Vaginal and vulval problems - common-sense dos and don'ts

Common-sense dos and don'ts
for vaginal and vulval problems

Do not use bubble bath or shower gel.
Do not put disinfectant in the bath.
Do use an unperfumed soap, such as Simple.
Do not shampoo your hair in the bath or in the shower where the shampoo could run down and become trapped in the vulval skin folds. Wash your hair in the sink, or by leaning forward into the shower.
Do not use ‘intimate’ deodorants or apply deodorant to sanitary towels.
Do not squirt soapy solution or antiseptic into your vagina to clean it (douching) – the vagina cleans itself very efficiently, so douching in this way is not necessary, and may be harmful.
Do use a detergent labelled ‘for sensitive skin’ for washing your underwear, and avoid fabric softeners.
Do add two handfuls of ordinary salt to your bath water, or bathe the area with salted water (a heaped tablespoon of table salt in a sinkful of warm water).
If you are so sore that passing urine is very painful, do pee in the bath, or wash the urine away from the vulval area using a jug of warm water while you are on the toilet.