Feminine Wash And Douching – Is It Safe?
Personal hygiene is synonymous with better health. It is probably the most effective way to protect yourself from any health problems — just be clean and you are good to go!
To add, having proper hygiene boosts your self-confidence and lessens your feeling of awkwardness in social circles.
One known personal hygiene habit of most women is douching.
What Is Douching?
Douching in French means “washing or cleansing the vagina”. This is women’s daily routine to feel cleaner and fresher, and to get rid or prevent any unpleasant odor.
Feminine washes are popularly available in the market with different basic ingredients, and may contain antiseptics and fragrances. They can be purchased in a bottle, spray or tube and are with instructions to guide you on when and how to use.
With so many vaginal cleansing products to choose, it is better to pick the one with natural ingredients. These products can cause less irritations to the skin and are far more effective than any other washes.
But the questions remain, “Are feminine wash products necessary? Will they do more harm than good?
Positives And Negatives
Many claim that feminine washes are helpful because they regulate the vaginal pH level, thus preventing the production of odor producing bacteria which also prevents STDs.
While some women believe that douching was helpful, there are some who encountered problems linked with the regular use of feminine cleansing agents. Some would assert that these cleansers:
- can destroy the normal flora present in the vagina which are responsible for eliminating bacterial vaginosis
- can increase risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy or have more difficulty getting pregnant
- cause cervical cancer or fungal infections
Natural Feminine Wash Remedies
Keep in mind that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. It is also normal having vaginal smell except when the odor is too foul and strong which obviously indicative of possible infection.
So, it is advisable that you should use mild washing solutions — natural is most preferable — for your delicate area. Below are natural vaginal cleansers you can use:
Water
The safest cleanser. Warm or distilled water is still the safest and best for flushing over the area.
Lemon Leaves
It contains the compound, limonene which has both antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties that makes your vagina smelling sweet.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A few drops of this on your bath tub, and after soaking for 15 minutes will clean your vagina and restore the acidic pH favorable for vaginal flora.
Chamomile Oil
One drop of oil to two cups of water is another remedy to get rid of unpleasant vaginal smell.
Yogurt
This is usually applied directly onto your vagina to cure Candida infection.
Tea Tree Oil
Tampon dipped in olive oil, then put in a little tea tree oil before using the tampon in your vagina. Leave it for at least an hour then pull out leaving your flower clean and fresh.
Grapeseed Oil and Lavender Oil
Both are excellent moisturizers which prevent itchiness and formation of bacterial infection.