Table of contents:
- Parts of the vagina that don't need cleaning
- The importance of cleaning the outer vaginal area
- Rules for cleaning the outer vaginal part
- 1. Do not use the product douching
- 2. Cleaning regularly but not too often
- 3. Keeping the vagina dry
Routinely cleaning the vagina is a mandatory thing that cannot be missed in maintaining the health of the female area. However, it turns out that not all parts of the vagina must always be cleaned. Unfortunately, there are still many who do not know that cleaning the vagina has specific rules and methods.
Parts of the vagina that don't need cleaning
According to Professor Deborah Bateson, a genital and obstetrician at the University of Sydney, the vagina can clean itself. This is especially true of the inner vagina.
The discharge that you have been experiencing is fluid from the vaginal walls and cervical mucus which is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the inner vagina.
In other words, vaginal discharge is the body's natural way of cleaning the inside of the vagina.
Therefore, the inner vagina is an area that should not be cleaned with a substance other than water.
If this part of the vagina is cleaned using a chemical cleanser that contains an antiseptic (douching), the pH balance of the vagina will be disturbed.
When the ecosystem in the inside of the vagina is no longer balanced and safe, the vagina will be more at risk for infection with dangerous bacteria or viruses.
The importance of cleaning the outer vaginal area
If cleaning the inside of the vagina is a way that can actually increase the risk of infection, vice versa for the outside.
The outside of the vagina needs to be cleaned to avoid infection. Especially after urinating, defecating, or having sex.
The parts of the outer vagina that need cleaning are the vulva, labia majora (outer vaginal lips), and minora (inner vaginal lips).
Although not all infections that occur in the external vagina can cause serious health problems, you still shouldn't ignore them.
The reason is, the outside of the vagina is prone to irritation so that it can cause itching that makes you uncomfortable.
Rules for cleaning the outer vaginal part
Cleaning the outer vagina cannot be done haphazardly.
There are proper ways that need to be known properly so that the process of cleaning the vagina does not turn around to endanger the health of this organ.
1. Do not use the product douching
Product douching or chemical cleansers that contain fragrances and antiseptics not only harmful to the inside of the vagina, but also to the outside.
Similar to reactions in the inside of the vagina, the antiseptic and fragrant properties found in chemical cleansers can disrupt the pH balance of the outer vaginal part.
This can lead to irritation, itching, and a bad smell.
2. Cleaning regularly but not too often
Although cleaning the vagina in the right way is mandatory that needs to be done, avoid doing it too often.
The outside of the vagina can become irritated or lose its natural moisture when you wash it too often.
You can clean the vagina once a day with running water in a front-to-back motion. Using a special cleaning fluid without fragrance can also be done once in a while.
However, there are times when you really need to clean these female sex organs immediately. Namely after sex and exercise to avoid vaginal fluid that builds up.
3. Keeping the vagina dry
The outer part of the vagina should always be clean and dry. Therefore, don't forget to always dry the vaginal area after cleaning it with a special tissue or towel.
In addition, you can also avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, which can increase humidity.
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