How to Clean and Lubricate the Vagina Safely
299How to Clean and Lubricate the Vagina Safely
Original was uploaded on 2024-07-03
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and people do not need to clean it. Regular douching is unnecessary.
People can help keep the area clean and healthy by:
using barrier methods, such as a condom, to reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs with a sexual partner
keeping the vaginal area as dry as possible, which may involve changing underwear if it becomes wet with sweat, menstrual blood, or other fluids
urinating after having sex, to avoid developing a UTI
wiping from front to back after urinating
refraining from having vaginal sex straight after having anal sex, as this can spread bacteria from the anus to the vagina
To clean the vulva, people can wash the external area with warm water. If they wish to, they can use a mild, unscented soap. Afterward, they should rinse the vulva thoroughly and then pat the area dry.
It is important not to put soap into the vagina, and it is not necessary to use soaps that manufacturers have specifically labeled as being for the genitals.
