Unlike the inside of the vagina, the outside, called the vulva, is not self-cleaning. “When you don’t wash the vulva, it’s like not cleaning other areas with glands and hair, like your armpits,” Eilber said. She recommends washing the vulva whenever someone bathes.
Dweck explained that, because yeast and bacteria tend to thrive in moist, dark environments like the vulva, poor vaginal hygiene can cause health issues. “Not washing can lead to unpleasant odors, yeast infections, other infections, irritation, inflammation, swelling, and even cysts on hair follicles,” said Dr. Cecilia Zhang, an obstetrician/gynecologist at Atlantic Health System in New Jersey.
Because the vulva is delicate, Dweck emphasized that “vigorous scrubbing is not needed,” and may be harmful. She recommended cleansing the vulva with hands or a soft washcloth. Both methods are effective, and which one someone uses is solely a matter of personal preference.
Greves recommended washing from front to back to prevent soap from getting into the urethra and to prevent contamination from the rectal area, which can cause urinary tract infections.
After washing, Anger said that it’s important to use a towel to pat dry before putting on underwear to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to bacterial and yeast growth. She adds that sleeping without underwear is an ideal way to help keep the vagnial area dry throughout the night, which can help prevent irritation and infection. “Allowing your vaginal area to breathe is important,” Zhang said.
According to Dweck, even with regular washing, vaginal scents are normal and may vary throughout someone’s cycle. However, some vaginal odors may indicate an infection. Unusual odors or “odor accompanied by unusual discharge, itching, irritation, bleeding, or pain is best evaluated by a health care provider,” she said.
Which products are safest to use for cleansing the vulva?
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