Are you doing a good job of taking care of your vagina? Sure, you probably know the basics about keeping your vagina clean but there are some things that you shouldn’t be doing at all. Some of these things could be advertised to you in the name of vaginal health or maybe it was recommended it to you by someone who has been doing it for long. But here’s the truth: Your vagina is a self-cleaning machine. And there a few things you should never do to your vagina.
1. Douching
Douching is when you wash out your vagina with a mixture of water and vinegar. Over-the-counter douches in the market with antiseptics and fragrances can be harmful to vaginal health. Many women practice this to feel fresh or get rid of unpleasant odors, clean away the menstrual blood after periods, avoid getting STDs or prevent pregnancy after intercourse. But the truth is douching is not beneficial for any of these needs.
Douching can disturb the pH level of the vagina and lead it to an infection. To keep your vagina clean, plain water is just douching to make it cleaner for you. You need a proper wash with warm water to keep it clean.
2. Vaginal Steaming
Steaming your vagina in a spa is a new trend that many women are opting out for these days. Women need to sit on a special chair and remove their underwear. Their vagina is exposed to herbal-infused steam which comes out directly toward their vagina. Steam is bad for the sensitive skin of your vagina, as it can cause harm to your bladder and rectum. Also, steam can be drying and it disrupts the balance of natural bacteria that live in your vagina and increase the chances of yeast infection. Your hormones are not produced in your vagina, hence it’s wrong to believe that steaming your vagina can balance hormones in your body.
3. Piercing
Piercing your vagina is one of the worst things you can do to your vagina. It can lead to severe pain and nerve damage. It also increases the chance of skin irritation and infection. Piercing your genitals can put you at a risk of STDs, AIDS, hepatitis B and C.
4. Wearing Tight Underwear
Your underwear should never be too tight. It should make you feel comfortable. With time, it can even cause ingrown hairs which is difficult to treat. Tight underwear also put you at a risk of increased yeast infections since it allows heat and moisture to buildup in your vagina area. Always wear underwear which fits you properly. Steer clear of polyester, lace, and other fabrics which are difficult to wash.
5. Experimenting With Pubic Hair
Dealing with pubic hair can be a tricky and risky business. If you’re not careful when you shave your pubic hair, it can lead to other unpleasantness in the sensitive area. Your pubic hair absorbs moisture from your vagina and prevents harmful infections. Removing your pubic hair can increase chances of contracting STDs. Try trimming them instead of shaving them off completely.
6. Using Scented Soaps And Perfumes
Using scented soaps and perfumes in the vaginal area are not recommended. Scented deodorants and sprays are not a big no-no. These products are meant for external use only.
7. Using Pads Or Tampon For Too Long
Maintaining hygiene during menstruation is very important. You need to change your pads or tampon frequently to keep it clean down there. The longer you use tampons and pads, the more are risks of developing life-threatening bacterial infections.
