Is it okay to use soap to clean your vulva and vagina? A gynaecologist answers

When it comes to maintaining hygiene down there, there are a lot of myths and confusion all ladies face. One of the main doubts most women have regarding vaginal health is whether it is safe to apply soap or should it be avoided?

So, we contacted Dr Nupur Gupta, Director, Department Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Fortis, Gurugram to find the answer to this question. 

According to her, “When we talk about washing the intimate area, we’re referring to cleaning the vulva and not the vagina. This is something most women are not aware of. The vulva needs to be washed regularly to maintain proper hygiene.”

Speaking about the importance of keeping the vulva clean, she says, “Washing your vulva helps maintain the balance of healthy bacteria which is responsible for maintaining the pH balance of your vagina.”

So, should women use soap to clean the vulva or avoid it?

According to Dr Gupta, “It is completely safe to use soap to clean the vulva region.”

What type of soap can be used to clean the vulva?

Dr Gupta suggests using normal soap to clean the vulva region while ensuring that it isn’t loaded with chemicals and doesn’t have a strong scent. Moreover, use the soap to clean only the outer region and keep it away from the vaginal opening. 

How often should the vulva be cleaned?

“You clean your vulva using soap and warm water every day. However, refrain from doing so if you are suffering from an infection and consider consulting your gynaecologist for guidance,” says Dr Gupta

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What’s the right way to clean the vulva?

Dr Gupta suggests that you should always wash from the front to back. Washing from back to front may result in bacteria entering your vagina and causing infections.

Make sure that you dry your lady parts using a soft towel after washing. Leaving it wet might result in bacterial growth which can also lead to infection.

So, ladies, now you know how to use soap to maintain vaginal hygiene. Ensure that you practise it regularly to steer clear of infections.