Gynecologists have warned women against using soaps to clean their vaginas, noting that doing so can elevate the pH level and encourage the growth of infectious diseases. They stress that the vagina is capable of cleaning itself with the aid of natural body secretions and therefore should not be cleansed with soap. The vagina’s acidic environment helps maintain a microbiome of beneficial bacteria; disrupting this balance with soap can lead to infections and other health problems.
Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The skin around the vagina is more sensitive and different from the rest of the body, and soaps can be too harsh for this region, eventually causing irritation. Speaking exclusively with HealthWise, Professor Olwarotimi Akinola, a professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Dr. Akinsola Akinde, a gynecologist, explained that fragrant chemical products can aggravate vaginal odor and trigger infections.
Prof. Akinola explained that using soap to wash the vagina neutralises the acid and germs that protect its environment. “The vagina can sanitise itself. It secretes chemicals that create an acidic environment, discouraging harmful germs from ascending through the vagina. When you use soap, you may neutralise that acid, exposing the person to injury, frequent infection, dryness, and possible injuries. Just clean it with water and without soap. Over time, using soap can lead to colonisation of the vagina with different germs,” he said.
Dr. Akinde emphasized that women should use only water to wash the vagina to avoid bruises and infections. “What do they want to achieve by washing with soap? Just wash with water. That’s all because there is a bacterial flora in the vagina. It is normal bacteria present in most women’s vaginas and helps maintain acidity, which prevents infections,” he explained.
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