How Safe is Cleanser for Ms. V?

Cleaning the vagina with antiseptic is becoming a common practice among women. Their reasons vary, perhaps for health, but also for cosmetic reasons, to make sure that Ms. V is fragrant and comfortably dry.

Actually the vagina has its own cleaning mechanism which used a normal bacteria colony to keep the microorganism balance within and around the vital organ. But the balance could be disrupted by external efforts, for example: wearing tight pants that disturb the humidity of the vagina and encourages the growth of bad bacteria.

According to Dr. Hendro Sudarpo SpOG, maternity and obstetrics expert from Siloam Lippo Kawaraci Hospital, vagina cleansers are fine for daily usage, however, he discourages using antiseptic. "Using antiseptic can kill the narutal flora on the vagina and disrupt the pH level, causing it to be alkali. This could kill useful bacteria."

He also mentioned that the normal pH level of the vagina is 3.5 to 4.5. If the pH is unbalanced then other germs, fungi, and bacteria will have a chance to proliferate, and this in turn might cause infections. Disinfectant can be used only if there is indication of fluor albus (abnormal vaginal secretion), and even so must be with a doctor's advice.

Not all women can use vagina cleansers though. Some women are alergic to certain chemicals. A regular vagina cleanser might damange the inner parts of the vagina, and this would instead cause an infection instead of cleaning.

Another safe way to clean the vagina in a daily basis is to wash it with warm water and low soda soap, and take care to clean only the outside of the opening. (AN/C17-09)