Vaginal Health: Why Internal Washing is a No-Go (Even with Gentle Products like Honi & Green Wash)

We often get asked this question:

Can the Honi Wash and Green Wash be used inside the vagina? The simple answer, as we posted on our IG feed this week is: " No: You should never insert or use any kind of soap, even gentle ones like these into your vagina. The are intended for use on your external body and vulva or other genitalia only. The vaginal canal is self-cleaning and using products may cause irritation and disruption of your pH balance"

Today we thought it would be interesting to take a deeper dive into this question.

Maintaining good intimate hygiene is a topic that often comes with a lot of questions, especially regarding what products are safe and effective. A common misconception we encounter, both in conversations and online, is whether gentle washes can or should be used inside the vagina. The answer, firmly rooted in gynaecological science, is no. Understanding why this is the case is crucial for promoting optimal vaginal health.

The Science of Your Self-Cleaning Vagina

The vaginal canal is a remarkably intelligent and self-cleaning organ. It operates on a delicate balance, primarily thanks to a thriving community of beneficial bacteria, mainly Lactobacilli species. These tiny powerhouses produce lactic acid, which maintains a naturally acidic environment (a healthy pH, typically between 3.8 and 4.5). This acidic shield is your body's primary defence, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeasts. This intricate ecosystem, known as the vaginal microbiome, is designed to keep you healthy without external interference.

Introducing any kind of soap, even those formulated to be gentle, into the vagina can disrupt this vital pH balance and the beneficial bacterial flora. Research published in reputable journals like the Journal of Clinical Microbiology consistently highlights how such disruptions can lead to a cascade of issues. For instance, an altered pH makes the environment less hospitable for Lactobacilli, allowing other, potentially harmful, microorganisms to flourish. This disruption can lead to:

• Irritation and Inflammation: Soaps can strip away the natural protective mucus, leading to dryness, itching, burning, and general discomfort.

• Increased Risk of Infections: When the pH balance is disturbed, the natural bacterial flora can be thrown off, making you more susceptible to common vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections. Studies, including those cited by the Office on Women's Health, clearly link douching and internal washes to a higher incidence of these conditions.

• Potential for Serious Complications: In some cases, disrupting the vaginal microbiome can contribute to more serious concerns like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or even increase susceptibility to certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as documented by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
  

pH balanced to be slightly acidic

External Care: The Right Approach

While internal cleansing is a definite no, external hygiene is essential. This means washing the vulva – the external part of your genitalia. Gentle, pH-balanced washes designed for external use are perfectly suitable for this area, as well as for the rest of your body and hair.

Our Honi Wash and Green Wash are carefully formulated with natural ingredients, including locally sourced Honeybush and Cape fynbos extracts. They are designed for this very purpose: to cleanse, refresh, and moisturise your skin and hair gently, without harsh chemicals. They respect the skin's natural barrier and are pH-balanced for external intimate areas, helping to maintain comfort and freshness.

Think of it this way: just as you wouldn't use harsh detergents to clean a delicate silk garment, you shouldn't use products internally that can upset your body's natural, finely tuned balance. Our washes are designed to cleanse and nourish without stripping away what's essential, ensuring gentle yet effective hygiene for your entire body.

The Takeaway for Holistic Wellness

For optimal intimate health, embrace these evidence-based practices:

• Trust Your Body's Design: Your vagina is self-cleaning. It doesn't need internal washes or douches.

• Prioritise External Hygiene: Use gentle, pH-balanced washes, like our Honi Wash and Green Wash, for external cleansing only – on your vulva, body, and hair.

• Listen to Your Body: If you experience unusual discharge, itching, odor, or discomfort, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional. Avoid self-treating with internal products, as this can often worsen the issue and complicate diagnosis.

At supernaturals.co.za, our commitment is to provide products that support your natural well-being in the most harmonious way possible. Understanding how to properly use them, aligned with scientific understanding of intimate health, is a vital part of that journey.

References:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG's patienteducation materials consistently advise against douching and internal vaginal washes due to the risks of disrupting the vaginal microbiome and increasing susceptibility to infections. Their guidelines are based on extensive medical research and clinical consensus.

• Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. "Douching." This resource provides clear information on the health problems linked to douching, including bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increased risk of STIs, emphasising that the vagina is self-cleaning.

• Journal of Clinical Microbiology / Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. Research published in these and similar peer-reviewed journals frequently details the composition and function of the vaginal microbiome, illustrating how external interventions like douching or internal washes can lead to dysbiosis (imbalance) and subsequent health issues. For example, studies often highlight the role of Lactobacilli in maintaining vaginal health and how their disruption can lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria.