Bicarbonate is one of the substances to which more applications have been found. As an antacid, for cleaning the home, in the bakery and kitchen, like a tooth whitening or anti-inflammatory, among others.
That is why some suggest that it can also be used to wash the genital area, but is this the case? Can it be helpful for you to use baking soda on your private parts?
We will tell you below in this FastlyHealarticle if bicarbonate is suitable for washing intimate parts or not and what is the best way to maintain good personal hygiene.
Table of Contents
What is baking soda for?
Sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline substance whose formula is NaHCO3. It can be found in nature, or it can be produced artificially.
When it joins with acidic substances, it produces a bubbling, and this is because carbon dioxide is eliminated in the chemical reaction. It has a large number of domestic, medical, or industrial uses.
When bicarbonate comes into contact with different surfaces (including the skin), it releases all kinds of substances that could be attached to it.
Among the frequent uses of bicarbonate on the skin and mucous membranes are:
- Cleansing the skin.
- Teeth Whitening.
- Gargle with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Alkalinizing, that is, modifies the pH causing the acidity to decrease.
However, this product must be used with care, especially on the mucous membranes, as it can sometimes irritate.
Is baking soda suitable for intimate washing?
Because bicarbonate on the oral mucosa is prevalent, some think it is good to clean the genitals with it. Some decide to do external washes and, in some cases, even internal douches (cleaning the vagina internally with a solution of water and bicarbonate). However, although this practice is sometimes recommended, washing private parts with baking soda is not advisable. Let’s see why.
The genital area is one of the most delicate areas of the body, and it is essential to give it the care it deserves. After all, it is also one of the most sensitive areas, and any problem that appears can be annoying and worrying. Maintaining genital hygiene is not too complicated, nor is there much to do: the most natural is the best. The fewer products you place, the more minor problems you will have. It would be best to only clean your external genitalia with clean water and mild soap. The more natural soaps, the better: without perfumes, colorants, creams, or additives.
The water should be at a comfortable temperature (relaxed, natural, or warm) but never too hot because it can irritate the area.
Cleaning should be done from front to back to prevent possible dirt from the anus from reaching the intimate area, as this can cause infections.
In women, the vaginal area should not be cleaned from the inside. This is very important, and although there are numerous cosmetic products created for this purpose, they should not be used in any way. Countless scientific studies recommend avoiding vaginal douching or washing, much less bicarbonate.
The bicarbonate generates changes in the pH of the genital area sweeps away substances necessary for the care of this area: secretions that hydrate and normal bacterial flora. Certain bacteria in the vagina help maintain the pH and normality in that tissue. Therefore, sweeping it with washes or applying substances that change the acidity upset the average balance. If the pH changes, there is an increased chance of vaginitis.
In addition, if this type of washing is carried out frequently, there is a greater propensity to:
- Suffering from vaginal infections (even more likely to get sexually transmitted diseases like HIV ).
- Irritation.
- Have less fertility.
- Increase the chance of ectopic pregnancies.
On the other hand, douching does not help prevent unwanted pregnancy. A douche after sexual intercourse does not remove all the semen, and in fact, a small amount is enough to produce a pregnancy. So it should not be used as a contraceptive method.
Permanent use of baking soda can also cause skin irritation.
What to do if you have a vaginal infection
Different reasons can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, but it is advisable to perform vaginal washes in none of these cases. These can be the cause of the infection.
There is normal vaginal discharge in the days before menstruation and during ovulation. This is usually clear, in little quantity, and odorless.
You must consult your doctor if you present:
- Green or yellowish discharge.
- Burning, itching, or discomfort in the genital area.
- Very abundant and thick discharge.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Fever or general malaise.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Is bicarbonate suitable for washing private parts? We recommend that you enter our Sexuality category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.