Vaginal health is surrounded by myths – passed from mothers to daughters, spread on social media, or sold in the form of products that are, at best, unnecessary and at worst, actively harmful. As a gynaecologist, I want to address the most common ones I hear from patients in Chandigarh.
Myth 1: You Need to Douche or Use Vaginal Washes to Stay Clean
False. The vagina is self-cleaning. It maintains its own bacterial ecosystem (dominated by healthy Lactobacillus bacteria) and naturally clears discharge and old cells. Douching or using vaginal washes disrupts this ecosystem, kills the protective bacteria, raises vaginal pH, and directly increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and recurrent UTIs.
All you need to do externally (the vulva) is wash with plain water or a very mild, unscented soap. The inside of the vagina needs nothing.
Myth 2: Normal Discharge Means Something Is Wrong
False. Vaginal discharge is normal and healthy. It varies throughout the cycle – clear and stretchy around ovulation, thicker and white before a period. Normal discharge is not smelly, does not cause itching, and is not a sign of infection. The discharge to be concerned about is: yellow or green, cottage-cheese textured, grey with a fishy smell, or accompanied by itching, burning or pain.
Myth 3: Vaginal Steaming Helps with Infections or Fertility
False. Vaginal steaming (sitting over a pot of herbal steam) has no proven medical benefit. It can cause burns, disrupt vaginal pH, and if done near the perineum with broken skin, introduce infection. It has absolutely no effect on fertility. Please don’t do this.
Myth 4: Tight Jeans and Synthetic Underwear Are Fine
Partially true concern. Tight synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, creating conditions that Candida (yeast) thrives in. If you’re prone to yeast infections, switching to cotton underwear and avoiding very tight trousers can make a genuine difference. It won’t cause an infection by itself, but it’s a contributing factor in susceptible women.
Myth 5: You Shouldn’t Have Intercourse During Your Period
This is a personal choice, not a medical rule. Having intercourse during menstruation is safe. However, there is a slightly increased risk of STI transmission during menstruation, and if you have endometriosis, some women find it uncomfortable. It’s a matter of personal preference and comfort.
What Good Vaginal Health Actually Looks Like
- No internal washing – just external, with water
- Cotton underwear, breathable fabrics
- Wiping front to back after using the toilet
- Staying well-hydrated
- Regular gynaecological check-ups
Have questions about your vaginal health? Book a confidential consultation at Sadhbhavna Clinics Chandigarh. There are no embarrassing questions here.