How to Care for Your Vagina

You’ve probably heard that the vagina is “self-cleaning,” but you’ve also noticed that there are countless products out there claiming to clean your vagina. So what’s the deal?

Let’s clarify some terms first. The vulva refers to all the parts on the outside, like your inner and outer labia and your clitoris. The vagina is the internal part of the body, where things like tampons or, you know, other things, can go when needed.

We spoke to Robin Watkins, a nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife, to get to the bottom of a question that everyone’s probably wondered about at some point—how should you clean your vagina and vulva? The answer? Spoiler alert: you don’t need any products at all for either.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Keep the inside clean with nothing but the basics
As a general rule, don’t put anything inside your vagina unless it’s for something like a period or pleasure. The only exception is if your healthcare provider recommends something, like a topical treatment for an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis.

The vagina is naturally self-cleaning. It produces discharge that helps keep things clean and moisturized, and it does this all on its own. The consistency and color of this discharge can change depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, ranging from clear and slippery to milky and sticky.

Many people wonder if it’s safe or healthy to douche, which involves squirting water (sometimes mixed with vinegar or chemicals) into the vagina. The short answer is no. Douching can disrupt the balance of good bacteria and the natural pH in the vagina, leading to infections. Even just using plain water for douching isn’t safe, as it can push harmful bacteria toward the uterus.

2. Keep it simple for the outside
There are tons of “washes” marketed for vulva care, but not all of them are necessary or even healthy. Just because something is for sale doesn’t mean it’s a good idea, right? (Remember Olestra?)

Some providers may suggest using mild soap on your vulva, but even gentle soap can disrupt the natural balance of your vagina. Watkins says that all you really need to clean your vulva is water. When you shower, gently separate your labia and let the water run through and around them. You can use your fingers to rub between the folds of skin, and if you feel comfortable, you can gently pull back the clitoral hood to rinse the clitoris as well.

The goal isn’t to make your vagina or vulva smell like flowers or to sanitize it completely, despite what some products might suggest. Think of it more like a little plant: leave it alone most of the time and occasionally give it a rinse with water to keep things fresh.