The vaginal shower is an intimate hygiene practice to maintain healthy vaginal flora and avoid infections. But in recent years, a multitude of toiletries have flooded the markets and practices are increasingly developed to clean the vagina at all costs. Obsession, illusion or lack of information, this frantic quest for intimate cleanliness exposes women to numerous infections and ovarian cancer. Whatever the reason, vaginal shower is dangerous for the balance of the vaginal flora of women.
The vagina has good bacteria that allow it to clean itself. Some gestures can weaken the vaginal flora and the vulva, if they are carried out on a daily basis.
Dangers to the vaginal flora
The vaginal flora is in a fragile balance. Its acidity is its defense against bacteria, fungi and viruses. However, if the woman proceeds to a vaginal shower, the water that she will introduce into the vagina, even the soap, will modify the pH. This will impact the acidity level of the vaginal wall. As a result, the flora will be unbalanced and will no longer be able to ensure its protective role on the vagina. Fungi and bacteria can develop in the vagina and generate vaginosis, mycosis, with very recognizable characteristics: itching, redness, pain, foul-smelling discharge with the appearance of curdled milk. These fungal infections can make intimate relations painful or even impossible.
80% risk of ovarian cancer
Vaginal showers could be the cause of ovarian canceraaccording to a study published in the journal Epidemiology.
The scientists followed 41,654 women aged 35 to 74 for more than 6 years. Participants completed a questionnaire about their practices and use of intimate hygiene products in the previous year. The researchers then observed ovarian cancer incidence data among the volunteers. Results: 154 participants were diagnosed with ovarian cancer during the study follow-up.
Of these women, 20% used a vaginal shower. This habit is associated with an 80% risk of ovarian cancer, a two-fold increase in risk.
Some recommendations to observe when using the intimate toilet
We strongly advise against using shower gel, conventional soap or foaming antiseptics. These products are too aggressive for the vaginal flora. It is better to use mild washing gels with the words “soap-free” and “preservative-free”.
Gloves or sponges should be avoided when using intimate toilets. They are real nests of microbes. An intimate toilet is done by hand, in one direction only (front to back only) to avoid any kind of infection.
After sexual intercourse, it is recommended to urinate rather than to perform intimate hygiene. As the urine is sterile, it allows the urethra to be washed and reduces the risk of infection to a large extent.
