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Ladies -- a question about washing.

peachness

Bluelighter
Joined
Dec 29, 2005
Messages
481
(Men that know their partners' washing habits in regards to their vagina are welcome to reply as well.)

When you wash your vaginal area, do you use soap and if so, what do you use? I was using the body wash I use for the rest of my body, then I switched to Dove unscented because I was having problems with bacterial vaginosis. I thought that might help, and it did for a while, but I still had occasional issues. So lately I've been just using a lot of water and no soap and that seems to work great. I finally smell sweet like I used to! So have I been doing it wrong my whole life?

I know smoking doesn't help that either and I'm trying to quit that as well. But it's tough and the fact that I'm not seeing anyone right now makes me rationalize continuing. I'm trying though and have cut down considerably.

Anyway, any info would be nice! Thanks!
 
Using soap, specifically anti-bacterial soap, can kill the good bacteria in your vaginal region, and it could eventually cause a yeast infection.

I'd just stick with a clean washcloth and water.

Just remember, we're hypersensitive to our own smell, so chances are, no one else can smell you, and if you're feeling self-conscious about it, as your significant other.
 
Soap is alkaline and messes with the pH levels in your vagina. Sometimes I use soap on my labia but I never, ever use soap to wash my inner labia or vagina. The inside of your vagina is designed to clean itself, that's what (normal, healthy) discharge is all about. So water and your own hand is the way to go, in my opinion.
 
True! I've used soaps my whole life and only recently has this become an issue. I've never had a yeast infection, even after using strong antibiotics.

I'll definitely just keep going without soap. Seems to work well.

Thanks!
 
Thanks, Beatlebot! I guess I'm just OCD about being/feeling clean and I never feel fully clean if I don't use soap.
 
Im such a fastidious bather;) I use soap on the outer part, and than I use special wash when I want to really get things clean. I use a ph balanced, very mild tea tree oil wash specifically for that area. When I have my period, I use something stronger. Never had problems.

We are all different though so you should stick to what works for you, m'dear.:)
 
I use this stuff called QV wash - it's ph balanced and unscented, soap-free etc - it's designed for infants and old people and people with dermatitis etc. the chemist told me it would be the best thing to use. I don't use soap on my body at all, but i do use a nice-smelling body wash.

I don't use teh QV daily though... i have had a really bad run (for several years) with both candiasis and dermititis... on and off... usually the week before my period.. (yay, lucky me!) I have the QV wash stuff to keep me clean, and a QV moisturiser (also developed for super-sensitive skin) that i use a tiny tiny bit of after i shower - because the water its self is drying.

Also, don't over-wash, no hot water, use hypo-allergenic toilet paper, wear cotton underwear, air-dry after a shower where possible, blot instead of wipe, get off the pill, don't eat too much sugar, eat as much anti-fungal food as possible (although i don't think you can really ever have too much garlic imo)... these things should fix most vaginal issues... be they a skin issue or a fungal issue.. i steer away from medical treatments these days; candidasis medication causes dermititis and dermititis medication creates a perfect breeding ground for candida (as it's an immuno-suppresent).. so i can't win there... plus, people take waaaay too many medicines these days anyway, it's better to prevent a problem than treat it.

People say you shouldn't use anything on your genital area... but lets face it, sometimes it smells, and you need more than just water... but whatever you do, take it easy... try not to upset the delicate environment... because in my experience, you can destroy it forever if you're not careful. I figure, water is good most of the time unless you've been taking lots of drugs or doing heavy exercise or have just had sex.. then you might need something a little more than water.
 
I can only use water or it causes major problems. I only use a mild soap when I'm on my period. I used to get infections almost monthly when I used to use too much soap. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. The first reaction is to wash more and use more soap, but that's the complete opposite.
 
Remember, if you do use soap, use one without glycerine. Glycerine is a sugar, and yeast/bacteria thrive on sugars. If you are going for a soap like thing, get one that is unscented and glycerine free. However, in many cases, water should be just fine.

The same thing goes for lubricants. Most common water based lubricants that you get at the drug store are glycerine based (i.e. astroglide, ky, etc...) and can cause yeast infections in those who are suceptible. Also, proplylene glycol can also be irritating for many women. The best thing you can use is a silicone lubricant, but this is off the topic, but important for those sexually active, yet sensitive women.
 
I use an organic all natural oatmeal vanilla soap. No glycerine.
Same thing I use on the rest of my body. Its the best soap I ever have found, but I think its discontinued. I found some at a Big Lots store one time, tried it, LOVED it, so I went back and bought everything they had lol...I havent had to buy soap in the past two years and I still have about three bars of the stuff left. :)
 
Avoid using soaps with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). Dove for example has this and you ought to consider switching. I'm not a freak about using organic products however I now use all organic and free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate soaps, body washes, and lotions. If your interested research this a little bit more.

Sources:
http://www.healthy-communications.com/journal_of_the_american_college_.html

http://www.healthy-communications.com/slsalert.html

http://www.healthy-communications.com/sodium_lauryl_sulfat steinman.htm

http://www.healthy-communications.com/msdssodiumlaurylsulfate.html
 
Thanks, everyone! I'm still having a slight problem, though it's no longer "fishy", just pungent and that's not so bad. I did stop using Dove and have been just cleaning myself with water, but have caved a few times and very gently and sparingly used soap (scented body wash) on the outermost bits.

