Gynecologists have advised women against washing their vaginas with soap because doing so can raise the pH level, which promotes the growth of infectious diseases.
A substance or solution's pH level serves as a gauge for how basic or acidic it is.
The gynecologists emphasized that the vagina can clean itself with the help of natural body secretions and shouldn't be washed with soap.
The experts emphasize that using soap to wash the vagina can encourage the growth of infectious diseases and other health issues because the vagina has an acidic environment inside that helps to maintain a micro biome of good bacteria in the body.
According to experts, infectious diseases are disorders brought on by organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
The experts added that soaps can be too harsh for the area and eventually irritate it, despite the fact that the skin around the vagina is more sensitive and unique from the rest of the body.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH HealthWise, the experts, a professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Prof. Olwarotimi Akinola, and another gynecologist, Dr. Akinsola Akinde, said using fragrant chemical products can aggravate vaginal odour and trigger infections.
According to Prof. Akinola, washing the vagina with soap would neutralize the acid and microorganisms intended to safeguard the environment of the vagina.
“The vagina could sanitize itself, It secretes chemicals that create an acidic environment that prevents some germs from entering the vagina. Therefore, if you wash it with soap, you might be neutralizing that acid, which exposes the person to injury and frequent infection as well as the possibility of the area drying up and injuries,” he said.
“Just use water and no soap to clean it. You will learn that the vagina can become colonized with various germs when you use soap to clean it over time.”
Dr. Akinde emphasized that in order to prevent bruising and infections, women should only wash their vagina with water.
He clarified, "Just wash with water; what do they hope to accomplish by washing with soap? That is entirely due to bacterial floral in the vagina. It is a typical bacteria that most women have in their vagina, and it contributes to keeping the vagina acidic. Women are shielded from infections by this acidity.
"There's no need to bathe it in any solution; just wash with regular water. However, if a patient suspects she has a problem with her vagina, she should see a doctor who will ensure that all necessary tests and treatments are carried out in order to treat whatever infection may be present. ".