Growing up I always knew that soap made it itchy, but lately I have been washing it with soap pretty thoroughly. I saw a post about this earlier and some women said that it wasn't good to have soap in your vagina. So does that mean that I should stop? Because I have been itching down there and it's annoying. And no I don't think it's a yeast infection. The only problem I have is that it's itchy and a little red. No odor, no colored discharge. So do you think it's the soap? Should I not wash down there like that? I was just trying to be clean. Thanks!
2007-06-07 16:04:47 · 15 answers · asked by some person 6 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Thanks you guys. I can't believe I was so ignorant to something like that. It's important to know what I should do with my body. Glad I asked. You all had great answers thank you!
2007-06-07 18:45:38 · update #1
Odor and discharge are sometimes symptoms of yeast infections, but not necessary for diagnosing one. It's possible that there may be a yeast infection, but it's also possible that there's just some irritation from the soap. Sometimes though, the yeast infection can show up in the early stages with just a little redness, and itchiness before the full on yeast infectionsets in.
That said, washing the outside of your vulva with soap is okay, if it doesn't bother your bodyis bad. Putting soap on the inside of your vulva, your inner labia, clitoris, and vagina, however, is a bad idea, and can cause irritation and infection-most often either yeast or bacterial vaginosis (the infection that's commonly associated with "the fishy smell" but can have more serious consequences like pre-term labor if you're pregnant, or pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to scarring and infertility.) Vaginas are self cleaning. If you feel the need to wash it, plain water, and your hand do a fine job. It doesn't need the addition of soap.
Feel better soon.
2007-06-07 16:25:37 · answer #1 · answered by Erika G 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The redness and itchyness could be caused by irritation from the soap - soap is very alkaline, and your vagina likes to be acidic. Washing with water down there is just fine, or if you want a little more, make a rinse with one tablespoon of white vinegar mixed with a cup of warm water. Don't douche though. Your vagina is self cleaning, so you only want to use that on the outside bits.
2007-06-07 16:44:16 · answer #2 · answered by Seraphim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO its not OK, you need to stop using soap that part of your body is designed to be self cleaning, if anything use warm water or an all natural douche don't use the ones you buy from the store they are full of chemicals that can cause all sorts of problems and lead to chronic yeast infections just like soap. But if you feel that you really need to clean it after your period or sex than go for the all natural douche. the only thing you should use down there is a very mild soap like the baby wash and only on the outer parts.
2007-06-07 16:33:30 · answer #3 · answered by bookluvr315 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't think you should be washing the inside of your vagina you can wash your labia's but don't slide the soap in side you it can cause an infection if your not getting all that soap washed out of you .
2016-05-19 08:54:21 · answer #4 · answered by layla 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't necessarily wash the vagina, which I mean the inside. You use soap for the lips and outside which should be fine. If not then you might want to pick something up for sensitive skin. As everyone else said it you want to wash the vagina, there are washes but I would research them first just to make sure the chemicals aren't harsh.
2007-06-07 19:51:04 · answer #5 · answered by child0fthec0rn666 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is DEFINITELY the soap. OWWW!!
I have maybe once or twice used soap there and it was a bad experience both times. Now, I use one of two things: Bath and Body Works shower gel, which has been great and sting-free even though it is perfumed, and Johnson and Johnson's liquid baby soap. Either one works well.
2007-06-07 16:18:03 · answer #6 · answered by bibliophile31 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No it's not okay. Soaps can cause a lot of problems for females, try using feminine wash. It should help with the itching and redness.
2007-06-07 16:13:28 · answer #7 · answered by ChoclettJapanimation 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Soap may cause problems there. A feminine wash would be less irritating.
2007-06-07 16:10:33 · answer #8 · answered by friendly advice from maine 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I found that since I am very sensitive to any kind of soap down there that vaginal wipes are the easiest thing to use, they keep you clean, and they don't cause irritation.
2007-06-07 16:25:13 · answer #9 · answered by Kitana K 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Soap is very harsh for a delicate area. I would get some kind of vaginal wash. They sell it at Walmart and it is very gentle. Give that a try.
2007-06-07 16:08:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