Is it a Good Idea to Use Them?

Intimate soaps have been around for several years as a complement to women’s hygiene. Whether in liquid, tablet or gel form, manufacturers claim that they’ve gentle, moisturizing and secure formulas for the sensitive skin of the “V” area.

But despite their popularity, their use has change into a subject of controversy. While advertisements claim that they’re an answer to maintain the vagina clean and freed from bad odor, gynecologists warn that their regular use carries some risks.

What should you already know about it? Proceed reading!

What are intimate soaps?

Products for female intimate cleansing are quite popular available in the market. Amongst these, women use intimate soaps probably the most. These cleansing formulas are for areas corresponding to the vulva, clitoris and vaginal opening.

They are available the shape of liquid, tablet or gel, with a composition that guarantees to be compatible with the pH of the genital area. Proponents claim that they assist balance the vaginal flora and neutralize unpleasant odors. As well as, they attribute antimicrobial and moisturizing properties to them.

Are they effective? Do they fulfill their function?

To reply these questions it’s needed to contemplate that the vagina has the capability to self-clean itself. As stated in an article within the Center for Women’s Health , it shouldn’t be needed to place any product contained in the vagina to make sure its hygiene.

Generally, external washing (of the vulva) with water -preferably warm water- is sufficient to maintain the realm clean. You’ll be able to complement it with soap, so long as it’s neutral and freed from perfumes.

That said, the appliance of intimate soaps is unnecessary.

Nevertheless, it’s true that some formulas of this sort of products refresh, clean and moisturize the external parts of the intimate area. But you will need to watch out since any substance that comes into contact with the vulva can easily enter through the vaginal canal.

When you go for cleansers of this sort, they need to be dermatologist-tested and really useful by gynecologists. They have to even be hypoallergenic and freed from perfumes. These characteristics might be found on the label.

Is it secure to make use of intimate soaps?

A lot of the intimate soaps available in the marketplace claim to be respectful with the vaginal pH and the fragile skin of this area. Even so, evidence suggests that their use poses more risks than advantages.

A study shared through Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease found that the usage of vaginal products might be harmful to Lactobacillus bacteria, accountable for maintaining a healthy vaginal environment.

In itself, their application is related to an alteration of the vaginal immune barrier, not only by destroying the Lactobacillus, but since it promotes a pro-inflammatory environment that increases the danger of disease. The result? Increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, general bacterial and yeast infections, and irritation.

Actually, as research shared in Womens Health exposes, that is linked to an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis . Although more extensive studies are needed, for now the safest measure is to avoid each douching and get in touch with with products that might be irritating (soaps, gels, creams, perfumes and the like).

What’s the proper method to clean the intimate area?

Firstly, do not forget that the vaginal canal has blood vessels and a bacterial flora that may protect and eliminate harmful microorganisms. Subsequently, it is alleged that it fulfills a technique of “self-cleaning” without the necessity for external products.

Nevertheless, it can be crucial to wash the external a part of the labia minora, since cell residues and oils (smegma) are inclined to accumulate there, which might result in bad odor. Day by day washing with water is generally sufficient to wash the realm.

When you select to make use of soap, it must be neutral and fragrance-free. To facilitate the removal of residues, use a washcloth or just your fingers. Skip every other items, corresponding to loofahs, as they could cause irritation, tearing and increase the danger of infection.

As for the frequency of washing, once a day is sufficient. Less washing of the realm is generally not enough to remove traces of sweat and secretions. Nevertheless, excessive washing shouldn’t be really useful either, as it could cause an imbalance of the vaginal microflora.

Other recommendations for vaginal care

Along with avoiding the usage of irritating intimate soaps when washing the intimate area, there are other cares that contribute to its health. Let’s see intimately crucial ones:

• Avoid using each day intimate protectors. These affect the ventilation of the region and create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
• Use cotton underwear. Unlike synthetic fabrics, cotton facilitates ventilation of the realm. As well as, white or beige garments are best, since coloured ones may contain dyes that alter the vaginal flora.
• All the time wash from front to back. That is to cut back the danger of transferring bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing. Very tight jeans and pants are inclined to create a warm, moist environment that facilitates the proliferation of harmful microorganisms.

Is it advisable to make use of intimate soaps?

When weighing the advantages and risks of intimate soaps, it is obvious that the potential harmful effects are greater. Evidence suggests that rinsing with such products can alter the vaginal microbiota, leading to an increased risk of infections and inflammatory diseases.

Doctors and gynecology professionals suggest that hand and water washing is the safest method to keep this area healthy. Even so, it is feasible to make use of a neutral, perfume-free soap.

Dermatological tested and gynecologist-approved intimate soaps also look like secure for vaginal hygiene. In any case, you need to reserve their use just for the external area (vulva and clitoral hood). Never introduce products into the vaginal canal.

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