Ella Scott
Experts have weighed in on how often you should be cleaning your genitals and the frequency may surprise you.
Vulva and vagina health is an important part of a person’s overall well-being.
If not properly maintained, your fertility, self-esteem and ability to reach orgasm could be seriously affected.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, you’re advised to keep your genitals clean by washing as well as changing disposable period products at regular intervals.
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Vulva and vagina health is an important part of a person’s overall well-being (Getty Stock Image)
According to eco-friendly company Cheeky Wipes, you should be rinsing your vulva on a daily basis, particularly after sweating or using the bathroom.
The business, which sells reusable cloth wipes and sanitary pads, also warns people not to over-wash.
This is because the natural balance of bacteria could be disrupted, leading to irritation and unbalanced PH levels.
“Once a day is usually sufficient for most people,” the site continues.
“However if you have a lot of vaginal discharge, are sweaty, bloody or have had sex, it's fine to wash more often with just water.”
Echoing Cheeky Wipes’ advice is Aleece Fosnight, a board-certified physician assistant who specialises in sexual medicine.
She claims that you should rinse your vulva with warm water daily and avoid using feminine hygiene products or soap.
“I tend to suggest rinsing the vulva at the very end as well since shampoo, conditioner, and body wash residue can be left behind," the Fosnight Center founder claimed.
"The vulva is rich with oil glands that emit pheromones and help balance the pH of the genitals."
She further explained to Business Insider that using anything but water could disrupt the organ’s natural PH levels, thus making you more susceptible to infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
BV is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria creating an imbalance, writes the Cleveland Clinic.
While symptoms are few and far between, Melisa Holmes, MD, obstetrician gynaecologist and co-founder of Girlology, claims a smell ‘stronger than a faint whiff of bleach’ emanating from the vulva could point to a BV.
“We can all smell ourselves because we’re so self-conscious, but most people don’t smell other people’s vaginal odours,” the medical expert told Tampax.
“If they do, it could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis.”
To keep your vulva health, Fosnight has also advised that people reach for cotton underwear. This is because the material is less likely to hold moisture than fabrics such as silk or nylon.
Moreover, the North Carolina-based expert told readers to wear loose clothing at night as tight garments can ‘limit blood flow to the genitals’.