How to clean private area properly?

'I see many women online saying that you should use a cleaning solution every day, even wash it many times to clean it. Some people say you just need to wash it with warm water. I'm a bit confused, I don't know which way is right?'. (Thanh Thao, 28 years old, in Hanoi).

Dr. Chu Tu Phuong, Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Phuong Nam Hospital, answers: This question isn't just yours; it's a common concern for many women, from teenage girls to adult women. Hygiene in the intimate area seems simple, but in reality, there are many misconceptions. And one of the most common mistakes today is that the more you wash, the cleaner and better it is.

Overuse of feminine hygiene products: "Too much cleanliness" becomes harmful.

One of the most common mistakes Vietnamese women make is overusing feminine hygiene solutions or washing their intimate areas too many times a day. Many have a habit of using feminine hygiene solutions with strong antibacterial ingredients or strong fragrances every day, even multiple times a day, hoping to keep their intimate areas smelling fresh and clean.

However, what few people know is that the vagina has a natural self-cleaning mechanism. Inside the vagina is a microbiome including beneficial bacteria (such as Lactobacillus) that helps maintain a slightly acidic pH (around 3.8 - 4.5), thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. When you wash too much or use products with harsh detergents, this balance is disrupted, making the vagina prone to dryness, irritation, and even increasing the risk of infection.

Some people also use herbal water, such as betel leaf or green tea, to steam or wash their genitals. Although these leaves have natural antibacterial properties, improper use (boiling too concentrated, not filtering properly, or using too frequently) can harm the sensitive skin of the genital area.

Douching inside the vagina. In reality, the vagina contains 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 kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting the pH balance in the vagina. Furthermore, this will create conditions for harmful bacteria to enter the body, increasing the risk of vaginal infections.

Genital hygiene may seem simple, but in reality, there are quite a few misconceptions about it.

ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO: AI

How to properly clean the genital area?

Proper intimate hygiene doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some basic principles to help you clean your intimate area safely:

• Gently wash the external genital area 2-3 times a day (morning and evening or after intercourse, depending on your physical condition and lifestyle).
• Use only mild cleansing solutions with a suitable pH level (3.8-4.5) and free of strong fragrances. Avoid frequent use unless specifically needed.
• Never douche deep into the vagina unless directed by a doctor. Use only a spray nozzle with a fine stream of water to gently cleanse the external area.
• After using the toilet or showering, dry the genital area with a soft towel, wiping from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus from spreading. Remember to use a separate, single-use towel for safety; do not reuse the towel multiple times.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Change your underwear daily, preferably made of cotton, which is absorbent and breathable.

Maintaining good hygiene is essential, but don't become obsessed with smelling or being "clean" all the time. It's perfectly normal for the vaginal area to have a natural odor. If you notice changes in discharge color, an unusual odor, itching, or burning, then it's time to see a gynecologist, not to "wash more thoroughly."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ve-sinh-vung-kin-the-nao-cho-dung-cach-185251029131656504.htm