Can you wash your vagina with hot water?

Conversations surrounding vaginal care typically shroud themselves in societal taboos. This offers beginning to myths and misconceptions. With the onset of winter, a typical practise emerges the place ladies use scorching water to scrub the vagina. However is it secure to make use of scorching water to clean the vagina? Effectively, in line with a gynaecologist, washing the vagina with scorching water might pose dangers to vaginal well being as it could affect the fragile stability of vaginal well-being.

Is cleansing your vagina with scorching water a good suggestion?

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ and also you don’t want to scrub it. However if you’re a kind of ladies who nonetheless wish to clear her vagina, keep away from utilizing scorching water. Well being Photographs spoke to Dr Teji Dawane, a senior advisor, obstetrician, and gynaecologist, who says that cleansing the vagina with scorching water is a improper practise which may enhance the chance of vaginal infections as nicely.

“Heat water is usually thought of secure and might help in sustaining cleanliness, particularly throughout menstruation or after sexual exercise. Moreover, heat water can stop the expansion of a number of the dangerous micro organism, present consolation, and will ease muscle stress, selling leisure,” provides the knowledgeable.

5 unwanted effects of washing vagina with scorching water

1. Might disturb pH stability

Sizzling water can disrupt the fragile pH stability of the vagina. The vagina is of course acidic, sustaining a pH degree between 3.8 and 4.5 to inhibit the expansion of dangerous micro organism. Extreme use of scorching water can alter this stability, resulting in infections akin to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

2. Irritation and dryness

Dr Dawane says, “Sizzling water can strip away the pure oils and moisture current within the vaginal space. This will result in dryness, itching, and irritation, making the tissues extra weak to tears.” Dryness may additionally trigger discomfort throughout intercourse and enhance the chance of creating yeast infections.

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3. Elevated sensitivity

Exposing the vaginal space to scorching water regularly might result in elevated sensitivity. The tissues might turn out to be extra vulnerable to irritation from soaps, cleansers, or different merchandise used with scorching water. This heightened sensitivity may end up in redness, itching, and general discomfort.

4. Threat of burns

“If not used cautiously, scorching water may cause burns to the fragile pores and skin across the vaginal space,” warns Dr Dawane. The genital tissues are notably delicate, and publicity to scorching water that exceeds a secure temperature may cause burns, resulting in ache and discomfort.

5. Exacerbate present situations

For people with pre-existing situations akin to vulvovaginitis or inflammatory problems, washing with scorching water can exacerbate signs. The warmth might worsen irritation and discomfort, making it essential to keep away from utilizing scorching water.

What’s the proper option to wash the vagina?

It is very important observe that the vagina is self-cleaning organ, and vaginal douching or utilizing harsh soaps can disrupt its pure stability. For exterior hygiene, observe the following pointers:

1. Use heat or lukewarm water as a substitute of scorching water when cleansing your vagina to keep away from disturbing the pH stability and inflicting irritation.
2. Chorus from inserting something into your vagina, as it’s a canal meant for exterior cleaning solely.
3. Gently wash the exterior genital space with fragrance-free cleaning soap utilizing your fingers, or just use water. Keep away from inserting fingers into the vagina.
4. You too can clear round your bum as a result of that’s necessary however keep away from transferring your hand from the again to the entrance.
5. As soon as performed, wipe from entrance to again, and all the time wipe after utilizing the bathroom to forestall bacterial unfold.
6. Throughout your bathe, rinse the genital space with lukewarm water.
7. Keep away from douching, as it could disrupt the pure pH stability, and go for breathable cotton underwear to take care of a wholesome atmosphere.

Maintain the following pointers in thoughts the following time you wash your vagina!