Feminine washes are external cleansing products designed to be used only on the vulva, the outer genital area. The quick answer to whether these washes can be used during menstruation is yes, but only for external cleansing. Menstrual flow does not change the fundamental rule of intimate hygiene, which is that the vagina itself is a self-cleaning organ that should not be washed internally with any product.
Answering the Safety Question
The presence of menstrual blood and discharge can sometimes lead to temporary odor concerns, which is often the reason people consider using a feminine wash during their period. Using a gentle, external wash on the vulva can help manage these concerns and maintain comfort without causing harm. The practice of external washing is entirely different from douching, which is strongly discouraged by health professionals.
Douching involves rinsing the inside of the vagina with water or a mixture of fluids, a practice that is medically discouraged universally. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against douching because it upsets the natural, delicate balance of the vaginal environment. Studies show that douching can significantly increase the risk of developing infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
The distinction is crucial: external washing of the vulva is acceptable, especially during a period, but internal washing or douching should be avoided entirely. External cleaning should always be done gently, primarily to rinse away menstrual fluid and surface residue from the vulva.
Understanding Natural Vaginal pH
The vagina is self-cleaning and sensitive to products due to its highly specific biological environment. A healthy, reproductive-age vagina maintains an acidic pH typically ranging from 3.8 to 4.5. This acidity is a natural defense mechanism that protects against the overgrowth of harmful pathogens.
This low pH is maintained by beneficial bacteria, primarily species of Lactobacilli. These bacteria process the glycogen present in the vaginal cells and produce lactic acid, which creates the protective acidic environment. This process keeps the ecosystem balanced and naturally inhibits the growth of organisms that cause infections like yeast or BV.
Introducing alkaline substances, such as many common soaps or harsh feminine washes, can temporarily raise the pH level of the area. Even if used only on the vulva, the ingredients can migrate or cause irritation that disrupts the balance of the surrounding microflora. This disruption can create a less acidic environment, making the area more susceptible to an overgrowth of non-beneficial bacteria and subsequent infection.
Safe Usage Guidelines and Ingredients to Avoid
For those who choose to use a feminine wash, the safest and most recommended practice is to use warm water alone to rinse the external area. If a product is desired, it must only be applied to the vulva and never inserted into the vagina. Application should be gentle, followed by a thorough rinse with clean water to remove all residue.
Any product used should be unscented and free from harsh chemicals. Strong fragrances or perfumes are major irritants that can cause itching, redness, and allergic reactions on the sensitive skin of the vulva. The term “fragrance” on an ingredient list often represents a cocktail of undisclosed chemicals, making it difficult to know the exact irritants present.
It is also advisable to avoid washes containing parabens, which are preservatives linked to potential endocrine disruption. Similarly, harsh surfactants and foaming agents, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), should be avoided. These ingredients can strip away the vulva’s natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.