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What to Do Instead of Douching: Vaginal Health

What to Do Instead of Douching: Vaginal Health

It’s time we talk about douches. No, we’re not referring to those guys from the bar last night. We’re talking about the device that jets plain water to clean the inside of your body, and mainly vaginas. As scary as it sounds, oh, it gets worse. Douches have been around for ages, and until recently, the most popular US brand was Lysol, which advertised their products as multipurpose--use it to disinfect your toilet bowl *and* your vaginal area. Traditional douches contained toxic chemicals that resulted in numerous cases of poisoning, but it was still aggressively marketed as safe--as a female necessity. Now that is terrifying.

Thankfully, these cleaning devices have come a long way since the mid-1900s and women still douche today (1 in 5 women, in fact). But here’s the honest truth: Douching does more harm than good.


Did you know that the vagina cleans itself?

When you use a vaginal douche to flush away the (natural) odors and (good) bacteria, you’re also disrupting your body’s natural pH balance. This causes adverse effects, like an overgrowth of bad bacteria that can lead to vaginal infections, irritation and unnatural odors. If you’re concerned about vaginal health, visit your primary doctor and OB/GYN.

What to do instead of douching

So, we’ve established that douching is a no-go for vaginal health, but now you might be wondering, “What should I do instead?” Great question! While it might seem like you need to do something more to keep your vagina clean, the truth is simpler than you think. Let’s break it down in a way that won’t leave you stressing about your lady bits and their natural well-being.

Start by trusting your body

It’s time we give your body the credit it deserves! The vagina is a self-cleaning organ—yep, you read that right. Like the ultimate autopilot, your vagina maintains its own balance of bacteria, vaginal microbiome, moisture, and cleanliness without the need for invasive tools. This natural balance helps keep infections and bad bacteria at bay. Disrupting this finely tuned system (we’re looking at you, douches) can lead to vaginal problems like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and discomfort.

So, the first step? Trust in your body’s natural processes. Your vagina’s got this.

How should I clean my vaginal area?

Because the vagina cleans itself, you don’t have to worry about flushing the inside with a tool like a vaginal douche. Instead, doctors recommend using just moderately warm water and mild, non-irritating soap, like our Vaginal Wash, to gently cleanse the outside area--the vulva.

Stick to the outer area only

If you’re feeling like you need to freshen up, focus on the vulva (the external part of your genitals) rather than trying to “clean” the inside. Cleaning the vulva is straightforward—use lukewarm water and a mild, non-irritating soap. Our Vaginal Wash is a perfect match for this, as it’s specifically designed to keep your vagina clean without throwing off your body’s pH balance. It contains gentle, natural ingredients like lavender and eucalyptus, which work wonders in keeping things fresh and balanced without any harsh chemicals. The key here is gentle—no need to scrub like you’re cleaning a bathtub, just a quick, light wash is enough.

Like a shield for your vagina

We created our Feminine Wash specifically to help balance pH levels and keep odors and bacteria far, far away. Think of it like a shield, protecting you from unnatural odors and bad bacteria that can otherwise come in contact with your vagina. Our Wash contains natural ingredients like lavender, citrus lemon and eucalyptus leaf that don’t upset your healthy vagina, so it’s great for daily cleansing. And rest assured, the formula has zero parabens, zero phenoxyethanol and zero artificial fragrance.

Would it be Rael if not?

Natural remedies for vaginal health

While douching is out, there are natural alternatives you can use to promote vaginal health and keep everything feeling fresh.

Wear breathable fabrics

Opt for cotton underwear to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup. This might sound simple, but staying dry is essential for vaginal health. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, which can create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Breathable fabrics, like cotton, allow your skin to stay cool and dry.

Practice good hygiene during periods

When your period rolls around, staying fresh is a top priority. But just like your regular hygiene vaginal routine, you don’t need to go overboard. Change your organic cotton cover pads, tampons, or menstrual cups regularly to keep bacteria at bay. Also, wash your vulva with mild soap and moderately warm water as needed during your period. Your period isn’t dirty, but it can lead to irritation if you aren’t maintaining basic cleanliness.

Keep an eye on diet and hydration

What you eat can have an effect on your health. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in probiotics (like yogurt or kombucha) helps keep your body’s bacterial balance in check. Some people swear by cranberry juice for urinary tract health, while others turn to garlic for its natural antibacterial properties. Whatever you choose, aim for a diet that supports overall health, as your vagina’s wellness is linked to the rest of your body.

Skip the scented products

Vaginas aren’t supposed to smell like a bouquet of roses or a fresh ocean breeze—and that’s okay! Scented sprays, powders, and wipes can mess with your body’s natural chemistry and lead to irritation. Even scented bubble baths and perfumed body lotions can cause problems for sensitive areas. Instead, stick with unscented products designed for sensitive skin. Your vagina isn’t supposed to smell like anything other than what’s normal for your body.

When in doubt, visit your Doctor

If you’re concerned about unusual odors, discharge, or vaginal irritation, douching is not the answer. These could be signs that something’s off balance, and it’s better to consult your OB/GYN for advice. A healthcare provider can provide you with personalized recommendations based on your body’s needs and check for any underlying conditions that might be causing discomfort.

Listen to your body’s signals

Our bodies are always giving us signs when something’s out of sync. Whether it’s through odor, discharge, or discomfort, it’s essential to listen to what your body is telling you. Often, these symptoms are your body’s way of restoring balance naturally. Vaginal douching, however, tends to disrupt this process and can lead to long-term issues.

If something feels off, it’s okay to reach out to a medical healthcare provider for guidance rather than trying to “fix” the problem with a quick, over-the-counter solution like vaginal douching.

Embrace your body’s natural scent

Everyone’s body is unique, and so is your natural scent. Society has long tried to convince us that our bodies should smell like flowers or fruit baskets, but that’s just not reality (nor is it healthy). A healthy vagina will have a mild scent that’s totally normal and part of your natural vaginal microbiome. So, instead of stressing over artificial standards, embrace the fact that your body knows exactly what it’s doing. No need to interfere with that.

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