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Original poster

Soaping your bits (TMI)

139 replies

Pachonga · 26/10/2021 21:22

So I’ve had a stubborn bout of thrush recently (brought on by a sugary lube Blush ) 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

OP posts:
AccidentallyOnPurpose · 27/10/2021 11:01

What's the waxy discharge? I've had all kinds of discharge, but never a waxy one.

SequinnedShawl · 27/10/2021 11:12

I use Ajax with a Brillo pad.

whereisthekey · 27/10/2021 11:47

@AccidentallyOnPurpose it's just the smegma from glands. it's not discharge from the vagina rather the whole area of the "lips" really :/ its oil based so water wouldn't remove it.

foxgoosefinch · 27/10/2021 13:30

On another note, I’m away for a few days atm, and yes I know it’s first world problem, but what tf is wrong with a normal shower head these days?!? Every cottage I stay in has had a massive fixed rainfall shower installed above a too-small shower tray, and how the fuck are you meant to wash your bits, stand upside down?!?

This cottage does actually have a handheld shower attachment, but the owner has stapled it to the pipe with one of those annoying little clips! I have to risk a major back injury every time just to give the old flaps a sluice. 😬

EBearhug · 27/10/2021 13:33

Every cottage I stay in has had a massive fixed rainfall shower installed above a too-small shower tray, and how the fuck are you meant to wash your bits, stand upside down?!?

Downward-facing-dog in the shower. But I agree. I like being able to detach a shower head and move it close to bits of me.

PopsicleHustler · 27/10/2021 13:39

@sequinnedshawl
HahahahahahahaGrin

And don't forget, on weekends to use sand paper and a bottle of white spirit!!!!!!

StarlightLady · 27/10/2021 13:56

@foxgoosefinch - I sympathise. But l hear handstands have become quite the thing. 🙃

Original poster
Pachonga · 27/10/2021 14:20

Is there anything actual wrong with the feminine intimate washes (ie will they burn your fanny off) or is it just that they’re an unnecessary product creating paranoia among women that they smell bad?

OP posts:
vajingleberry · 27/10/2021 14:39

Blowtorch here.

Obviously not the same one I use for the creme brulees........that would be...um...weird.

Guacamole001 · 27/10/2021 14:49

Aqueous cream is your friend.

1forAll74 · 27/10/2021 15:11

I have used soap, all my life. Pears,or Wrights coal tar, and I don't like showers, just a daily bath.Baths with simple soap,are the best things, for soaking and cleaning the whole body all over. I have never had any problems,with certain bits of the body, that need and special washing or treatment.

Chocaholic9 · 27/10/2021 15:14

Water only, especially for recurrent thrush sufferers.

TuftyMarmoset · 27/10/2021 16:22

@Pachonga I think they can disrupt your balance of flora

ReadtheFT · 27/10/2021 16:44

The VAGINA is self cleaning, not the area around it! I use an intimate cleaning gel, or a gentle soap, no bits have fallen off or caught fire yet 😂

WonderfulYou · 27/10/2021 16:49

The vulva is not self cleaning and will smell if it is not washed

Using soap and other products is what creates the smell.
If you only use water you shouldn’t smell.

I’ve never had smegma (thought it was only males that did) but maybe that’s because I don’t use soap products down there.

I did try femfresh once and it gave me thrush and I never get thrush.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 27/10/2021 17:04

[quote whereisthekey]@AccidentallyOnPurpose it's just the smegma from glands. it's not discharge from the vagina rather the whole area of the "lips" really :/ its oil based so water wouldn't remove it.[/quote]
A significant amount to need soap won't build up from one day to the other , if any at all. Unless you leave a lot longer between washes, which is fair enough.

I definitely don't think the texture is waxy though.

whereisthekey · 27/10/2021 18:40

what makes it smell is is a build up of oils, sweat & bacteria, bits if urine etc.. definitely not from washing with soap.

WonderfulYou · 27/10/2021 18:46

what makes it smell is is a build up of oils, sweat & bacteria, bits if urine etc.. definitely not from washing with soap.

The soap causes a unbalance in the pH which causes an increase in the smelly bad bacteria and can lead to infections which are also smelly and uncomfortable.

whereisthekey · 27/10/2021 19:14

not for most people.
buy pH neutral soap like the sanex zero mentioned above

RacketeerRalph · 27/10/2021 19:19

[quote whereisthekey]@AccidentallyOnPurpose it's just the smegma from glands. it's not discharge from the vagina rather the whole area of the "lips" really :/ its oil based so water wouldn't remove it.[/quote]
So you think those people who wash with just water have loads of smegma? Because I can assure you I don't!

RacketeerRalph · 27/10/2021 19:23

@Pachonga

Is there anything actual wrong with the feminine intimate washes (ie will they burn your fanny off) or is it just that they’re an unnecessary product creating paranoia among women that they smell bad?
Not for most people. But for those whom recurrent thrush is an issue then they'll still get thrush with it.

I think recurrent thrush is like one of those things, you either get it or you don't. Like some people aren't very sweaty and others only need to wash their hair a couple of times a week. It's generally metabolic.

kittykutty · 27/10/2021 19:23

@WonderfulYou

what makes it smell is is a build up of oils, sweat & bacteria, bits if urine etc.. definitely not from washing with soap.

The soap causes a unbalance in the pH which causes an increase in the smelly bad bacteria and can lead to infections which are also smelly and uncomfortable.

This is true for the vagina, but your vulva is fine to touch soap as long as it doesn't go inside. For me, unscented soap in pubic bone area/ vulva works fine, maybe some people are more sensitive.

Beautiful3 · 27/10/2021 19:37

I use sea salt in a warm bath. It cleans well.

WaitinginVain · 27/10/2021 19:40

I use Simple soap without problems and wouldn't feel clean otherwise. Plain water's not washing to me Confused.

whereisthekey · 27/10/2021 19:44

@RacketeerRalph not necessarily a big build up smegma itself no as water could push lumps (ugh) away, but smell unpleasant from unwashed away general oil/bacteria yes. I don't understand how anyone could think washing wasn't normal.. very odd.