It is appropriate for all women to understand that the odor generated in the vagina is common. The vaginal odor should not smell like the scent of flowers, fruits, or chemicals. The number of feminine soap products claimed to make the vagina smells good makes women wonder, "Is my vaginal odor normal?".
The answer is simple, every woman has a distinctive vaginal odor. Although they are different, there is one thing in common with vaginal odors, which usually smell slightly sour similar to vinegar. Women like this need not worry as this is completely normal.
Why is there a slightly sour smell coming from the vagina?
The sour vaginal odor comes from natural bacterial colonies and vaginal secretions. Bacterial colonies and this fluid are acidic, with a normal pH of 4.5. The acidity of the vaginal area is important to prevent bacterial or viral infections.
When the acidity is unbalanced, the vagina becomes more susceptible to harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause disease. You should also know that using feminine soap, although it can cause a fragrant aroma, can interfere with vaginal acidity.
What are the side effects of using feminine soap?
Several claims that feminine soap products could clean, make the vagina smell good, and eliminate vaginal discharge are viral. But of course, there are side effects that are harmful to vaginal health.
Keep in mind that the vagina can cleanse and protect itself. Even vaginal discharge is a natural response of the vagina to remove dead cells and bacteria.
Using feminine soaps can alter vaginal acidity, ideally for maintaining a colony of good bacteria. Without good bacteria, the vagina loses its ability to protect itself from the risk of infection. Many chemicals in feminine soap can alter the pH balance in the vagina and become a fertile place for bacteria and fungi to grow.
How do you properly clean the vagina?
Cleaning the vagina is also not something that needs to be corrected. Because according to the anatomy of the body, the vagina is a canal inside the body. So the right thing to do is to clean the vulva, the outer part of the vagina. The vulva covers the area outside the vagina, including the clitoris, clitoral shield, inner labia, and outer labia.
This is important for women to know because cleaning the area inside the vagina could cause several problems. So how do you properly clean the vulva? Here are some ways you can apply to treat your intimate area.
Wash with warm water. You can also use a mild soap that won't irritate your skin, but it's not required.
Clean the crease between the outer and inner labia with your hands or a clean cloth. Avoid getting soap and water in the vaginal area.
In addition to the vulva, do not forget to clean the anal area, the area between the vulva, and the anus every day.
Never wash the vaginal area from back to front. This is to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus that can cause an infection.
So, cleaning the vagina with soap is not necessary?
You do not need to use soap to clean the vulva or vaginal area. If you want to use soap, choose an odorless, mild, and colorless soap. Soaps that contain fragrance can irritate sensitive skin areas, especially the vulva. Also, remember to prevent soap and water from