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 hibiscrub, all over as well as down there. I used to get terrible recurring thrush until I started using that several years ago. Been clear of it ever since.

[quote whereisthekey]@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.[/quote]
But I don't smell! And warm water DOES was away oils but keeps a healthier balance of bacteria which reduces the likelihood of smells. Bacteria is good! If I wash too much bacteria away I get thrush, because there's no good bacteria to keep it at bay.

@RacketeerRalph OK you must have magic water that cuts through oil, scientifically unheard of even, so very lucky for you..

@Jamallama

I use hibiscrub, all over as well as down there. I used to get terrible recurring thrush until I started using that several years ago. Been clear of it ever since.

What is hibiscrub?

I always have soaped my vulva, labia and everything else including butt. everything EXCEPT the inside of my vagina no soap goes on there.. I simply clean with a finger and plain water. Never had any problems.
I had thrush once which I'm convinced was caused by wearing a rogue pair of polyester panties and sweating all day in them plus gym. Never again. always silk or cotton. The thush cleared in days after I switched back to my cotton or silk panties and fine upped my greens intake and cut out all sugars for a week. Sorted. no pills or pessaries ever. Same cleaning routine.

.... add I had extrême vagina irritation from using Femefresh, I though I contracted an infection but I hadn't according to testing and my gynaecologist. I was told be the medical professional that Femefresh is higy dangerous as it alters the pH of the vagina making it susceptible to sensitivity and even infection!! (for many women, not all) Warning.

please please please excuse the typo's... I typed quickly without checking.

Iron fanny here too. Pure soap, on everything. Shower gel and beauty soaps leave a residue that makes the old growler a bit..."lived in". I like squeaky clean.

@Pachonga

Have you been tested for diabetes? My diabetes is diet controlled (no medication) one of the things that helps me to behave myself is that if my diet is too carb heavy I get thrush.

It doesn't seem to matter what I wash with.

I'd suggest anyone with reoccurring thrush gets themselves tested for diabetes. The sooner you know the better you can control
It.

@MagpieMary an antimicrobial skin cleanser. You sometimes have to shower with it before operations. I use it under my arms (medical condition)

@Gingervitis

Iron fanny here too. Pure soap, on everything. Shower gel and beauty soaps leave a residue that makes the old growler a bit..."lived in". I like squeaky clean.

Nothing like a lived in growler.

[quote SpookyPumpkinPants]@Pachonga

Have you been tested for diabetes? My diabetes is diet controlled (no medication) one of the things that helps me to behave myself is that if my diet is too carb heavy I get thrush.

It doesn't seem to matter what I wash with.

I'd suggest anyone with reoccurring thrush gets themselves tested for diabetes. The sooner you know the better you can control
It.[/quote]
I am the same. Not diabetic yet but borderline. If I eat any sugar at all or too many carbs I get thrush. I can’t drink wine anymore either.

@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.

In your vagina, yes, vulva, no. If soap causes smells, why even use it at all. Let's use water on our entire body

The smell is caused by infections like BV, which are from it getting in the vagina, but vulva and bum are fine to use soap. Someone mentioned simple- that's a good soap I've found.

Been tested a couple of months ago for diabetes so that’s not an issue. What kicked the thrush off originally was a new lube which was full of glycerin (sugar) so it’s no wonder, really. I’ve had it about 4 times in my entire adult life and have never been able to use the topical treatments or the specific symptom relief cream. This time it’s just hung around longer but it pretty mild overall and I have learnt my lesson on sugary lubes for sure. oh

I’ve had to revert back to soap on the vulva as I’m on my period. I have a Cetaphil branded bar and so far fine.