Should You Be Using A Vaginal Wash?

So many of us grapple with the question of whether or not vaginal washes should be used. Are they good? Do they help prevent infections? Or do they make matters worse if something isn't right to begin with?

We were pretty confused ourselves, given how much conjecture there is around the vaginal wash and it's pros and cons. So we decided to speak to an expert, Dr Anjila Aneja, Director - Fortis La Femme, Greater Kailash and Director and HOD - Minimal Access Gynaecology Surgery, Fortis, Gurugram.

1. What do you think about vaginal washes? Should we be using them?

Dr Anjila Aneja: No. Vaginal washes should not be used. Vaginal cleaning or 'douching' destroys the normal bacteria in the vagina that actually helps prevent vaginal infections. This in turn, makes the vagina more prone to bacterial or yeast infection. This way you are doing more harm than good.

2. Then how should one be cleaning their vagina?

Dr Anjila Aneja: Our vagina produces cervical mucus, which acts as a barrier to infections, helping prevent further infections. There is actually no need to clean the vagina. The mucus or discharge has self-cleansing properties.

3. What should one do if they feel a burning or itching sensation, if not clean with a wash?

Dr Anjila Aneja: If you feel any burning sensation or an itch and you feel your discharge is infected, it needs to be treated immediately. No wash should be used even then. If the vagina is infected by bacteria and a vaginal wash is used to clean it, there are chances of the infection further increasing and causing pelvic inflammatory diseases.

4. Any other myths about the vaginal wash that need to be washed out?

Dr Anjila Aneja: People have the illusion that vaginal washes can help prevent pregnancies. This is definitely false.

Still have more questions? Write to us at swirlster@ndtv.com and we'll try to answer them all!