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This article explains how to clean your vulva or vagina safely, and which methods of cleaning to avoid.
Some people may want to clean their V-area in order to feel cleaner and more confident, not knowing that “the vagina does not require any additional cleaning.” Does this apply to the vulva?
First, we need to know what is the vagina, what is the vulva, and what is the difference between the two?
The Vulva
The Vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia, It protects your vagina, urinary opening, vestibule, Labia, and clitoris. The outer and inner ‘lips’ of the vulva are called the labia majora and labia minora. The vestibule is the inner portion of the vulva, It surrounds the opening of the vagina, and the opening of the urethra. The perineum is the area extending from beneath the vulva to the anus.
The Vagina
The vagina is a tube that connects your vulva with your cervix and uterus. It’s the canal where babies and menstrual blood leave the body through. The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse.
Difference Between The Vagina and Vulva.
Many people mistakenly interchange the words “Vulva and Vagina.” Your Vulva is the outer part of the genital area that you can see, Your vulva comprises Labia, mon pubis, clitoris, urethra, and vagina. While your vagina is the tube structure on the inside of the body, that connects the Vulva and the cervix to the Uterus, you can only see the entrance of the vagina, the rest is hidden from view.
How To Clean The Vagina
The vagina is a self-cleaning oven, Which means it does not require additional cleaning. There is a range of feminine products that are said to reduce vagina odor and clean the vagina, some manufacturers even claim some are natural, don’t use any of them!
These products were produced to prey on your insecurities. “Your Vagina doesn’t need to smell like cookies, Vagina should smell like vagina.” A healthy vagina naturally has a slight odor.
The vagina naturally produces a discharge that eliminates dead cells and bacteria, so there is no need to clean it using soaps, washes, or douches.
Washing your vagina will affect your vagina’s ability to clean itself. Soaps, gels or sprays, and even water, when used to wash inside your vagina disrupt the bacterial balance and may cause dryness. It can also result in Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, and other irritation.
“If you want a clean vagina, leave it alone to clean itself!”
You can only keep the area clean by doing these:
- Do not perform vagina sex immediately after anal sex.
- Use condoms and other barrier methods of contraception during sex, to reduce the risk of STIs.
- Wipe from front to back after urinating
- Urinate after sex to prevent UTIs.
How To Clean The Vulva.
Your Vagina may not require additional cleaning but your Vulva does. Cleaning your Vulva is a good idea but some rules apply.
Rules
1. Do not use soap to clean your Vulva. If you must use soap, use an unscented mild soap that is colorless.
2. Do not use feminine washes and sprays. These products are both unnecessary and harmful, as they can irritate your vulva and vagina.
3. Do not use scented products whether soap, gel or spray. It can irritate your Vulva and Vagina, your Vulva doesn’t need to smell like cookies.
4. Do not add antiseptic liquids to your water when cleaning your Vulva.
5. Do not steam your vagina, even with the so-called “Vagina cleaning herbs.”
Here is a healthy way of cleaning the Vulva while observing the rules:
1. Wash your Vulva with warm water.
2. Use unscented mild soap to wash the area around your vagina, this is optional. (Preferably during your period).
3. Spread the lips apart and carefully clean the folds, using clean hands or a washcloth.
4. Do not allow water or soap to get into your vagina.
5. Allow the area to dry naturally or pat it dry with a clean towel.
6. Wash the area between your Vulva and anus daily, to reduce the risk of bacteria spreading from your anus to your vagina.
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