When it comes to vaginal health, there’s no shortage of advice online — some of it helpful, but much of it’s misleading or just plain wrong. With endless information at our fingertips, it can be tough to tell what's accurate and what's just another myth. Let’s break down some of the most common misconceptions about vaginal health and separate the facts from fiction.
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When it comes to vaginal health, there’s no shortage of advice online — some of it helpful, but much of it’s misleading or just plain wrong. With endless information at our fingertips, it can be tough to tell what's accurate and what's just another myth. Let’s break down some of the most common misconceptions about vaginal health and separate the facts from fiction.
Myth: Your vagina should always smell “fresh” or “clean”.
This is one of the most common myths out there, making it easy to feel self-conscious when that isn’t the case. The truth is, the vagina has a natural, musky scent that doesn’t need to be masked.
In fact, trying to wash your natural smell away can actually do more harm than good. Washing with soaps, douches, or scented products can disrupt the natural balance of your vaginal microbiome, leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections.
So, what should you do? Your vagina is internal and doesn’t need to be washed at all, since it’s self-cleaning. Most gynaecologists recommend cleaning your vulva with just water. However, if your vaginal discharge develops a strong, unusual odour, it could be a sign of an infection, and you should check in with a healthcare practitioner.
Myth: Douching helps prevent or treat vaginal infections.
Some people believe that douching keeps their vagina clean and infection-free. The truth? It does the opposite.
Douching wipes out the good bacteria (Lactobacillus), that help protect your vagina from infection. This disrupts the delicate balance in your microbiome, potentially increasing your risk of issues like BV, yeast infections, and even STIs. If you’re suffering with unusual discharge, odour, itching or discomfort, it’s best to see a healthcare practitioner, rather than try to fix it with douching.
Dr Michelle explains:
Myth: Vaginal infections happen because of poor hygiene.
If you’ve ever dealt with BV or a yeast infection, you know how easy it is to feel embarrassed or ashamed. The smell and discomfort make life difficult, not to mention the emotional toll of feeling uncertain about the problem.
Despite what some might think, infections aren’t a sign of being unclean. Vaginal infections like BV are caused by bacterial imbalances in the vaginal microbiome, not because you didn’t wash enough. Even with sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, it’s not about your vagina being dirty. STIs can happen to anyone, regardless of their hygiene practices.
Your vagina deserves care without shame, just like any other area of your body. Vaginal infections are common and very manageable when given the right attention and treatment.
Remember: if you notice unusual discharge or discomfort, it’s a sign your body needs support, not shame. Make sure you see a healthcare practitioner for testing, advice and treatment.
Myth: Pubic hair is gross and should be removed.
The idea that allowing pubic hair to grow freely is unhygienic originated in Victorian times to prevent the spread of lice. Today, it’s reinforced by unrealistic beauty standards. The truth? Pubic hair is completely natural, and it actually supports your vaginal health!
Pubic hair is your body’s natural defence mechanism. Thick hair creates a barrier, protecting your vulva and vagina from bacteria and other harmful microbes, reducing your risk of infection.
So, removing your pubic hair doesn’t improve your hygiene. Shaving or waxing can cause skin irritation, cuts, and bumps, making the area more vulnerable to infection. What you choose to do with your pubic hair is 100% personal choice. Just remember to do it with care and keep your vaginal microbiome in mind.
Myth: Vaginal discharge means something’s wrong.
No one ever wants to talk about vaginal discharge, yet everyone with a vagina has it. Vaginal discharge is completely normal. In fact, it’s essential – as one of the many ways your vagina stays clean and healthy.
Your vagina, uterus and cervix all secrete discharge. Cervical discharge changes with your hormone levels to support conception and will look different throughout your menstrual cycle.
Here’s what to expect:
It’s also important to note that there’s no ‘normal’ amount of discharge. Everybody is unique and the amount of discharge you produce will vary. Your hormones and life stage can also play a role. For example, in pregnancy you’re likely to produce more discharge than usual, whereas in perimenopause you’re likely to produce less.
There’s no need to worry about discharge unless you notice a strong odour, itching or unusual changes in colour (especially green or yellow). These are all signs of infection and you should speak to a healthcare professional if something doesn’t seem right.
Myth: Pineapple makes your vagina smell sweeter.
There’s a popular claim that eating certain sweet foods (like pineapple) will make your vagina smell or taste sweet. Unfortunately, there’s no scientific evidence to support this idea.
However, a balanced diet is super important for supporting your vaginal health. Focusing on balanced nutrition that supports your immune system, gut health, and overall wellness is key. A healthy, balanced diet helps support the good bacteria in your vaginal microbiome, protecting you from infection.
With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s easy to get caught up in myths about vaginal health. But understanding your body is the first and most important step toward making informed choices. By seeking out reliable, evidence-based information (like our Learn Page) you can cut through the confusion and take control of your health. Most importantly, trust your body – it’s designed to maintain balance. And if something feels off, don’t hesitate to speak to a healthcare professional.
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