Dealing with the downside

The past few years have witnessed the popularity of feminine hygiene products like vaginal washes and vaginal wipes. However, some health experts say that these feminine hygiene products are doing more harm than good due to various reasons. One being, it destroys the good bacteria too, (along with the bad bacteria) in the vagina, instead of preventing infections, they make you prone to them, disturbing the pH balance. Some say the scented disinfectant properties can, in the long run, may cause to be carcinogenic. We asked experts for their take on these products...

Soaring popularity

Vaginal washes are specially designed for care of private parts. Just as you would use only face wash today for facial cleansing as against soap two decades ago, it is now becoming the trend to use vaginal washes for that region. Besides they do have a brand value considering the advertising. Also, most are mild with a very pleasant odour and give a fresh feel. Some of them also aid in the treatment of vaginal discharge, says gynaecologist, Dr Suman Bijlani.

There is a definite increase in the use of feminine hygiene products in the past few years, especially among the middle and higher socio-economic stratum of society, she says, adding, “I would say that more than 50 per cent of working women in their 20s and 30s are using some form of feminine hygiene products. The usage I believe, is much less common among the lower socio-economic group.” 

“Due to over the counter availability of such products and the wide publicity it gets, almost 50 per cent of young adult women are opting for these vaginal washes. However, maintaining healthy hygiene habits is  more beneficial than using these products,” says Dr Bandita Sinha, gynaecologist and infertility specialist, World of Women.

Dr Shraddha Upasani, gynaecologist, Upasani Super Specialty Hospital, says, “Nowadays, women between the 30 to 40 age group are commonly using vaginal washes and wipes. There has been a sudden rise in the number of women who gain access to these products without any prescription. It is usually preferred by women with vaginal infection, they expect the itching and infection to heal with the help of these washes or wipes.”

Use in limitation

Though it is not proven to be harmful as many women use it on a regular basis, it is essential to maintain personal hygiene more than using these products. On the other hand, it does not have any major benefits as well, it is indeed helpful to maintain hygiene but should be used in limitation, says Dr Upasani. She advises using water regularly to wash just like other parts of the body. Avoid using public toilets as much as one can. Also, this product use must be restricted to only once a week.

It’s not mandatory to use these products

A vaginal cleanser can be used, if it matches the body’s pH levels. Antiseptic liquids, soaps or vaginal cleansers can kill the natural fauna or disturb the pH levels. As these are alkaline, it can lead to infection, cautions Dr Sinha and therefore, she advises using lukewarm water. It is not mandatory to use these products, maintaining hygiene is more important. In case of an infection, these products can be used but with limitation.

Dr Suman Bijlani shares some guidelines:

• Use a mild hypoallergic liquid wash with pH between 4.2 and 5.6 to clean the area. 
   
• Avoid soaps as they are alkaline and they can be abrasive. 
   
• Wear loose fitting cotton inners. Change frequently. 
   
• Avoid use of talcum powder and antiseptics in the area. 
   
• Avoid the use of panty-liners on a regular basis.
   
• Use perfumes and deodorants only occasionally.
   
• Vulval cleansing should be done once daily.