Intimate hygiene: I asked all my embarrassing questions to an expert (hair removal, smell, soap, etc.)

Intimate hygiene is a subject that we talk about relatively little, despite its daily importance. Between advice gleaned from social networks, habits passed down in the family and the sometimes contradictory messages from marketing, it is not always easy to know what is really beneficial for the vulvovaginal area – and what, on the contrary, can harm it.

However, certain reflexes that we believe to be hygienic can in reality weaken a natural balance already well designed by the body. To see more clearly, we interviewed Anne-Laure Tsigaridis, Women’s Health Product Manager at Saforelle, who with us deconstructed five stubborn preconceived ideas about women’s intimate hygiene.

Washing several times a day: a bad idea

This is undoubtedly the most widespread misconception: the more we wash, the “cleaner” we would be. However, according to Anne-Laure Tsigaridis, this logic does not apply to the intimate area. Daily personal hygiene is generally sufficient to preserve balance. Too frequent or too aggressive washing can, on the contrary, unbalance the vulvar ecosystem by altering the protective hydrolipidic film, which promotes irritation and discomfort rather than preventing them.

The expert insists on an essential point: washing must be limited to the external part of the vulva, with a product specifically formulated for this sensitive area. The vagina, for its part, has a natural self-cleaning system and does not require internal washing under any circumstances. Wanting to “over-clean” this area therefore amounts to thwarting an already perfectly established physiological mechanism.

An intimate odor is not always a sign of a problem

Many women experience their intimate smell as a source of worry, even shame. However, each woman has her own smell, and this varies naturally depending on the times of the menstrual cycle, physical activity or hormonal fluctuations. This smell is therefore nothing abnormal and is absolutely not synonymous with poor hygiene or infection.

However, there are signals that should alert you, specifies Anne-Laure Tsigaridis: a sudden and unusual change in smell, especially when it is accompanied by atypical discharge, itching, burning, pain or bleeding outside of periods. In these specific cases, medical advice is recommended. Apart from these signs, it is important to play down a natural smell, which is simply part of the intimate physiology of each woman.

Washing after sex: useful for comfort, not for protection

Many people think that washing themselves after sexual intercourse helps prevent infections or even pregnancy. However, this belief is erroneous. While washing after intercourse can indeed contribute to comfort, it in no way protects against sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancy.

Anne-Laure Tsigaridis clearly points out: only suitable contraceptive methods can prevent pregnancy, and only condoms effectively protect against the majority of STIs. She also warns against douching, whether practiced after intercourse or in general, because it can disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiota and promote the appearance of pathologies.

Hair removal and cleanliness: two concepts not to be confused

The idea that one should remove hair to be “cleaner” is also widespread. It is not based on any physiological reality. Pubic hair in fact plays a protective role: it limits friction and constitutes a first barrier against certain external attacks.

The choice to remove hair or not is therefore primarily a matter of personal or aesthetic preferences, and not of hygienic necessity. Anne-Laure Tsigaridis points out, however, that certain hair removal methods can cause micro-lesions, irritation or ingrown hairs. Whatever the choice made, it is therefore essential to adopt practices that respect the skin and its sensitivity.

“Natural” does not mean “risk-free” for the intimate area

Faced with the proliferation of “natural” or “homemade” alternatives, it is tempting to think that these solutions are automatically safer for the intimate area. This is an error, according to Anne-Laure Tsigaridis. Certain essential oils, plants or homemade preparations can actually be irritating, allergenic, or even disrupt the balance of intimate flora.

The vulvovaginal area is particularly sensitive and deserves products specifically designed for this use, whose gynecological and dermatological tolerance has been evaluated. This assessment ensures that the product respects the sensitivity of the intimate area and is suitable for regular use. In the event of persistent discomfort or unusual symptoms, it is better to consult a health professional rather than turning to self-medication, even with products presented as natural.