Yeast infections are some of the most common types of vaginal infections. In fact, up to 50% of women have Candida, the yeast or fungus that causes vaginitis.
Many women use a feminine or intimate wash to keep the vaginal area clean and to minimize the risk of infections.
However, the subject of feminine wash and yeast infection is quite controversial. Many women say that feminine wash makes them feel cleaner and prevents infections.
However, medical experts caution against the use of famine wash for showering.
Feminine wash has its own benefits and downsides. Read on to learn more about feminine wash and yeast infection.
What Is Yeast Infection
A type of yeast known as Candida albicans causes yeast infection of the vagina. Other Candida species cause the other types of non-vaginal yeast infections.
Up to 75% of women report having a yeast infection at least once in a lifetime.
Many healthy women already have the Candida species, which can remain dormant in the body and not present any symptoms.
A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. A vaginal yeast infection is generally not categorized as a sexually transmitted disease. However, sexual contact can spread this infection.
Because the yeast that causes yeast infection already occurs in many women, even women who are not sexually active can suffer from this infection.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Thick vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese. The discharge is typically whitish-gray and odorless
- Intense vaginal itching
- Irritation and burning especially after urinating
- Painful intercourse
- Redness, soreness, and swelling of the vagina
Showering
Occasionally, a doctor may recommend the use of feminine wash together with medication for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections.
However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns against showering and points out that such attempts to clean the vagina using products such as feminine wash can have negative consequences.
Effects of Showering
Many women shower to eradicate vaginal odours. However, some vaginal odour is perfectly normal though a strong pungent smell could be a sign of an infection.
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ and does not require special cleaning agents. A mild soap and warm water are usually enough to keep the vagina clean.
Vaginal Infections
Showering can increase the risk of vaginal infections. Using feminine wash to shower may seem like the best way to wash away infection-causing bacteria.
In truth, showering also removes the good bacteria and increases your chances of getting a vaginal infection including yeast and worse, bacterial infections.
To prevent bacterial overgrowth, your vagina needs a proper balance of good and bad bacteria to maintain the appropriate pH level.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Medical experts warn that showering can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) by 73%. PID affects the ovaries, fallopian, and uterus.
Preterm Labor
Showering can further increase the risk of pregnancy complications by 76%. Showering can predispose you to complications such as ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, difficulties conceiving, and can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Cancer
Studies have shown a possible connection between showering and cervical cancer.
Feminine Wash For Yeast Infection
If you must use a feminine wash, you need to be very careful about the products you use especially if you have recurrent yeast infections.
Some intimate washes can worsen your yeast infection or increase your risk of getting vaginal infections.
However, some may help to calm the vaginal area and to maintain feminine hygiene. The idea is to select mild products that are gentle to the vaginal flora.
Go for a wash that will clean your vaginal area without stripping away the moisture or tampering with the vagina’s pH level.
After extensive research, we have come up with three of the best feminine washes. These are gentle, soothing, and will leave you feeling fresh.
The Woo Woo Wash by Taylor is a gentle wash that contains all-natural ingredients that are gentle to your intimate parts.
This wash contains liquid castile soap that is specially formulated to include coconut oil and macadamia nut oil. The wash also contains comfrey, chamomile, and herbs of calendula, all of which work to preserve the sensitivity of your vaginal micro-flora.
This feminine wash by Sliquid does not contain parabens, glycerin, or fragrance.
You can have peace of mind when using this intimate wash, knowing that you do not run the risk of contracting an infection.
This all-organic feminine wash works to maintain adequate acidity and to protect your vaginal flora, therefore keeping infection-causing yeast and bacteria at bay.
In particular, the Sliquid Feminine Wash contains nourishing natural ingredients such as coconut oil, sea salt, sunflower seed, and aloe vera, which have anti-fungal properties.
Summary
Vagina yeast infections affect a large majority of women. Over the counter medicines can treat some mild yeast infections. However, you should see a doctor for comprehensive treatment if you have recurring yeast infections.
Avoid showering as a treatment for yeast infection. This practice has been linked to conditions such as cancer, pelvic infections, vaginal infections, and pregnancy complications.
If you choose to use a feminine wash, be sure to select products that are mild and gentle to avoid stripping away the good bacteria from your intimate parts.
Instead of showering, simply use a feminine wash to clean the outer part of your vaginal area and then rinse with warm water.
Although some washes recommend daily use, try to use these products just once or twice a week to avoid disrupting your vaginal flora.