Wash the vulva correctly – important advice for intimate washing

During my youth, there was almost only one sensible intimate wash on the market. I remember that because of this, it was both a little uncomfortable and embarrassing to walk around with that product in the store. Because it basically had only one purpose. That everyone knew about. At that time, there was no established concept such as "vaginal health." Many women therefore purchased products like pads, tampons, and intimate wash very discreetly in the store since online shopping did not exist. During the painfully long minutes it took in the queue to the checkout, it always felt like a big glowing neon sign hung over me shouting the text "NOW IT'S TIME TO GO HOME AND WASH THE GENITALS!" Quickly onto the conveyor belt and pay super fast. Phew! Once home in the shower, the next challenge came. Trying to wash the genital area with a product whose consistency more resembled running milk was, to say the least, tricky. Different techniques were therefore developed. Either you could carefully pour the contents into your cupped hand and then VERY QUICKLY splash it towards the genital area and hope you hit the right spot. Alternatively, try to spray the runny contents directly from the bottle over the vulva. Nowadays, the range of intimate washes for the genital area is enormous, and thankfully vaginal health is something that has increasingly been normalized, but many questions still remain. Because should you wash the genital area, and if so, how should it be done correctly? Let's take a look at this important topic ❤

INTIMATE WASH – WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?

Intimate wash and vaginal health are topics that have received increased attention in research in recent years. Here are some important insights from research on the vagina and the vaginal microflora related to intimate wash:

🌺The self-cleaning mechanism

The vagina has a natural self-cleaning mechanism that regulates its pH balance and protects against infections. This means that excessive washing or use of products with strong chemicals or perfume can actually be harmful by disturbing the natural balance and pH level in the vagina.

🌺Vaginal microflora

Research has shown that the vagina has a complex microflora of bacteria, including beneficial lactobacilli. This microflora plays an important role in protecting the vagina against harmful bacteria and yeast infections. Use of strong soaps and perfumed products can therefore disrupt the vaginal microflora.

Read the blog about vaginal flora here

🌺Be careful with soap

You might think that soap is the best way to keep the genital area clean, but excessive use of soap with a high pH can disturb the natural balance in the vagina. Studies have shown that strong soaps can increase the risk of infections and irritation.

🌺Avoid vaginal douching

Many studies have shown that douching/rinsing inside the vagina is not a good idea. Research has actually linked it to an increased risk of vaginal infections and imbalance in the vagina. Since the vagina has its own self-cleaning mechanism and a balanced microflora that helps protect against infections, vaginal douching can disrupt the natural balance by washing away beneficial bacteria and altering the pH level in the vagina, which can increase the risk of infections.

🌺Understand vaginal pH

The vagina has a natural pH level that helps protect it from harmful bacteria and infections. Its normal pH value usually ranges between 3.8 and 4.5, and this acidity is created and maintained by the beneficial lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) living in the vagina. An intimate wash should therefore have a pH value that aligns with the vagina's natural acidity to preserve the natural balance in the vagina.

Products with a pH value that is too high (i.e., more alkaline) can disrupt the natural microflora and increase the risk of infections.

🌺Consider which products you use

Hygiene products can affect your vaginal microflora and pH. Studies have shown that products with perfumes and chemicals can disrupt the balance in the vagina. So, when choosing products for intimate wash, make sure they are gentle and avoid products containing strong scents or perfume.

You can find VagiVital V Cleanser intimate wash here

INTIMATE WASH THROUGH HISTORY

Intimate wash and cleaning of the vagina are topics that have interested women for centuries. How we take care of our intimate area has also varied over time and in different parts of the world. There have been many different methods for intimate hygiene shaped by cultural and geographical factors, available resources, and traditions.

Ancient Egypt and Greece

In ancient Egypt and Greece, hygiene and beauty care were central in daily life, and people used early forms of soap for cleaning. Soaps were made by mixing ash from burnt wood with fat or oil. This mixture created a cleansing substance used to wash the body and clothes. The soap was used not only to clean the body but also to wash the intimate area.

Medieval Europe

Europe during the Middle Ages was characterized by a lack of purified water and sanitary conditions, which affected how people could take care of their personal cleanliness, including cleaning intimate areas. Due to the challenging hygienic situation, women often used perfumed creams and herbs to mask unpleasant odors from the genital area. These products were used to hide odors rather than to clean or care for the intimate area.

Ancient China

In ancient China, hygiene was an important part of daily life, and one of the traditional methods used for intimate cleaning was to create a mixture of rice water and herbs. Rice water is the water used to rinse rice before cooking. To enhance the cleansing and health-promoting properties of the rice water, women sometimes added various herbs and plant extracts. These herbs could have antiseptic or antibacterial properties and help prevent or relieve infections and discomfort in the intimate area.

