What To Do Instead Of Douching: Cleaning your vagina “dos and don’ts” from a pelvic physiotherapist
Often, I get questions in clinic asking…
How do I properly wash my vagina?
What to do instead of douching ?
What is a normal smell for a vagina?
Is there anything that shouldn’t be used to clean my vulva?
What is swamp crotch and can it be avoided?
Okay, maybe that last one is one I wish would be asked, however, I have some thoughts on these points.
The problem with douches
The female “hygiene” industry has capitalized on natural smelling vagina insecurity and there is a myriad of feminine soaps, washes and supposed “smell managing” substances on the shelves of stores today.
But I have come here with some important and exciting news for you:
ATTENTION VAGINA OWNERS: Your vagina doesn’t need all the expensive goo and tinctures. They only need themselves (Mind blown emoji).
Did you know - your vagina is self-cleaning and can maintain its natural pH balance with its own homemade secretions? It’s true!
Using soap, douches or scented products can interfere with this natural cleaning process and irritate your skin in the process.
Throwing off your natural pH or flushing these areas can also result in problems like:
yeast infections
bacterial vaginosis
and symptoms such as abnormal discharge
unusual odour
irritation
itchiness
and general feeling of swamp crotch.
Swamp crotch (noun) : /ˈswɑːmp/ /krɒtʃ/
(slang, vulgar) The condition of having an unpleasantly warm, moist and often irritated crotch area.
Improper hygiene of feminine areas that results in a myriad of vaginal and vulvar discomforts, odours and various other symptoms
See also: swamp ass
What to do instead of douching
General overwhelming recommendations are to use water only on any tissue unable to grow hair. Think labia minora (your inner lips) or anything else internal.
If you can use water - only - on the whole shebang, you’ve done one better.
**Reminder that the “vulva” is the outer part of female genitalia and the “vagina” is internal aka the hallway.
It’s also worth mentioning that your vagina has a natural scent and it’s healthy for that scent to vary depending on where you are in your cycle.
Let’s take a minute and talk about the many smells of a vagina:
• Metal or copper
• BO
• Sweet
• Earthy
• Tangy
• Skunky
Smells that mean you should see a doctor include:
• Fishy
• Rotten
• Or generally pungent - that can come in various forms but if it’s strong- it’s worth getting checked out
“But Laine”, you say, “what if I shave my yeti of a vulva, and use soap for that?”
Listen, I could go on and on about how hair in your nethers is meant to protect your bits from intruders like bacteria but you’re still going to have a shower tomorrow and take a blade to it.
So let’s compromise.
If you must use something for cleansing or shaving purposes:
First and foremost you are only putting it onto the shave-able regions of your vulva and bikini line.
You are using a mild, unscented cleanser - YES - cleanser is different than soap and it does not disrupt your pH balance in the same way as soap.
You are fully rinsing with water after using your razor.
Hope this has helped to clarify what to do instead of douching and how to make sure your bits are clean - for both bush-friendly and anti-bush females.
Here for you, and your hive.
- Laine
About the Author: Laine Wall
Hey Babe! Thanks for stopping by the Hive blog.
I am a Registered Pelvic Physiotherapist focusing on women’s health and perinatal and postpartum health. I love supporting women on their individualized pelvic health journey.
I am the owner and founder of a pelvic physiotherapy clinic called Hive Pelvic Health in Millbrook, Ontario, also offering virtual appointments for those residing anywhere in Ontario, Canada.
Have more questions? Get in touch with me.
Hive Pelvic Health is located in the township of Cavan-Monaghan, in Peterborough County. It is less than 20 minutes from Peterborough and 30 minutes from Durham region.
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