Vaginal tissue is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, yet it's also the subject of much misunderstanding and needless insecurity. Astonishingly, 65% of women feel uneasy about their vaginal odor, which highlights a widespread confusion about how to manage intimate hygiene effectively while still being kind to the vaginal microbiome. Let’s set the record straight: a healthy vagina has its own natural, unique scent that shouldn't be expected to smell like a bouquet of fresh roses or any artificial fragrance.
The misguided shame and confusion surrounding normal vaginal odors have led many down the path of using scented vaginal washes. Ironically, these products often do more harm than good, throwing off the delicate balance of vaginal flora even further.
Moreover, many women have experienced the sting and discomfort from using soaps that claim to relieve itch or aid in disinfection. It turns out, even these products can harbor ingredients that disrupt the vaginal pH and lead to allergic reactions. Most soaps and intimate washes, especially bar soaps, are notorious culprits in upsetting vaginal health, contributing to problems like itching, dryness, and general discomfort. This situation calls for a better understanding and more cautious selection of products that genuinely support vaginal wellness without the unnecessary frills or harmful effects.
Preventing Irritation with Gentle Feminine Care Products
The vagina has been described as a “self-cleaning oven,” ridding itself of foreign material through natural exfoliation processes and fluid flow, meaning it does not need assistance to be cleaned. However, the vulva is not the vagina—they are different organs with distinct needs, though advice against using vaginal cleansers is often mistakenly applied to the vulva as well.
While "vagina" and "vulva" are frequently used interchangeably, the vagina is the internal muscle connecting the cervix to the vaginal opening, whereas the vulva comprises the external genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal opening. The vulva is exposed to many substances such as vaginal discharge, mucus, menstrual blood, female ejaculate, semen, saliva, urine, feces, sweat, and oils, as well as medications and products like lubricants and moisturizers, which can lead to vaginal itching, a common issue among women.
Beth DuPriest, PhD, the former Chief Science Officer of the Sexual Health, and Wellness Institute (SWHI), points out that due to the vulva's exposure to various irritants and its variety of glands, including sebaceous and apocrine glands similar to those in the armpit, water alone is insufficient for removing vulvar secretions. Instead, opt for non-toxic alternatives for feminine hygiene. Your vulva is the body’s first line of defense against infection, and, unlike the vagina, it should be washed regularly. Hydrating and soothing intimate wash options, typically consisting of blends of amphoteric and/or nonionic surfactants, have a lower pH than soap, and are less drying to the skin. These provide gentle cleansing and have been shown to be safe for the vulva.
Can Soap Throw Off Your pH Balance?
In short, yes, the use of bar soap can have detrimental effects on intimate hygiene. Bar soap usage alters the pH of the vulvovaginal area, potentially leading to infections and imbalances. According to Dr. Christina Enzmann, MD, a trusted advisor at the Sexual Health and Wellness Institute, many of her patients experiencing recurring bacterial vaginosis often report using bar soap for vaginal cleansing. The surfactants present in bar soap can compromise the delicate skin barrier of the vulva, which is already exceedingly thin. While liquid body washes may also pose risks to vaginal health if not tailored to the vaginal microbiome, they typically contain milder surfactants and incorporate more emollients. As a result, they can promote skin health over time and have a gentler impact on the vulva.
In essence, most bar soaps are notably detrimental to the vaginal microbiome. The preferred washes for cleaning the vulva are pH-balanced cleansers specifically designed for sensitive skin. These cleansers not only offer relief from infection but also alleviate soap-induced vaginal discomfort. By opting for these gentle, pH-balanced options, you can ensure the well-being of your intimate areas while maintaining a harmonious balance in your vaginal microbiome.
How to Clean the Vagina: Vegan and Organic Solutions for Vaginal Irritation
Use a vulva-safe soap such as the Balance Moisturizing Wash that has a Bio-Match™ formula, which matches your optimal vaginal pH levels. You can use this wash once a day with your hand (and not a washcloth) using cool or lukewarm water. This might also be a good time to wash the anus and the perineum, which is between the anus and the vulva. Whenever you’re working in this area, always move front to back, starting with the vulva and moving back toward the anus, so that you don’t accidentally push bacteria from the anus forward into the vagina.
If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal odor, it may signify a pH or bacterial imbalance or an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. It is essential to consult your gynecologist if this experience of abnormal odor continues or worsens. Dr. Enzmann recommends the Restore® Moisturizing Vaginal Gel for those prone to vaginal irritation and odor. This gel is pH-balanced to the vaginal environment and contains a proprietary blend of lactic acid that encourages good bacteria to thrive.
Another favorite that helps reduce abnormal odor is Rebalance pH-Balanced Wipes. These wipes are formulated with aloe vera and soothing botanical extracts and help to clean, refresh, and reduce abnormal odor naturally by supporting a healthy vaginal ecosystem.
How Hygiene May Affect Vaginal Health Conditions
Understanding the intricacies of vaginal health is crucial, especially when considering how certain conditions can heighten sensitivity to washes and soaps that disrupt pH balance. Let us explore some scenarios where opting for a vulva-friendly wash becomes particularly vital.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the vagina, which causes an imbalance of bacteria. One of the most common symptoms of BV is burning or itching in the vulva or vagina. This symptom can cause the vulva and vagina to become more sensitive to washes and soaps. Since bacterial vaginosis results from an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, using a wash with harmful ingredients may further upset this imbalance and cause more discomfort or odor. Non-toxic alternatives for feminine hygiene are crucial for managing BV symptoms and maintaining vaginal health.
Menopause
During menopause, levels of estrogen naturally go down. As a result of lowering estrogen levels, the walls of the vagina can become thin, dry, and sometimes inflamed. In many people, this can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as vaginal burning, irritation, pain (especially during sex), bleeding, or discharge. Due to these symptoms, the vagina can become even more sensitive to washes or soaps.
Yeast Infection
A vaginal yeast infection is due to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, which stems from an imbalance of bacteria. Yeast infections can be caused by a number of things, including the use of scented washes, antibiotics, pregnancy, eating a lot of sugary foods, stress, and more. Yeast infections can make the vagina and vulva more sensitive, as symptoms of yeast infections include vaginal burning, itching, swelling, soreness, and whitish-gray discharge.
If you are experiencing one or more of these health conditions, it is crucial to ensure that you use non-toxic alternatives for feminine hygiene. Gentle cleansing with pH-balanced, non-toxic products can help alleviate symptoms and support overall vaginal health.
What Experts Recommend: A Vulva-Safe Wash
Now that we have delved into the importance of using a pH-balanced, body-safe wash for vulva care, let us explore the recommendations from experts in the field of intimate health. Drawing from insights provided by over 10,000 healthcare providers, including OB/GYNs, pelvic floor therapists, doulas, oncologists, and more within our expansive medical sampling network, a standout recommendation emerges: Balance Moisturizing Wash.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Balance Moisturizing Wash is designed to uphold the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome, making it suitable for daily cleansing. Infused with organic premium aloe and racemic lactic acid, this gentle formulation boasts a pH balance aligned with the vaginal environment (4.0 pH), while steering clear of any harmful chemicals. Embrace this daily ritual to cleanse, moisturize, and soothe the vulva with ease. For moments on the move, Rebalance pH-Balanced Wipes offer a convenient alternative, featuring the same enriching formula as the Balance wash.
