Megalomaniacal Feminine Hygiene Product (2024)

FAQs

What is an alternative to douching? ›

Alternatives to douching

The easiest way is by washing with water when bathing or showering. A non-fragranced wash can be used, or one designed for vagin*l use that will not upset the natural pH balance of the vagin*.

Maintaining a clean vagin* means regular, gentle bathing on the outside (remember, not inside!) of the vagin*. Water is the best cleanser – possibly with a mild soap – but less is always more in this case. Your vagin* does not need to smell like flowers.

Use as a contraceptive

The Lysol disinfectant douche once was "the leading feminine hygiene product" in the United States. Advertisem*nts for Lysol during the 1930s hinted at its use as a contraceptive but never explicitly promoted it to be used as such.

Besides making themselves feel fresher, women say they douche to get rid of unpleasant odors, wash away menstrual blood after their period, avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases, and prevent a pregnancy after intercourse. Yet, health experts say douching is not effective for any of these purposes.

Most doctors recommend that women do not douche. Douching can change the necessary balance of vagin*l flora (bacteria that live in the vagin*) and natural acidity in a healthy vagin*. A healthy vagin* has good and harmful bacteria. The balance of bacteria helps maintain an acidic environment.

These cleansing washes are intended for the vulva, so they should never enter you internally. You should also know it is not necessary to use a feminine wash—and in fact, many professionals advise against feminine washes because they can potentially disrupt your vagin*'s natural bacteria.

Gentle Cleansing: Employ mild, unscented soap and warm water to cleanse the external area of your vagin*. Avoid using harsh products that disrupt the natural vagin*l pH balance, causing potential imbalances. Appropriate Wiping Technique: Practice wiping from front to back when using the toilet.

As you may already know, the vagin* is a self-cleaning organ, and inserting any kind of cleansing product could mess with its pH balance, Jennifer Conti, MD, an ob-gyn and a medical adviser for the women's health company Modern Fertility, tells Glamour: “Your vagin* is naturally pH-balanced and doesn't need products to ...

Feminine hygiene has a dark story to tell that began in the late 1800's when Lysol began promoting itself as a douching agent (Yes, I am serious). Historically, women have tortured themselves with all kinds of vagin*l cleansing methods from steaming and toweling to actually placing herbs internally.

Can I use Lysol wipes on my private parts? ›

Disinfecting Wipes are NOT Skin-Friendly

Sanitizing and disinfecting wipes are fine to touch while you're cleaning with them, but they should never be used to clean hands or other body parts.

Syringes and douching

Perhaps because women, rather than men, practiced this method, it became one of the most widely used forms of contraception. Early syringes consisted of horn or bone, and pewter, but after 1850 hard rubber syringes predominated.

WATER WORKS: Drink lots of water and avoid sodas and drinks that are high in sugar and preservatives. GREEK YOGURT: Many people consume yogurt for feminine health support. Yogurt contains active cultures such as probiotics and has been known to help maintain a healthy pH balance for women.

Shower regularly and only use mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean your vulva. Bathe and put on a clean outfit shortly after exercising so that you're not sitting for too long in hot, sweaty clothes or a damp swimsuit. Warm and wet environments are ideal places for harmful bacteria growth. Don't douche.

When douching with vinegar or antiseptics, you can actually cause chemical damage to the vagin*l microbiome. Douching also washes away the good Lactobacillus bacteria, leaving the door open for disruptive bacteria or yeast to grow.

While you can use a water bottle for anal douching, it doesn't mean you should, especially if you have time to access an alternative. Water bottles aren't designed for douching, so they can pose some health risks if used incorrectly.

You do not need to douche to wash away blood, sem*n, or vagin*l discharge. It's better to let your vagin* clean itself naturally. Keep in mind that healthy vagin*s may have a mild odor. If you feel a need to clean the vulva while you are in the shower or bath, plain water is all you need.

If you have a plastic insertion device you have used for other medications or spermicidal cream use it to put yogurt in your vagin*. Douching (inserting fluid into your vagin*) with yogurt diluted in water can be very beneficial for treating yeast infections.