But does the vagina clean itself?

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Female intimate hygiene: is it true that the vagina is self-cleaning?

Did you know that the vagina is “self-cleaning”? Well yes, in contrast to the male genital apparatus, the female genital apparatus can boast the peculiarity of hygiene that also takes place “autonomously” thanks to the internal lubrication. But how does it work? And is it sufficient for proper hygiene? We asked the expert, who explained in what sense women have a self-cleaning vagina.

How does the vulva “clean itself”?

Vaginal flora is responsible for keeping the vulva clean.: it is a protective muscosa, which is responsible for protecting it from bacteria. The Dr. Daniela Botta, Psychotherapist, clinical sexologist, ECPS of the Institute of Clinical Sexology in Rome clarifies “The vagina naturally possesses a acidic pH which helps to maintain a favorable internal environment for the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, which play a protective function and control the growth of harmful ones.”

Mucus and discharge, usually clear and whitish, are normal and useful to signal the arrival of the menstrual cycle or (if later) may indicate ovulation has occurred; therefore, in these cases, there is no need to worry. If the discharge is white, but malodorous or with intimate itching, this can be a wake-up call for a’vaginal infection ongoing (bacterial vaginosis or candida).

“It is important to keep a close watch on all those elements that can alter this delicate balance. Within the vagina resides Doderlein’s Lactobacillus, a beneficial bacterium responsible for maintaining stable conditions. After ovulation, when mucus promotes the rise of spermatozoa, the lactobacillus performs the task of “cleaning up” the environment, removing residual mucus, inactive spermatozoa and external bacteria, through the production of spontaneously expelled whitish discharge. There are signs that may indicate a deviation from normal physiology. Intimate itching, burning o abnormal odors can act as alarm bells,” she concludes.

So, is leakage during your period normal?

“Vaginal discharge is physiological and has different functions,” explains Dr.

White discharge after menstruation, which is more transparent, indicates ovulation has occurred: “During the period of theovulation a increased production of vaginal mucus, which generally takes on a transparent or whitish coloration. These secretions are intended to facilitate the path of sperm to fertilization. Following ovulation, a new modulation of circulating hormones occurs, affecting the delicate balance of the vaginal environment. Therefore, it is possible to experience the production of whitish discharge” before menstruation.

The discharge, therefore, must be not abundant, odorless, and not accompanied by itching: in this case, they are normal during the 28 days between menstruation (and if taking the birth control pill even more frequent).

If you feel unsure about the discharge you have or are not convinced, see your doctor : the gynecologist will be able to remove all doubts and assess the extent of vaginal discharge.

The importance of proper intimate hygiene

“It is advisable to use exclusively detergents specially formulated for cleaning the external genitalia and refrain from using vaginal douches unless prescribed by a gynecologist,” advises Dr. Botta.

The female sexual apparatus consists of an external and an internal and unseen part. The washable part is only the external part, thus the external genitalia:

• The mount of Venus;
• The outer part of the clitoris;
• The labia minora and labia majora;
• The vaginal vestibule, which is that area with between the labia minora and the entrance to the vagina.

Every vagina has a natural acidic pH that serves to maintain a good state of health of the vagina itself, so it is important to pay attention to its hygiene by using specially designed intimate soaps, avoid perfumes or detergents not suitable for intimate hygiene, washing too frequently. All these aspects can affect vaginal pH and, therefore, intimate well-being.

Hair removal, underwear and other curiosities.

Okay, so the vagina is partly “self-cleaning,” but how can we give it a hand in proper intimate hygiene? What should one be careful about?

• Underwear: Wear cotton briefs as much as possible (sexy lingerie during sex does not count! That one is okay because it is kept for a limited time). Also remember to change underwear every day and after physical activity.
• Healthy lifestyle: Physical activity, proper nutrition, and low stress levels help immunity, even in our private parts
• Clean and dry: Pay attention to proper cleansing with gentle intimate cleanser and careful drying (to avoid cystitis or other inflammation). In addition, do (and demand from/by your partner) proper hygiene even before and after sexual intercourse.
• Things to avoid: vaginal douches (unless prescribed by a doctor), deodorants, perfumes or detergents not indicated for intimate hygiene.

As for the intimate depilation? Does hair help keep the vulva clean? “Hair removal, if there are no contraindications as in the case of specific disorders such as vulvodynia, remains a personal aesthetic choice,” Dr. Botta concludes.