How Effective is Using Diluted Salt Water to Clean the External Genitalia?

Effectiveness of Washing the Female External Genitalia with Diluted Salt Water

Women need to regularly clean their external genitalia to remove dirt and impurities trapped in the folds, thus preventing the occurrence of some gynecological diseases. The simplest method for cleaning the external genitalia is using warm water, or alternatively, diluted salt water, which has antibacterial and disinfectant properties.

However, when starting to use diluted salt water, many women are concerned about its actual effectiveness. So, how effective is washing the external genitalia with diluted salt water? Let's take a look below.

1. Effectiveness of Washing the Female External Genitalia with Diluted Salt Water

Salt water has a certain antibacterial effect, but the female reproductive organs are also very sensitive and vulnerable. While killing bacteria and inhibiting their growth, salt water can also corrode the private area's environment. Long-term use can disrupt the acid-base balance of the external genitalia, affecting the vagina and damaging its self-protection system, which is actually detrimental to the hygiene of the private area. Therefore, those still considering the benefits of using salt water to clean the external genitalia should refrain from this method.

2. How to Clean the Female External Genitalia

2.1 Use of Feminine Hygiene Products

For healthy individuals, feminine hygiene products should not be used randomly. These products contain antibacterial ingredients that, if used by healthy people, may disrupt the normal flora of the private area, affect the vaginal acid-base balance, and harm the perineal skin. Therefore, it is best to use feminine hygiene products under the guidance of a doctor, and healthy individuals should avoid frequent use.

2.2 Regular Shower Gel and Soap

Regular shower gels and soaps are also not suitable for cleaning the private area. Shower gels and soaps are mostly alkaline, while the private area is slightly acidic. Long-term use of shower gels or soaps can easily disrupt the acid-base balance of the private area, negatively affecting its self-cleaning function and making it more vulnerable to gynecological diseases.

2.3 Plain Water

For women without gynecological symptoms, the most suitable option for cleaning the private area is plain water. During daily showers, it is recommended to use warm water to gently cleanse the skin of the external genitalia, taking care not to rinse inside the vagina.