secretions (discharge).
“During your period, washing
more than once a day may be
helpful,” says Dr Elneil, who
points out that keeping the
perineal area (between the
vagina and anus) clean is
important too. “Good
perineal hygiene is necessary,
by washing that area at least
once a day using your normal
bathing routines.”
“All women are different,”
says Professor Lamont.
“Some may wash with
perfumed soap and not notice
any problems. But if a
woman has vulval irritation
or symptoms, then one of the
first things you can do is to
use non-allergenic, plain
soaps to see if that helps.”
Vaginal douches
A douche flushes water up
into the vagina, clearing out
vaginal secretions. Some
women use a douche to
"clean" the vagina, but using
a douche can disrupt the
normal vaginal bacteria so it
JOY FEELINGS
isn't recommended that you
use one.
“I can’t think of any
circumstances where douches
are helpful, because all they
do is wash out everything
that’s in the vagina, including
all the healthy bacteria,”
explains Professor Lamont.
There is no evidence that
douching protects against
STIs or vaginal infections,
and it may even increase the
risk.
Scented wipes and vaginal
deodorants
These perfumed products can
disrupt the vagina’s healthy,
natural balance. “If nature
had intended the vagina to
smell like roses or lavender,
it would have made the
vagina smell like roses or
lavender,” says Professor
Lamont.
Washing with water and a
plain soap should be all you
need to keep your vagina
healthy. It’s normal for the
vagina to have a scent.