 |
Dr Anne Henderson is a Consultant Gynaecologist and one of a select group of British Menopause Society accredited Specialists in the UK. |
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to wash your vagina, you’re not alone. Many women ask this question, and it doesn’t mean you’re unclean or uninformed. It means you care about your wellbeing and want clear, honest, science-based answers.
The truth is that you do not need to wash your vagina. It has a self-cleaning system that protects and maintains itself without any help from you or the latest so-called feminine hygiene product. What may need a little extra care is the vulva, the external part of your genitals, where gentle and thoughtful cleansing can make a real difference. This is about understanding the incredible way your body already takes care of itself and how you can give it the right kind of support.
Understanding Your Body
Inside your body, the vagina is constantly at work keeping itself in balance. It has its own microbiome, which is a community of bacteria and natural secretions that keep the pH quite acidic. This helps protect against infections. Vaginal discharge plays a vital role here. You might notice it change in texture and colour throughout your cycle and that is completely normal.
When this balance is left alone it works beautifully. If you disrupt it with harsh alkaline soaps or washing products, scented wipes, douching or unnecessary internal cleaning, you can upset the pH balance, reduce the healthy bacteria, and make it easier for irritation, dryness, or even infection to develop.
What You Can Clean – and How
The focus should be on the vulva, which includes the outer lips - labia majora, the inner lips - labia minora, and the surrounding skin - the perineum. This is where sweat, natural oils, and daily residue can build up. Keeping the area clean is about maintaining comfort, freshness, and intimate skin health, not about eliminating odours or impurities.
The best way to wash the vulva is the simplest. Use warm water and, if you prefer, a pH-balanced cleanser designed for intimate skin. Use your hands rather than a sponge or cloth and rinse well. There’s no need for vigorous scrubbing.
Skip the perfume. Your vulva does not need to smell like flowers, fruit or cashmere! It needs to be naturally healthy.
What to Avoid
Douching, which means rinsing inside the vagina with water or a cleansing solution, is not just unnecessary, it can be harmful. It disrupts the natural pH and flora, increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, and can push any harmful bacteria internally.
Scented wipes, powders, and sprays are also best avoided. They might feel psychologically fresh for a moment, but the chemicals and fragrances they contain can irritate the delicate vulval tissues and upset your natural skin balance.
Even over washing can have the opposite effect of what you want. Washing multiple times a day, especially with harsh soaps and gels, can strip away the protective oils and natural bacteria your vulva relies on. Once a day is plenty, possibly twice if you have been particularly active, sweaty or had sex.
Everyday Hygiene Tips
Simple daily habits go a long way in supporting vulval comfort and health.
- Choose breathable natural cotton or bamboo underwear - organic if possible - to allow airflow and reduce moisture build-up.
- Change out of damp workout clothes or swimwear promptly to prevent irritation.
- Sleep in loose nightwear, ideally without underwear, to give the area a chance to breathe and be friction-free.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet, rich in nutrients that support skin and overall health.
These aren’t just hygiene tips, they’re acts of self-care that keep your intimate area comfortable and happy.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
The vagina and vulva are resilient, but changes in discharge, odour, or comfort are worth paying attention to. If you notice itching, burning, an unusual smell, or a change in discharge that lasts more than a few days, make an appointment with your GP or gynaecologist.
It can be tempting to try over-the-counter treatments and hope for the best, but getting a proper diagnosis means you can treat the cause and not just the symptoms. Your healthcare provider is there to help, not to judge.
What to Remember
Your vulva and vagina aren’t dirty, nor as fragile as you may think. They are an extraordinary powerhouse working together in natural harmony to keep this special area of your body in optimal health. Your role is simply to keep the vulva clean and comfortable, to know what to avoid, and to recognise when something needs medical attention.
When you understand what your body needs and what it doesn’t, you can care for it with confidence.
About the author
