Often washing the vagina with betel soap is not healthy, you know!

Betel soap is claimed to remove unpleasant odors and refresh the vagina. This claim is certainly so tempting that it makes many women interested in trying it. However, is it true that cleansing soap containing betel is good for the vagina?

Overview of the betel leaf

Betel which has another name Piper betle is a sweet green plant with leaves that are shaped like a heart. In India, betel has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.

Reporting from the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, there are many benefits of betel leaf including:

Medicine for digestion
Antifungal
Antibacterial
Thin mucus
Overcoming bronchitis
Overcoming constipation
Maintain healthy teeth

With various benefits, betel leaf is also widely processed in various feminine soap products.

Is it safe to clean the vagina with betel soap?

There are many women who feel that cleaning with betel soap makes the vagina harder and smells good. So, is it safe?

To make soap, betel leaf has been processed in such a way that only the extract is taken. Betel leaf does contain antifungal and antibacterial agents that are useful for preventing infection.

However, please also note that what is contained in the soap is not only betel leaf extract. Manufacturers of course also add various other chemicals during the soap-making process.

The goal is to extend the shelf life of the product, as well as to preserve the natural ingredients in it so that it doesn't spoil quickly. Including dyes and fragrances that are often added to increase sales value.

These additional ingredients are actually not good for the vagina.

Too often using betel soap increases the risk of infection in the vagina

These chemicals can disrupt the balance of good bacteria that live naturally in the vagina. When the good bacteria are washed away by a soap rinse, it opens up opportunities for the bad germs to multiply more easily. The reason is, the vagina no longer has a strong protector.

When there are more bad bacteria in your vagina, you are more susceptible to infection. Whether it's bacterial, fungal, or sexually transmitted infections.

In addition, the outer skin of the vagina is a thin and sensitive tissue. Exposure to these chemicals can irritate the vaginal skin and make it inflamed. Especially if you use it too often.

In fact, experts never recommend using any kind of feminine soap to wash the vagina. Yes. Including betel soap. This is because the vagina is able to clean and protect itself.

The result is too often cleaning the vagina with betel soap

Cleaning the vagina with betel soap too often can increase various health risks, such as:

Dry vagina

Using betel soap too often and a lot can make the vaginal area dry. Even though it may seem unobtrusive, a dry vagina can make sex painful.

In addition, a vagina that is too dry is also very easy to itch. When you keep scratching it until you scratch it, the door to infection opens wide.

Triggers an infection in the vagina

Infection can occur due to soap that removes the good bacteria colonies that protect the vagina. Whether it's because the ingredients are too hard or because they use it too often.

The good bacteria actually function to protect the vagina from infection. If the good bacteria colonies in the vagina are lost, the pH balance of the vagina can be disturbed. This can lead to bacterial, fungal, or even venereal diseases.

Infection can make the vagina itchy, discharge abnormally, to severe it makes it difficult to get pregnant. In order to avoid these dangers, clean the vagina only in the right way.

Trigger pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Feminine soap, including betel soap, can increase the risk of developing this disease.

The principle is the same as the appearance of infection in the vagina. If the infection is not treated, the bacteria can spread to various other organs near the vagina and cause complications.

Pelvic inflammation is a disease that can make it difficult for a person to get pregnant.

When infecting, pelvic inflammatory disease usually causes various symptoms such as:

Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
Pain during sex
Pain when urinating
Stained blood after sex or between menstrual cycles

Increases the risk of pregnancy complications

When you clean your vagina too often with betel soap, you run the risk of complications during pregnancy.

One of the most common complications is ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy. Grape pregnancy is a condition when the embryo attaches itself outside the uterus.

The safe way to clean the vagina

When you want to clean the vagina, use running water. It would be much better if you clean it with lukewarm water. Then, rub the vagina from front to back. Do not be the other way around because it will actually make germs from the anus into the vagina.

You can clean the outside of the vagina with soap. Use soap made from mild (scented and unscented) and safe, you also need to look at the condition of the outer skin of the vagina. Make sure there are no cuts, tears, or irritation around the vagina.

Remember, never use soap to clean the inside of the vagina. Cleaning the inside of the vagina kills good bacteria and can lead to infection.Use soap only to clean the outer skin area and around the vagina and buttocks.

After making sure it is clean, dry the vagina by tapping it lightly. Don't scrub. Make sure it is completely dry and don't let the vagina continue to feel damp. Wear cotton underwear so that it absorbs sweat properly.

What about menstruation? The method is actually the same as above. While menstruating, you may occasionally wash the outer skin area of the vagina with betel soap. After that, dry it well. Don't forget to regularly change your sanitary napkins at least every 4 hours, or change them whenever you feel the pads are full.

You don't really need to clean your vagina "too clean and cramped" during your period. Don't because when your vaginal period smells rancid, you should wash it immediately with betel soap every time you change your sanitary napkin. The blood will continue to flow and normally it will give off an unpleasant odor.

As long as the smell is within normal limits, you don't need to worry. However, if after finishing menstruation there is still a bad smell and is accompanied by vaginal discharge, you should consult a doctor.