To soap or not to soap, to douche or to do not, these are the questions. With the help of an expert, Alice Wade finds the answers to common queries and misunderstandings around genital washing

If, like me, you have a pretty scarce sex education at school, your knowledge about ‘bits’ and importantly, how to clean and keep said bits healthy, may be limited. But don’t fret, many of us are confused. You only need to type ‘how to wash your vagina’ on TikTok to see an avalanche of conflicting answers to know that many of us don’t know what we’re doing.

With the help of Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, Sextras has compiled a list of professionally- backed answers to commonly asked queries on how to wash your genitals.

"What is the proper way to wash my genitals  (penis and vagina)?"

Washing with just water may dry out the genital skin. It would be best to use a soap substitute over the entire body instead. A more modern way to wash is to use a soap substitute or aqueous cream. Soap substitutes remove the bacteria that make us smell but add moisture to the skin, instead of taking it away.

"Do I need to use soap when washing my genitals?"

Soaps or shower gel, including feminine hygiene products, are often the leading cause of genital dryness, itching and irritation. Even those that claim to be ‘mild’ or ‘unperfumed’ can cause irritation; it is the foaming agent (lauryl sulphate) that people are sensitive to.

"Is it okay to use scented products on my genitals?"

Douching, like over washing, runs the risk of washing away those healthy bacteria. This can again lead to soreness, dryness and irritation. It can even cause damage to the delicate lining of the vagina or anus, leaving you more susceptible to infections, including HIV. A healthy vulva does not smell, so you do not need to use perfumed or scented products in this area.

"What if there is an odour?"

Vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection. If your discharge changes – for example, in smell, colour or texture – it might be a sign of an infection. An STI can sometimes cause a sore and odour to the genital area.I would seek medical advice. 

"How often do I need to wash my genitals?"

Washing your genitals once a day is adequate. If you over wash, you will wash away your good, healthy bacteria. Doing this means ‘bad’ bacteria may colonise and cause you symptoms.

"Do I need to wash inside my genitals?”

If you don’t clean your penis regularly there will be a build-up of smegma, the natural lubricant that keeps the penis moist. Fungal infections can also affect the groin area so it’s important to towel off thoroughly after showers and baths. To keep your genitals clean and healthy, it’s also important to change your underwear everyday, as dirty pants carry traces of faeces, bad smells, and all kinds of germs.

Wearing the same pair for longer than one day may leave you prone to infections like fungal infections.  People with vaginas should wash the whole area including the inside of the lips (labia) but it is important not to get soap and water inside the vagina.

For those with vaginas, it is important to note that the vagina is the internal sexual organ, not to be confused with the external anatomy which is known as the vulva. The internal canal does not need to washed.

"Do I need to do anything different if I'm menstruating?"

No, but it is a personal choice and [people with vulvas] are different and may want to wash the area more than once a day. 

"What is the proper way to clean your asshole?"

Gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before bed. Wash with water only, or use unscented soap when washing and make sure to wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.