How to clean private area properly?

Specialist Doctor Chu Tu Phuong, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Phuong Nam Hospital, answers: This question is not only yours, but is a common question of many women, from teenage girls to adult women. Cleaning the private area seems simple, but in reality there are many misunderstandings. And one of the most common mistakes today is that the more you wash, the cleaner, the better.

Overuse of cleaning solutions: "Too clean" is harmful

One of the most common mistakes of Vietnamese women is to overuse feminine hygiene products or wash their private parts too many times a day. Many people have the habit of using feminine hygiene products with strong antiseptic ingredients or strong scents every day, even many times a day, with the desire to keep their private parts always fragrant and clean.

However, what few people know is that the vagina has a natural self-cleaning mechanism. Inside the private area, there is a microflora system including beneficial bacteria (such as Lactobacillus) that helps maintain a slightly acidic pH (about 3.8 - 4.5), thereby inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause disease. When you wash too much or use products with strong detergents, this balance is broken, making the private area susceptible to dryness, irritation, and even increasing the risk of infection.

Some people also use leaf water such as betel leaves, green tea to steam or wash their private areas. Although these leaves have natural antibacterial properties, if used incorrectly (cooked too thick, not filtered thoroughly, used too often) they can also harm the very sensitive skin of the private area.

Douching inside the vagina. In fact, inside the vagina there are not only harmful bacteria but also a system of beneficial bacteria that help balance the pH and prevent bacteria from entering from the outside. The habit of cleaning the vagina by douching too deeply will simultaneously destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria, causing an imbalance in the pH environment in the vagina. In addition, this will also create conditions for bad bacteria to penetrate the body, increasing the risk of vaginal infections.

Vệ sinh vùng kín thế nào cho đúng cách? - Ảnh 1. — Cleaning the private area seems simple, but in reality there are many misunderstandings.

How to clean private area properly?

Proper intimate care doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some basic principles to help you keep your intimate area clean:

Gently wash the outside of the genital area 2-3 times/day (morning and evening or after intercourse, depending on your physical condition and living habits).
Use only mild cleansers with a suitable pH (3.8-4.5) and no strong fragrances. Do not use regularly unless specifically needed.
Never douche deep into the vagina unless directed by a doctor. Use only a small stream of water to gently clean the external area.
After going to the toilet or bathing, dry the private area with a soft towel, wiping from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus. Be sure to use a separate towel and only use it once to ensure safety, do not use the towel repeatedly.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Change underwear daily, preferably cotton, which is absorbent and breathable.

Good hygiene is important, but don’t get obsessed with smelling “good” or “clean” all the time. Your vagina has a natural odor, and that’s perfectly normal. If you notice a change in color, an unusual odor, or itching or burning, it’s time to see your gynecologist, not a “more thorough cleaning.”