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Myths and facts about vaginal hygiene
From my experience I have noticed that the topic of vaginal hygiene is misunderstood worldwide.
Many factors lead to this misunderstanding, such as:
** advertisements on social media that might be misleading
** cultural beliefs
As a result, women practice many behaviors that might be harmful.
Myth number one: use soap to wash the inside of your vagina
** the vagina self-cleans itself through bacteria and PH, using soap will cause irritation, infection and dryness.
What should I do?
Only clean the outside area (skin surrounding vaginal introitus) using soap.
Myth number two: any vaginal discharge means that you have infection
** it is normal to have physiologic vaginal discharge which is odorless and has no color or whitish color.
** the discharge is only considered a sign of infection if it is foul-smelling or is causing symptoms like itching.
Myth number three: you should use deodorants for the perineal area to smell fresh
** this causes skin irritation with superimposed bacterial infection
** having mild natural odor of the vagina is normal
Myth number four: tight underwear is okay
** tight clothing trap moisture and heat leading to bacteria/yeast growth
** you should avoid synthetic underwear and choose loose cotton clothing
Myth number five: you won’t get vaginal infection if you are not sexually active
** not all infections are sexually transmitted, many bacterial and yeast infections are the result of hormonal changes, diabetes, tight clothes, poor hygiene and many other causes.
Myth number six: vaginal steaming prevents infection
** it can lead to skin irritation or burns
Myth number seven: don’t bath during your period
** daily bathing and washing the external area help maintain hygiene and prevents infection.
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