Ancient India

Ancient India had a strong connection to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine and health that emphasizes the use of natural ingredients and holistic care. Within Ayurveda, great importance was placed on personal hygiene, including intimate hygiene. Ayurveda used a variety of natural ingredients to clean and care for the intimate area. These ingredients included various herbs, plant extracts, and natural oils. Women sometimes also used herbal washing solutions for intimate care. These solutions could contain extracts from Ayurvedic herbs such as aloe vera, neem, and triphala. The herbs were believed to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties and were used to clean and promote health in the vaginal area.

Traditional African hygiene

In many parts of Africa, people have traditionally used the natural resources available in their surroundings to maintain personal cleanliness. This includes ingredients such as clay, plants, bark, and roots. A common method for cleanliness and intimate care in traditional African communities is the use of clays. Clays have absorbent properties and are good for removing dirt and excess moisture. These clays are applied to the body and intimate area and then washed off with water. Many traditional African communities also used plants containing natural antiseptic or antibacterial properties for intimate care.

Arctic bathing routines

Arctic bathing routines, practiced by indigenous peoples in the Arctic region, are a fascinating tradition involving the use of ice or snow for cleaning and intimate hygiene. The use of ice or snow was a practical method in the cold climate where access to warm water was limited, and the cold helped reduce any inflammation and relieve discomfort. Additionally, the natural cold was considered cleansing. Arctic bathing routines were part of the cultural and traditional practice for many indigenous peoples in the Arctic region.

Traditional Japanese onsen

In Japan, traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs or hot baths) have been part of the culture for centuries. Onsen are spread throughout Japan due to the country's geothermal activity. These springs have warm and mineral-rich water said to have therapeutic properties.

People in Japan have long believed that onsen not only promote general cleanliness but also help maintain health in the intimate area. The warm water and its minerals are said to relieve muscle tension, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial for intimate hygiene.

INTIMATE WASH IN MODERN TIMES

In today's society, women's vaginal hygiene has become a subject of intensive research and discussion. Most experts recommend that women avoid excessive washing of the vagina, as it can disrupt the natural balance in the vagina and increase the risk of infections. Instead, mild and gentle cleaning with water or special products designed for intimate wash is recommended. Today, there are many different products designed for intimate wash on the market, but my personal favorite VagiVital Moisturizing V Cleanser is MORE than an ordinary intimate wash, as it is based on VagiVital's clinically proven AktivGel plus some rapeseed oil, which gives unique moisturizing properties. The product can clean both fat- and water-soluble impurities without disturbing the sensitive vaginal flora or pH balance of the genital area while moisturizing. Another important feature is that it is soap-free and does not contain perfumes or parabens, making it suitable for women with sensitive skin. Use the product daily instead of soap or other perfumed products that often disturb the vaginal flora and the natural pH balance. Recommended by gynecologists and can advantageously be combined with VagiVital AktivGel for maximum hydration ❤

You can find VagiVital V Cleanser intimate wash here

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH THE VAGINA?

There is no fixed rule on how often you should wash your vagina, as it can vary from person to person and depends on individual needs and preferences. Here are some guidelines to consider:

🌺Daily external washing of the vulva

It is common to wash the external area of your vagina daily, but remember to always use a mild, fragrance-free product such as VagiVital V Cleanser and avoid washing the inside of the vagina, as this can disturb the natural pH balance and vaginal microflora.

🌺Avoid excessive washing

Excessive washing of the vagina can be harmful as it can cause irritation and disturb the natural balance in the vagina. Also avoid strong or perfumed products that can be irritating.

🌺After intercourse

It can be good to wash the external area of the vagina after intercourse to reduce the risk of infections. Use clean water or a mild product and avoid strong chemicals.

🌺During menstruation

During menstruation, it may be necessary to wash more often to maintain personal hygiene. Use a mild product that balances your pH without disturbing the sensitive vaginal flora.

THE FUTURE VIEW ON VAGINAL HEALTH

The future view on vaginal health and intimate wash looks promising considering the increasing awareness of and interest in this topic. Research on vaginal health and intimate care is increasing, which also leads to a deeper understanding of the vaginal flora, pH balance, and how different products affect the genital area. During my youth, there were not many products on the market for intimate wash, and it was a time when vaginal health was hardly discussed openly, but today it looks different as more and more people also begin to understand that women's vaginal health is something both important and valuable ❤

Take care & Stay Pussytive ❤

/Fanny