Let's clear things up! Some information out there is far from reality. It is simply just MYTHS. The culprit? – Much of what circulates on social media and the web isn’t backed by solid science.
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Let's clear things up! Some information out there is far from reality. It is simply just MYTHS. The culprit? – Much of what circulates on social media and the web isn’t backed by solid science.
In a world where we’re just one click away from a sea of information, it can feel like you’re drowning in advice - some of which can be helpful and rooted in quality scientific evidence, but much of it misleading and directly nonsense. When discussing women’s health, especially topics surrounding the vulva and vagina, things can get even trickier. This vital part of our bodies can end up feeling like a total mystery, disconnected from the emotional and powerful aspects of being a woman. Let's review some of these misconceptions and recalibrate our approach - let’s cut through the B***S*** for once!
While it's always good to wash the vulva to prevent accumulation of vaginal discharge, sweat and urine, overdoing it in pursuit of ”cleanliness and freshness” does more harm than good.
The vagina has a neutral odour that doesn't need to be masked or eliminated. The personal care industry often promotes impossible standards of “freshness” with products like Vagisil Clean Scent Wash, RepHresh Balance Douche, Summer’s Eve Fresh Scent, and Femfresh Deodorant - all sustaining the myth that vulvas and vaginas are supposed to be all “clean and fresh”. But let’s be real - vulvas and vaginas aren’t supposed to smell like flowers; they’re body parts, not bouquets!
Products marketed to fight odours or treat infections can actually disrupt the vaginal microbiome and alter the delicate pH balance of the vulvovaginal area. Also, baby wipes and creams are for babies not adult vulvas. Many gynaecologists recommend using only water to wash the vulva and vagina, but if that feels insufficient it is recommended to use a hypoallergenic, soap free, pH friendly liquid wash (with a pH of 4.2-5.6).
If your vaginal discharge develops a strong or unpleasant odor, it’s a sign to consult your doctor - your body’s way of telling you something may need attention.
Around the world, many women turn to vaginal douching, believing it will keep their vagina “clean,” “healthy,” and maybe even more “appealing” to their partners. But what does the research say?
First, the vagina is naturally self-cleansing and is designed to maintain its own balance without external intervention. Second, research shows that vaginal douching increases the risk of several health issues, including; bacterial vaginosis (BV), Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), recurrent yeast infections (thrush), ectopic pregnancies, and infertility. Why? Douching disrupts the natural balance of microbes in the vagina, weakening its defences and creating an environment prone to infections. Ironically, douching, often used to alleviate the symptoms of BV, can make the condition worse by wiping out the healthy bacteria, giving the bad ones even more room to thrive.
Consequently, the very practice thought to keep the vagina "healthy" actually does the opposite.
Many women who suffer from recurrent BV have described their experience using phrases like “a horrible fishy smell” or “a nastyodour, like a dead cat”. They express feelings of discomfort, saying, “I feel unclean and want to shower all the time.” These descriptions reflect a deep sense of shame, driven by societal expectations that the vagina should always “smell like flowers” and be “clean.”
What we want to emphasise here is to underline how important it is to remember that when the vagina is infected, it's simply that. It’s an infection, not a reflection of personal hygiene or cleanliness. It's not dirty or nasty. .
Vulvovaginal infections are not just a physical health challenge; they significantly impact a woman’s emotional and social well-being. Ultimately, your vagina needs care, medical attention and understanding, not shame from yourself or others.
“Pubic hair style” should be a personal choice, and one should know the benefits and fallbacks of the practice of public hair removal.
Around 93.7% of women practice some kind of pubic hair grooming, and shaving with a non-electric razor is on top of the list of go-to methods for hair removal. Often, wanting to feel comfortable and “fresh” is one reason for these grooming practices, but many women are also influenced by ”social or peer expectations regarding vulva aesthetics, perceptions of heightened sex appeal, or the normalization of a "bald" pubic region as often depicted in pornography.
Pubic hair plays a smart role as it acts like a natural shield protecting the vulvovaginal area.emovingl it may cause skin microtrauma, increasing the risk of spreadinginfectious agents, heightening the risk of STIs, notably gonorrhea and chlamydia. Additionally, pubic hair removal is often associated with complications such as genital itching, rashes, folliculitis, allergic reactions, and discomfort, including pain and burning sensations.
Nope, that’s not true! Vaginal discharge is normal - do you remember the part about the vagina being self-cleaning above? This is a key reason why!. Normal discharge is typically white or clear and naturally varies in consistency and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. It tends to be thick and sticky, but becomes clearer, wetter, and a more stretchy around ovulation. Discharge may as well increase during pregnancy or when using hormonal contraceptives, while during menopause, it often decreases due to lower estrogen levels.
What requires attention is unusual discharge. Changes in consistency, color, or an unpleasant smell - especially when accompanied by itching, soreness, or irritation - could indicate a vulvovaginal infection. Monitoring these signs can help you identify potential issues early and seek appropriate care.
Eating pineapples won’t make your vagina smell of pineapples. While they’re great for digestion and boosting immunity, the myth that certain foods can alter the natural scent of your vagina is both false and harmful. What you eat doesn’t directly affect the scent of your vagina - food doesn’t reach the vagina to influence its smell. It’s perfectly fine to choose foods for overall health, but expecting these to change how your vagina smells is unrealistic and perpetuates unnecessary pressure. Focus on balanced nutrition for wellness, not myths.
In a world full of advice, it’s easy to get caught up in myths about vulvovaginal health. However, understanding the science and distinguishing facts from common misconceptions empowers us to make informed decisions that genuinely support our well-being.
To read the guideline for healthy intimate hygiene practices, go check out: Healthy Habits: Menstrual Hygiene and Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage - PMC.
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