Soaping your bits (TMI)

[Pachonga]

So I’ve had a stubborn bout of thrush recently (brought on by a sugary lube ) and found it tricky to shift (can’t use pessaries or soothing creams) so I read every yeast-related thread on Mumsnet and a recurring suggestion was not to use soap on your a vulva at all. Now I’ve never used soap inside my vagina but have always given the flaps and everything external a good soap up daily. However, as I was so sore and so sensitive, I decided to give it a go and after a few days, the area actually feels loads better. But I do have a few questions:

Is warm water really enough on it’s own? Am I getting rid of any sweat/normal discharge just by rinsing?

I still wash my outer pube area and the inner tops of my thighs, bum crack (sorry) and external part of the bum hole (even sorrier) with soap. Is this ok?

Can confirm there is absolutely no smell coming from that area and it does feel a lot less sore so I’m going to continue. I just want to hear from people that know that I’m not storing up problems for the future.

Thanks in advance

I use unscented soap or shower gel on the bum and hairy bits (I don’t shave or wax), plus a little soapy clean just around the outer vulva flappages. Water otherwise and only water if I have any soreness. I find it’s the perfume in products that’s the problem for my skin - unscented is fine.

@Maskless

You can buy special shower gel for your "ladygarden".

I use that on the inner lips/vulva and then normal shower gel on outer lips/bum and crease where the top of legs meets crotch.

Noooooooooo 🙈

I've never used soap on my vulva, just water.
Never had any issues.

Aqueous cream !!!!

Was told to use this by doc after many years of problems- it works

I don’t shave or remove hair in any other way but I do strim. My biggest mistake was strimming right back during the thrush episode thinking it would help but the discharge had nowhere to go and sat directly on my skin. Absolutely awful, never doing that again.

www.gallinee.com/product/perfume-free-cleansing-bar/

I use this- not internally obviously, but with the knowledge that it's far less likely to be irritating if any did actually get inside.

Perfume free, soap free, PH balanced. I wash my entire body with it, use it on my face too. I've noticed that by the end of the day, my armpits aren't as sweaty and smell far fresher than with normal shower gel. I think because it's PH balanced and is good for skins micro biome, it helps counter the bad bacteria that causes the sweaty smell.

It's worth the money for me anyway.

Always used soap/shower gel on the outside, I've actually never had Thrush. I've always wondered if it was something to do with the fact I've always used condoms.

I got told to use Aqueous cream for washing down there, no bubbles or soap in baths & never wash your hair in the bath either.

Why is everyone so obsessed with this right now 3rd thread in 2 days why am I reading it I have no idea

Cannot imagine cleaning my bits with just water. It’s shower gel all over (including intimate parts). I had thrush only once when pregnant (a fair few years ago)…

@hamsterchump

Always used soap/shower gel on the outside, I've actually never had Thrush. I've always wondered if it was something to do with the fact I've always used condoms.

Same but it depends on the lube on the condoms. Anything with glycerin (sugar) sets me off

@Airfriedshite

Why is everyone so obsessed with this right now 3rd thread in 2 days why am I reading it I have no idea

Yes it’s not a conversation I can say I’ve ever had.

A GP told me to stop using soap a few years ago as was getting irritation. Game-changer. I was so sceptical but feel clean and fresh after using water alone. Hope it resolves for you.

@whereisthekey

sanex zero works great and never had issues. definitely couldn't not use soap.. and tmi too but I find it very unpleasant to be orally intimate with someone who doesn't use soap. vulvas definitely do not self clean in the creases!. although that may not bother some people if they don't do it..

If you wash properly including the creases then water will clean it perfectly well

Blimey. I only use a blob of ds's lynx shower gel on the hair, that's it.

Water is fine and preferable. Read Dr Jen Gunter’s book The Vagina Bible. This is a must read for every woman, and most men too

@Airfriedshite

Why is everyone so obsessed with this right now 3rd thread in 2 days why am I reading it I have no idea

Because the vast majority of people on this site have one, and don't necessarily know how to look after it.

I think most people do know how to look after it.
If it’s ok and not causing any bother you’re looking after it.

@whereisthekey

water doesn't wash away smegma ..which smells. same as it doesn't when's its collecting under a guys foreskin not envy.

This. The white greasy waxy substance needs something to shift it or it build up.

Between the large and small folds.

Otherwise it's like washing up without washing up liquid????

I’ve fortunately been problem free in this area.

I use simple soap shower gel on the lips/flaps and that works for me. I don’t have any hair so that is not an issue for me personally.

I use my regular shower gel and hair conditioner round my bum. Not because l have a hairy bum but because it’s slippery. Nothing nasty sticks.

simple soap

My skin is easily irritated and I'm prone to thrush so I use baby soap. Top To Toe or the supermarket own-brand equivalent. Been using it for many years and no issues since.

Women washing their inner labia with soap makes me feel a bit weird. Water all the way!

I wash my vulva and the area around it with a mild soap. I wash my but hole with Dove soap.
The vulva is not self cleaning and will smell if it is not washed

@StarlightLady I love that you condition your bum hole, that is the ultimate self care