time and time again.

When you’re facing a bit more “flow”, like during your period, intimate times with a partner, or an excess of discharge, consider washing more than once per day (again, using a new cloth each time).  It is important to keep the perineal area between the vagina and anus clean is equally important for hygiene.

Rumor has it that vaginal douches, while still gracing the shelves at your local market, In the United States, almost one in five women 15 to 44 years old douche. Doctors recommend that you do not douche. Douching can lead to many health problems, including problems getting pregnant. Douching is also linked to vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Douching can disrupt the normal vaginal bacteria, so it is best to pass the pump up for good.

Much like antibiotics clear both the good and bad bacteria in your body, the same is true of douching. It can clear all bacteria, which imbalances your healthy pH present and that’s totally counter-productive.

What’s more, there’s no evidence that douching protects against STIs or vaginal infections. In fact, they may even increase the risk without your healthy bacteria fighting off any bad visitors!

Scented wipes and vaginal deodorants can also upset the internal balance. While it may seem super tempting to have a vagina smelling like your favorite floral fragrant, it isn’t natural, nor healthy.

Washing with water and plain soap suffices to keep your vagina healthy.

Wearing undies that absorb and wick away moisture will help keep you clean and dry as well and deter bacteria from breeding.

Of course, see your OBGYN to ensure that all is well down below. And if you have other thoughts on natural remedies or cleaning practices, we’d love to read them!

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