The use of feminine hygiene products is increasing with the growing awareness about feminine hygiene. According to the reports presented by the Allied Market Research, the feminine hygiene market is expected to grow to $42.7 Billion by 2022. As quoted by Dr. Kimberly Langdon, a medical advisor at Medzino, “It seems like we are amid massive demand for feminine hygiene products.” However, these products may target two terms, vagina and vulva, that are often interchanged, but they are two separate parts of one’s body.

Difference Between Vagina And Vulva

Your vagina does not need any unique cleansing products and no special techniques for cleaning it because it is a self-cleansing organ. On the other hand, the vulva, the outer portion around the vagina, which includes the clitoral hood, inner and outer vaginal lips, urethra, and pubic mound, requires cleansing.

According to the founder of NeuEve, Dr. Renjie Chang, a healthy vagina ensures the right bacterial environment and helps maintain the ideal pH level, which is around 3.5 to 4.5; slightly acidic. If this pH is disturbed because of ill-health habits, the organ may lose the capability of preventing harmful bacteria from thriving. That being said, one should never wash inside a vagina because it can disrupt the natural balance, causing yeast infection, irritation, and bacterial vaginosis. It can also increase infertility by pushing STIs upward towards the fallopian tubes, thus, causing pelvic inflammatory disease.

Vulva Cleaning Techniques

So, we have established which part you need to clean and which part cleans itself naturally and does not have to be disturbed. Nevertheless, the following are some of the things you can find at home and use to ensure optimal vulvic health. You must ensure that nothing goes inside, so you need to be careful with this:

1. Natural warm water is all you need to clean your vulva. You can use baby soap once a day, ideally while bathing, to clean your vagina. You must always wipe from front to back after urinating and keep it as dry as possible.
2. You can use Greek yogurt to clean your vulva. Just massage it over your vulva, let it sit for 1-2 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
3. You can use baking soda to ensure that the ideal pH is maintained. Use a pinch of baking soda, add it to warm water, and rinse your vulva using it.
4. You can also use apple cider vinegar. Mix a tiny amount of vinegar in water and rinse. However, if you have rashes, do not use this method because it will be painful.
5. If you like moisturizing your vagina, try using coconut oil and massaging gently on your vulva. You must not use chemical moisturizers as they can disturb the natural pH of the organ.

Conclusion

Cleaning the outside part of the vagina, i.e., vulva must be a part of your daily routine. Warm water is all you need to clean the vulva. There is never a recommendation regarding using chemicals cleansers, moisturizers, shampoos, or any harsh product because it can harm it. However, if you want to invest in vaginal cleansing products, ensure that they are 100% gynecologists approved. If you want to learn more about vulvovaginal health, contact us today!