I agree that we are hypersensitive to our own smells, but I am one of those people that always over analyzes things. :)

So where do I find all of these products? Organic store like Whole Foods? Or will my local Wally or grocery have them?

frog_e said:
Also, don't over-wash, no hot water, use hypo-allergenic toilet paper, wear cotton underwear, air-dry after a shower where possible, blot instead of wipe, get off the pill, don't eat too much sugar, eat as much anti-fungal food as possible (although i don't think you can really ever have too much garlic imo)... these things should fix most vaginal issues... be they a skin issue or a fungal issue.. i steer away from medical treatments these days; candidasis medication causes dermititis and dermititis medication creates a perfect breeding ground for candida (as it's an immuno-suppresent).. so i can't win there... plus, people take waaaay too many medicines these days anyway, it's better to prevent a problem than treat it.

I'm sure that the fact that I always wipe really thoroughly is a contributor to the problem as well. I am on the pill, smoke too much, eat poorly, and don't get as much exercise as I should. I'm working to remedy these things, though and I know that once I get my overall health back on track, things will iron themselves out.

Thanks again for all the great info! :)
 
eras3r said:
Just remember, we're hypersensitive to our own smell, so chances are, no one else can smell you, and if you're feeling self-conscious about it, as your significant other.

That may apply to body odour but most people enjoy the smell of their own shit.
 
I'm really sensitive as to which soaps I use, even many soaps which are supposed to be mild or are designed for intimate care have not agreed with me at all, but for the past year or so I've been using Boots Intimate Care Feminine Wash, a soap-free wash which contains lactic acid and is supposed to not only clean gently and maintain the pH, but actually help you recover from infections caused by pH imbalance. It always makes me feel really clean too. It was sold out last time so I bought Lactacyd Femina instead, which is similar, although I prefer the former, as the Lactacyd is slightly perfumed, obviously not a good thing.

For thrush and BV, I'd really recommend boric acid, it's much more effective, cheaper (and, some say, healthier) than standard medicines.
 
peachness said:
So where do I find all of these products? Organic store like Whole Foods? Or will my local Wally or grocery have them?

Most of those soaps can be fond at organic type stores, though, I have noticed that Meijer (if you have one in your area) is starting to carry more organic-type soaps.

Also, too, try drinking more water or something that will cleanse your system. That can also help with the smell.
 
frog_e said:
I use this stuff called QV wash - it's ph balanced and unscented, soap-free etc - it's designed for infants and old people and people with dermatitis etc. the chemist told me it would be the best thing to use. I don't use soap on my body at all, but i do use a nice-smelling body wash.

I don't use teh QV daily though... i have had a really bad run (for several years) with both candiasis and dermititis... on and off... usually the week before my period.. (yay, lucky me!) I have the QV wash stuff to keep me clean, and a QV moisturiser (also developed for super-sensitive skin) that i use a tiny tiny bit of after i shower - because the water its self is drying.

Also, don't over-wash, no hot water, use hypo-allergenic toilet paper, wear cotton underwear, air-dry after a shower where possible, blot instead of wipe, get off the pill, don't eat too much sugar, eat as much anti-fungal food as possible (although i don't think you can really ever have too much garlic imo)... these things should fix most vaginal issues... be they a skin issue or a fungal issue.. i steer away from medical treatments these days; candidasis medication causes dermititis and dermititis medication creates a perfect breeding ground for candida (as it's an immuno-suppresent).. so i can't win there... plus, people take waaaay too many medicines these days anyway, it's better to prevent a problem than treat it.

People say you shouldn't use anything on your genital area... but lets face it, sometimes it smells, and you need more than just water... but whatever you do, take it easy... try not to upset the delicate environment... because in my experience, you can destroy it forever if you're not careful. I figure, water is good most of the time unless you've been taking lots of drugs or doing heavy exercise or have just had sex.. then you might need something a little more than water.

My girlfriend uses QV wash too. She works at a pharmacy and also was recommended this product. She said that no women should use soap as it does mess with the Ph levels in your vagina and can lead to all sorts of issues.
 
I'm so surprised there haven't been any snarky comments yet! (well, I guess this forum isn't as cutthroat as some others)

But I just wanted to comment that I never knew washing your vagina was so complicated! I'm lucky as a guy, all I have to do it lather up my hands and play with my junk for a while, and VOILA! clean, and it feels good too!
 
Thanks again, all! :) I'm going to go to Whole Foods tomorrow and see what I can find.

johanneschimpo said:
I'm so surprised there haven't been any snarky comments yet! (well, I guess this forum isn't as cutthroat as some others)

But I just wanted to comment that I never knew washing your vagina was so complicated! I'm lucky as a guy, all I have to do it lather up my hands and play with my junk for a while, and VOILA! clean, and it feels good too!

Yes, you are lucky! :) I'm surprised about the response as well. I appreciate that people that have answered are mature enough to keep it on topic and helpful. It's a fairly common issue and by posting it I thought it would help someone else too embarrassed to ask for themselves.
 
I use any natural soap, the same that I use for bathing. I usually use one that is coconut oil-based, with essential oil fragrance.

Anything natural helps. If the weather is cold and/or I feel that the soap may be a bit drying (as even natural soaps can be), I put a little bit of jojoba oil afterwards.

Works well for me.
 
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