Due to the strategic positioning of the female pubic area, the fact that it secretes several fluids and its role in penetrative sex, we are always eager to keep this region clean.
Why trying to get rid of vagina odour, menstrual blood, vagina discharge and semen we apply several unhealthy methods of cleaning the pubic area and end up hurting our vagina area in the process. The majority fall into these errors because they are not aware of the anatomy of the female pubic area, where they should clean, where they shouldn't clean and how to safely clean the necessary parts.
This article will take you through the anatomy of the vagina area, harmful cleaning practices to avoid and how to safely clean the pubic area with the right cleaning agent.
Anatomy of the female pubic area
The pubic area is an essential part of the female body that has to be kept free of germs and guarded against the entry of harmful microorganisms. This private part does not only house one of the entry routes to our body it is the gateway to our sexual and reproductive system. Any wrongful handling of this part will have adverse effects.
The pubic area can be divided into the vagina and vulva. While the vagina is a self-cleaning machine that doesn't require human cleaning effort, you should make every humanly possible effort to keep your vulva clean. However, you also have to be cautious of what you use and how you clean your vulva to avoid irritating your pubic skin and disrupting your vagina ph.
What is the difference between the vagina and vulva
The female pubic area can be divided into two parts, the vagina and the vulva. One is visible while the other is an internal organ. We can only see its opening.
The vulva is everything down there except the hole through which you menstruate, have sex from the front, and give birth. The vulva includes the mon pubis( the surface where hair grows), clitoris labia minora, and labia majora.
The vaginal is an inner organ, the hole is its door. The vaginal is the passage to our reproductive organs such as the fallopian tube, uterus, womb, cervix, and ovaries. As such, it serves as a passage for the penis & sperm, a route for menstrual blood and child during birth.
Should you clean your vagina?
According to women's health experts, the vagina does not require cleaning. You shouldn't attempt to clean it for any reason, not even with water.
How then can I get rid of menstrual blood, sperm and discharges? Good question!
The vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism. The vagina is kept clean through its natural ecosystem which contains several good bacterial and balanced levels of acid. The bacteria called lactobacilli is a good bacteria that reside in the vagina area. It keeps the vagina clean and keeps the growth of bad bacteria in the vagina in check.
The vagina has a balanced level of acidity which is essential for the survival of the good bacteria. If the acidic level is too high or too low it will affect the population of the good bacteria and lead to free multiplication of infectious microorganisms in the vagina area.
Any attempt to introduce a foreign substance to the vagina area will disrupt its acidity and kill the good bacteria. As such you shouldn't douche, steam or try to clean your vag by any other means. The vagina does not need your cleaning aid. What you need to clean is your vulva
Why do you need to clean your vulva
The vulva is the visible part of the female sexual organ. It is the skin covering the vagina and other vital organs. The vulva is the face of the female pubic area. Hair grows on the major part of the vulva, it receives any external substance coming to the pubic area and fluids coming out of the vagina opening. Unlike the vagina, it doesn't have a self-cleaning mechanism. As such you have to take steps to keep it clean.
The following are reasons you need to clean your vulva:
- To get rid of pubic skin sweat that might change the natural odour of the vagina.
- To get rid of remnants of pubic skincare products.
- To wash away vagina discharges and menstrual blood coming out of the vagina.
- To get rid of germs and harmful microorganisms that might be lurking around the vagina opening.
Even though you have to clean the vulva, it has to be done cautiously. The pubic skin is very sensitive and can be easily irritated. Any product that contains fragrance, or some other harsh ingredients shouldn't be used to clean the vulva. Such a product will not only irritate your precious pubic skin, but it will also disrupt your vagina pH due to the proximity of the vulva to the vagina opening.
Cleaning practices that can irritate the pubic skin
- Cleaning the pubic area with your bathing soap.
- Use of feminine wipes and deodorants.
- Cleaning your pubic area with intimate cleansers that contain fragrance, sulfate, paraben and some other harsh ingredients.
How to safely clean your pubic area
First, you should understand the fact that water is enough. You can choose to clean your vulva with just water. However, water may not be potent enough to get rid of some products you have used on your pubic skin. It may also not give you a sense of cleanliness after a long day. As such, you can supplement water with a mild cleanser according to NHS.
However such mild cleanse must not contain any harsh ingredients such as scents, paraben, sulfate and any other harsh chemical. It is safe to use products made with natural ingredients. OYO "keep it clean " is a gentle unscented pubic skin cleanser made majorly with natural ingredients such as witch hazel, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil and oat silk.
This cleanser prevents and soothes pubic skin irritation rather than causing it. It keeps your vagina pH intact while helping you maintain a smooth and silky pubic skin texture. This plant based and fragrance free cleanser is made specifically to empower every woman to safely clean their pubic area.
How to safely clean your pubic area with OYO "keep it clean"
After a shower, apply a small amount of the cleanser to your vulva area. Clean thoroughly for about one minutes and rinse it off. However, perform this process gently and do not let it seep into your vagina opening. It's very important. Your vagina doesn't need it.
Final words
The female pubic area is very delicate. You should be cautious of how you handle it. The vagina is self-cleansing, don't attempt to clean it. Only clean the vulva and do it safely. To safely clean your pubic area choose ordinary water and OYO "keep it clean".
