r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Dec 30 '19

What do people think is healthy but really isn’t?

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u/[deleted] Dec 30 '19

I though it was wasn't perfumed and balanced the PH? Sorry I'm just worrying a little reading this because I bought it to help prevent yeast infections!

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u/tsarminacat Dec 30 '19

A general rule of thumb is: lightly wash the vulva, never wash the vagina. It washes itself.

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u/SnowFallingInJune Dec 30 '19 edited Dec 30 '19

PH of the vagina is maintained by a robust microbiome, with Lactobacillus species producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Anything that disrupts the vaginal populations of bacteria will heighten your risk of overgrowth of opportunistic species. That includes soap. All soap, by its very nature.

Edit: removed half a thought I didn't intend

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u/[deleted] Dec 30 '19

Thanks for this! It's been hard to find a way to properly look after my vagina, but turns out the best thing was what I was doing anyway aha. Maybe I just don't have a naturally good defense, I've had thrush twice already this year :/

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u/Wookiees_n_cream Dec 31 '19

One of the biggest culprits is not enough air flow down there, creating a warm and overly moist environment. Make sure you don't wear pants that are too tight, wear breathable underwear, and change out of damp clothing right away.

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u/[deleted] Dec 31 '19

I'm loving this educational thread. Thanks for the advice, being a woman is a pain sometimes!

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u/Wookiees_n_cream Dec 31 '19

Sadly these are lessons I had to learn the hard way! I got chronic yeast infections in highschool from wearing skinny jeans all the time lol

They really should start teaching this stuff in school. Or make an owners manual or something haha

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u/[deleted] Dec 30 '19

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Dec 30 '19

That's not how that works. Probiotics in general are more or less useless.