Women have long believed in the importance of maintaining vaginal hygiene. It is a crucial part of staying healthy, avoiding infections and unpleasant odors, and keeping the genital area clean and comfortable.

However, recent research and medical experts are proving that vaginal washings and douching may actually be doing more harm than good.

What Is Vaginal Washing?

Vaginal washing or douching refers to the act of rinsing or cleaning the inside of the vagina with any liquid, usually with a commercial product or homemade solution.

It is often performed using douching devices, syringes, or spray bottles, and may involve water or other fluids mixed with vinegar, baking soda or essential oils.

Why Women Perform Vaginal Washings?

Many women perform vaginal washings because they believe it helps to improve odor and remove discharge. Some do it as a personal preference of cleanliness, while others may have been influenced by cultural or societal norms.

However, there are negative effects of this practice which should be understood.

Why Stop Vaginal Washings?

According to medical experts, vaginal washings have more harm than good. Several reasons to stop vaginal washings are as follows:.

1. Vaginal Washings Disrupt Natural Balance

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that maintains a natural balance of bacteria and pH levels. This balance helps to protect the body from harmful pathogens and infection.

When you perform vaginal washings, it can disrupt this natural balance leading to bad bacteria increasing and a yeast could overgrow. As a result, it may cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and other health complications.

2. Vaginal Washings Irritate Vagina

Performing vaginal washings can leave your vagina susceptible to irritation since most commercial products contain chemicals that may be irritating. Some solutions can be not friendly in terms of the vaginal pH level.

These can lead to unpleasant side effects such as itching, burning sensations, swelling and redness of the vulva and vagina, and also lead to potential inflammation and infection.

3. Vaginal Washings Increase the Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Women who regularly perform vaginal washings are at a greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea.

This is because vaginal washings can change the vagina’s natural pH levels; it upsets the perfect balance of naturally occurring flora which could send an invitation to infections to thrive.

4. Vaginal Washings Cover-Up Issues

Performing vaginal washings may temporarily cover-up some vaginal odor or discharge, but it is not a permanent solution to issues. These odors or discharges are usually symptoms of underlying medical conditions that may require proper medical attention.

If the problem isn’t treated, it could lead to more serious complications.

5. It Is Best Not to Use Soap and Water in Your Vagina

Most people use soap and water to wash their bodies, however, using soap in the vagina is not recommended. The vagina contains Lactobacilli, which is a bacterium that helps to maintain vaginal pH levels and protect against infections.

Soap can affect the environment of your vagina; it can clean away more bacteria than it should and this can lead to more serious complications.

Conclusion

Vaginal washings are no longer considered as an essential part of women’s hygiene; in fact, it’s becoming dangerous.

Research demonstrates that vaginal washings have several negative effects on women’s health by disrupting the natural balance, increasing the risk of STIs, covering up medical issues, introducing irritants into the vagina, and more. Instead, women should stick to routine cleaning of their genital area using mild soap and water. If there are any issues or concerns with the vagina, it is best to seek medical attention from a qualified medical expert.