The Unexpected Side Effects of Conventional Hygiene Products for Women
Personal hygiene is a very important aspect of a woman’s life and at this stage, most women use products such as vaginal washes, wipes, and douches to clean themselves, thinking that they are really important to do this to be able to get rid of the dirt and to prevent the presence of bacteria that might cause infections.
However, recent research is revealing that these products are causing harm in most cases, hurting female reproductive health and leading to long-term health problems.
Feminine hygiene product sales have been on the rise as many brands promise women to “better” and cleaner the “very area”. But if this has caused more harm than we already knew?
Some ingredients commonly used in these products, may be affecting the healthy bacteria in the vagina itself and who are the part of this that benefits the body and, at the same time, lead to the appearance of infections, irritation and further increase the risk of serious future physical wellbeing issues, some experts are finally beginning to warn.
Why Your Vaginal Health May Be Suffering From Over-Cleansing?
Moreover, the woman’s vagina itself being an extraordinary self-cleanser, it, normally, has its own system to remove the bacteria, maintaining its own balance, which is assisted by good microbes that prevent infections.
Then what is the reason for the fact that a lot of women are using these products that are actually designed to be used for “cleansing” a place that does this task by itself?
Research has already provided evidence of the fact that using douches, wipes that are rich in fragrance, and the soaps that are too strong can change the pH balance, the acidity level of the vagina, and also make it an optimal place for infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections to thrive.
Apart from that, modifying the balance of good bacteria can also amount to the eradication of the protective microorganisms that used to, otherwise, stay there and prevent harmful bacteria from entering.
According to Dr. Rachel Turner, who is a renowned expert in gynecology, “We have been programmed to believe that cleanliness requires constant scrubbing or washing. However, it is just a popular belief, the vagina does not need to be cleaned with harsh products.” In fact, excessive hygiene can lead to irritation which in turn will upset the crucial balance needed for the vagina to be in optimal health state.
The True Implications of Disrupting Your Vaginal Microbiome
If one is to properly comprehend the nature of the vaginal microbiome, one should also see how hygiene products can result in damage. The vagina is basically a habitat for a wide array of bacteria, the majority of which are Lactobacillus species, that provide protection from the malicious pathogens. If this harmony gets tarnished, the body can become more susceptible to infections and inflammation.
A group of health professionals, who have written a report on the issues, is conveying the fact that a substantial number of women do not understand that products which are overused can serve as ideal places for dangerous bacteria to grow. “Women usually have the real problem when they use foreign chemicals or fragrances instead of their body’s,” Dr. Turner states. “They will have these products that will disrupt their natural vaginas. Thus, the chance of developing infections becomes real.”
Are You Accidentally Over-Cleaning? How Common Products Can Do More Harm Than Good
Despite the fact that cleanliness is the cornerstone of health, studies show that the instances of over-cleaning are also becoming more known as a major health issue in women.
The term feminine freshness’ should not mislead and may be the cause for some women who start thinking that overusing feminine hygiene products or those that are not actually necessary but are being sold in the market as such, can take pleasure in the false idea of hygiene.
Using some of the most common products—douches, deodorizing wipes, and products with a strong smell—can disrupt the natural processes of the body. The good acidic pH from the vagina protects against many infections.
Turning to Natural Solutions: A Good Way for Vaginal Hygiene
Due to the increasing concerns about the negative effects of these products, women have started to adopt the natural approaches that are not harmful to the vagina and do not pose any health risks. It is advised by specialists to have a consistent and easy everyday regime without the use of chemicals.
Mild alternatives like the natural coconut oil, aloe vera, and water-based products are gaining more attention now that women are seeking to enhance their vaginal health. Viva Pure is one example of a product range being introduced that is intended to sustain the beneficial bacteria in the body while keeping the vagina healthy without using rough chemicals.
For instance, we have hygiene products containing probiotics and natural extracts that, out now, have a good market. The aim of the products is that microbiota is kept healthy in a natural way, which ensures the body healthy, while it will also prevent unsolicited infections. These products focus on the natural vaginal microbiome, and therefore, they are not disruptive of the natural ecosystem but rather an aid to it.
Your Actions to Keep Your Vaginal Health Safe
To keep your private parts healthy, it’s definitely not the case where you have to give up good hygiene at all. It is more like understanding the needs and non-needs of the body properly and acting accordingly.
Below is what you want to accomplish as soon as possible:
- Do Not Use Soap, Depending On Water Can Be Enough: Make water your daily friend for the cleanliness of the private area. The use of soap can be too damaging and disrupt the pH balance.
- Say No to Scented Products: Use of scented wipes, or the cleansing gel will lead to an irritable reaction of the intimate parts of the woman. Choose the products, which have no smell or which are made from organic materials and come with a light fragrance, especially for the health of the vagina.
- Wear the Fabrics that Are Airy: You should choose the undergarments of cotton as the amount of moisture will be minimal while at the same time, they allow air to flow, thus they are quite comfortable.
- Ask Your Doctor’s Advice: In case, the products you are currently using for vaginal hygiene cause any irritable reaction or you are experiencing pain or discomfort, you should definitely seek help from a doctor to rethink your routine.
Simplicity Is What You Need for Vaginal Care
Maintaining vaginal health may turn out to be much easier than was considered before. The marketing hype of feminine hygiene products might be promising a cleaner and fresher feeling, but in the reality, to take care of the vagina, less is more.
Instead of buying a new fresh product, the best action you can perform for your intimate area is to show respect for the natural processes of the body to purify. Through the use of milder and naturally derived products, and following the simplest good hygiene practices, you will be able to help your vagina maintain its natural beauty and balance.
