When your gynecologist says to only wash with water

[instantfamily]

When I've had bacterial infections or thrush more than one gyn has told me to wash my fanjo with water only and not to use any soap "because it upsets the ph/destroys the vaginal flora" etc.

I was too slow stunned to ask: are they talking about the vulva or the vagina?? I would never douche or wash inside with anything, but how can you keep your vulva clean with water only? I mean how can the vulva "self-clean" sperm, blood, discharge?

[CaseyShraeger]

Because they are all water-soluble?

[NoWittyName]

Water should be sufficient to clean all of the above! Have you given it a whirl? Try it for a bit and see whether you feel you are 'unclean'. If you really are worried then go back and ask your gp/gyn if there is anything very mild you can use.

[Sparklingbrook]

My Gynaecologist told me the only thing you should add to a bath is yourself.

[instantfamily]

It just doesn't seem to make sense. Isn't sweat water soluble? I still for the sake of those around me use soap under my arms.

And for my fanjo: I have hair between my legs, I sweat, only part of what's between my legs can possibly be self-cleaning (the mucuous membranes) - everything else is just normal skin, isn't it? And that is not self-cleaning, as far as I know.

[IWipeArses]

The water does the cleaning.

[marriednotdead]

Water only works fine. I am one of many who gets thrush or a UTI if anything else is used to wash. No douching required!

[instantfamily]

How many women actually only use water? I thought nobody washed with water only. I figure if I haven't smelled you all around me it must be ok?

[instantfamily]

Even when you have your period?

[Mintyy]

Try Femfresh or Body Shop tea tree body wash. I always always get thrush if I use any other sort of soap or shower gel, but these two don't give me gip and I feel properly clean.

[TheDetective]

I am 27, and in all those years have never used anything to clean my genital area! Water only. In a shower. I don't smell, and am clean.

I struggle to see what the problem is here! If you are concerned about just water, well use a flannel too? I don't, I just spray the shower head and this cleans it all for me!

I also struggle to admit to talking about how I clean my vagina on the internet

[notcitrus]

Just water here, after my gynae told me to. I trim a bit to ensure water is sufficient, but that and using only Ecover on my pants has kept my personal ecosystem very happy since.

[Mintyy]

What about your bottom TheDetective. How do you wash that?

[TheDetective]

With water! The same way! I might rub a bit of body wash on the cheeks, but I don't go delving in cracks

Seriously wondering how dirty one can get down there??!!

[instantfamily]

It's taken me a while to post myself, TheDetective but I figure that MNers have read it all anyway.

[TheDetective]

I'm just hoping DP doesn't find this thread!

[instantfamily]

Well, how dirty? If you had blood, sperm or other bodily effluents on your hands you would wash them with soap, Detective, wouldn't you?

[TheDetective]

Yes because I will be touching other people/things with my hands.

I generally don't rub my genitals on other people. Mostly.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Water only in those regions. I don't smell :-)

[RandomMess]

I was told to use "simple" soap only ie the brand simple and it made a huge difference try that first and resort to water only if that doesn't make a difference.

[MajesticWhine]

I use soap or showergel on my pubes. And soap around the bum. But wouldn't put soap inside the flaps or around the vagina. Hot water does the rest.

[nametakenagain]

Just water here too. Never anything else. Um, thought that was normal! Never had infections tho

[HoneyDragon]

Water only here too. On genitals and face.

[minipie]

Water only, except face and pits. If you use water thoroughly enough it will wash away all blood and other fluids, they are water soluble.

Re armpits: Sweat is water soluble but deodorant isn't. And we wear clothes which absorb the sweat, which then smells.

[instantfamily]

Ok, you have converted me. I'll try.