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Vaginal and vulval problems - dos and don'ts

What NOT to do

  • Do not use bubble bath or shower gel.
  • Do not put disinfectant in the bath.
  • Do not shampoo your hair in the bath or in the shower where the shampoo could run down and become trapped in the vulval skin folds.
  • Do not use ‘intimate’ deodorants or apply deodorant to sanitary towels.
  • Do not squirt soapy solution or antiseptic into your vagina to clean it (douching) – the vagina cleans itself very efficiently, so douching in this way is not necessary, and may be harmful.
  • Don’t wear tight, elasticated ‘support’ pants.

What you SHOULD do

  • Use a detergent labelled ‘for sensitive skin’ for washing your underwear, and avoid fabric softeners.
  • Add two handfuls of ordinary salt to your bath water, or bathe the area with salted water (a heaped tablespoon of table salt in a sinkful of warm water).
  • If you are so sore that passing urine is very painful, pee in the bath, or wash the urine away from the vulval area using a jug of warm water while you are on the toilet.
  • Use an unperfumed soap.
  • Wash your hair in the sink, or by leaning forward into the shower.
  • Wear cotton underwear. 
     

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Tuesday, February 9th 2010

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