HEALTH & WELLNESS: Women's Health: Some soaps are bad for your va-jay-jay. Here's why.

  Author: S. Gordon-Jeffery

Hi folks! This article is another interesting discussion related to women's reproductive/sexual health. Recently I wrote an article about bacterial vaginosis -- it's symptoms and some of the causes. We focused primarily on how sex can affect the natural pH balance of the vagina, causing an increase of bad bacteria which can cause the onset of bacterial vaginosis. Today, I'll be looking at soap and how it can affect vaginal health.

First of all I wanna say that feminine hygiene is a topic that most women are uncomfortable discussing (I started this article last week, and I hadn't published it then, partially because I had to reconcile my own feelings about it, as well as do some more reading). Thinking about it now, I can honestly say that this isn't a topic I am comfortable with because I have a personal stake in this. But I will attempt to give the facts as simply as possible.

Suppose you went to the doctor for a problem 'down there' and your doctor tells you, "Stopping using soap. It's bad for you." What would your response be? Well, I had that experience a couple months ago. I went to the doctor and that is what he told me. Now, you can imagine my grave concern. It felt like the man was telling me to go jump off a cliff or something. I was quite shocked! So I said, "Suh weh mi suppose to use? You know there will be a scent so what should I use?" 

His response was, "Just use water."

"What?!"

No sah! I wasn't about to buy that recommendation. So I pushed the issue until he recommended an alternative cleanser. 

After I came home though I got to thinking: What's so wrong with soap anyway? I tell you folks, there started my research, and I mean research!

So here's what I found out. Besides the obvious warning against douching with soap or other recommended vagina cleansers (douching is just bad, period), here's the deal...

1. Self cleaning

We've been told that the vagina does its own self cleaning thing. That is evidenced by secretions (discharge) that comes out from time to time. Anything that need not be there comes out via vaginal secretions. It is therefore very useful for a woman to observe the color, smell and consistency of vaginal fluid (meaning is it thin, lumpy or thick), in determining if all is well, or if a visit to the doctor may be necessary.

2. Chemicals in soap

Real soap is made with a chemical called sodium hydroxide aka caustic soda, it's also called lye. Yes, the same chemical used to break down the bonds in black hair to straighten it. Not going there today. Basic soap is a chemical reaction between the lye (sodium hydroxide) and a type of fat or oil base (yeah I went reading) [1]. Maybe you've heard of how harmful this lye can be: harmful to skin, etc. Well, the good thing is, the chemical reactions and the procedures used to make and purify soap cancels out the possibility of being harmed by the lye itself. It's the additives we should be worried about. "Like what?", you ask.

The various dyes and fragrances added to soap can be harmful. Dyes make the soap or body wash appealing to the eyes, while the fragrances cover/mask body odor, leaving a pleasant smell, but we can't take them on surface value. There's more to it. 

Some soap dyes are made using a chemical called benzidine, which is a carcinogen*, and quite toxic. In fact, most dyes contain benzene (I've seen this word somewhere before), xylene, naphthalene and phenol, all irritants and are known to cause allergic reactions, some triggering asthma attacks and nausea. Also, some of the chemicals have been linked to the development of cancer cells in animals and humans [2].

Chemicals used to make fragrances, though pleasant to the senses, are just as harmful. With the increase in knowledge on how these chemicals affect our skin's pH, most doctors recommend that persons use mild soaps that aren't packed with dyes or strong fragrances. 

3. Skin you're in

Our skin is the largest organ we have. It protects us from so much, and many of us have very sensitive skin. Only recently while reading for this article, did I realise that skin has a specific pH level! No, I didn't know. The pH level for skin is more acidic ranging from 4-7 with the ideal being between 5 and 6 [3]. In a previous blog, I shared that the vagina's balance lies between 3.8 to 4.5. Makes sense, doesn't it? Soap being more alkaline [4], disrupts its pH and the inclusion of harmful dyes and fragrances makes matters worse for vag health. Usually soap temporarily alters the pH of skin. You soap up, then you rinse off. Your skin resorts back to its normal acidic level.  The problem is that a soap that is too alkaline disrupts the skin's natural ability to bounce back. Your skin contains natural oils called lipids. Lipids are core components of your skin's acid mantle, which protects your body from bacteria.

Soaps or body washes that are too alkaline, dry and wear down the skin’s structure, making it harder for it to stay hydrated. Also, our skin's natural barrier breaks down when it's dry, leaving it vulnerable to all sorts of infection. Overly dried out skin can lead to skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, and the worsening of acne [4].

Considering all these things, can you imagine what a harsh soap can do to your vagina? 

4. What's the solution?

Plain, mild soaps are recommended. No dye and very little to no fragrant soaps should be used to cleanse the vulva (clitoris, clitoral hood, labia majora, labia minora, and pubic area). However, the vagina itself --the opening that leads to the uterus, must be rinsed with pure water only [5]. Any soap, even mild soap, used on the vagina could dry that area, cause irritation and lead to infection. Be warned!

😄 Hi guys! Thanks so much for reading this article. If you found this article interesting and useful, please share and leave a comment below. See yah soon!

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References

      * A carcinogen is any substance or agent that causes cancer. Definition from       

      Medicinenet.com. Medical definition of     

      Carcinogen. https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2625

1. Ariza, Tracy. "What is lye? Can I make soap without it." Oh the things we'll make. February 2019. https://thethingswellmake.com/what-is-lye-can-i-make-soap-without-it/
2. B4 Brands. "Unnecessary risk of dyes in Hand Hygiene products." March 2014. https://b4brands.com/blog/synthetic-dye-risks-hand-hygiene-products/
3. Cherney, Kristeen. "About skin pH and why it matters." Healthline. March 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/whats-so-important-about-skin-ph
4. Seba Med. "Too acidic, too alkaline: The different dangers." April 2020. https://www.sebamedusa.com/blog/acidic-alkaline-different-dangers/
5. Kim, Ben (Dr). "Why you shouldn't use soap on your private parts." July 2010. http://drbenkim.com/dont-use-soap-private-parts.htm#:~:text=Regularly%20applying%20soap%20to%20these,a%20tendency%20to%20experience%20infections.