8 things women should not put in their vaginas
The vagina is very sensitive. Introducing it to things other than penis, toys, fingers, or mouth could be risky. Read our list to know more – number 4 will shock you!
Soap
Vaginas are amazing so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they clean themselves! In order to stay clean and healthy, they have their own pH balance. It means that they regulate the number of bacteria they produce.
Cleaning your vagina with soap disrupts this balance and can cause lots of side-effects. Soaps can make your vagina itchy and uncomfortable and give you yeast infections, which can create a burning sensation. All you need to do to keep your vulva clean is to rinse it with water in the shower.Douching
A douche squirts water (sometimes scented) inside the vagina in order to ‘clean’ it. However, it can cause health problems. The pH balance (bacteria) in the vagina is very fragile and squirting water into it not only introduces unwanted bacteria in the vagina but can also push bacteria further up into the reproductive organs.
Research suggests that douching significantly increases the chances of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. If left untreated this can cause infertility.
Sugar
Although you may not realise it, certain edible things that you use to spice up your sex life like chocolate sauce and whipped cream are full of sugar. Sugar feeds bad bacteria and things like chocolate sauce can dry your skin. Putting sugary things into your vagina can cause infections and irritations. It’s best to use sugary sauces over your upper body.
Related: Why Is My Vagina Dry?
Flavoured condoms
Flavoured condoms were created for oral sex and not for penetrative sex. They usually contain sugar (which makes them taste so nice) and are usually scented to suit their flavour (which makes them smell nice too). However, both sugar and scent can cause vaginal infections so unless you really like them for oral sex, it’s best not to use them at all.
Fruits and vegetables
Putting a banana into your vagina may seem like a fun way to spice things up or a cheap alternative to a sex toy. But your vagina may not feel the same way! Even if you wash the fruit or vegetable beforehand, it could still carry bacteria causing infections that are harmful to your vagina.
A safe alternative is putting a condom on any penis-shaped fruit or vegetable to prevent direct contact. Any other type of food play should avoid your vagina entirely.Jelly-rubber sex toys
Sex toys can be a great addition to your sex life. There are hundreds of variations to suit everybody’s needs.
However, jelly rubber sex toys are not always safe in the long run. Preliminary research has found that they could cause infections. This happens when the sex toy wears out and small cuts and holes appear. Even if you clean the sex toy well after each use, bacteria can stay inside these small holes and cause infections next time you use it. Instead of buying jelly rubber sex toys, go for silicone, stainless steel, or hard plastic.Drugs and alcohol
People have been found to use drugs and alcohol in their vaginas. There has been a craze in America of putting a vodka-soaked tampon into the vagina to get drunk quicker. This can be dangerous.
Drugs and alcohol are full of chemicals and still pose the same, if not higher risks if you put them in your vagina than any other method of consumption. Absorbing alcohol through your vagina can increase the risks of alcohol poisoning as it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream without being filtered through the liver first.
The vagina is also very sensitive. These chemicals cause painful burning sensations, whilst killing the healthy bacteria that keep your vagina clean and healthy. Using high amounts could cause anything from an infection to an overdose and should not be risked.Fairness creams
Lastly, you may feel tempted to try fairness creams around your vagina but don’t! Fairness creams, in general, can be very dangerous as many contain mercury. It can cause psychosis and peripheral neuropathy, which damages nerves.
You may believe that brand creams are less dangerous but studies have found that this is not the case. So not only should you not use these creams around your vagina but you should avoid using them on your body altogether.
Do you have something to add to this list? Have you used any of these products around your vagina? Share your experiences via comments or on Facebook Love Matters Africa and Love Matters Naija.
Tell us what you think
Recent Comments (130)
waaaa myself have been using
waaaa myself have been using verseline around my vagina is it also effective to it..plz assist
Your vagina really doesn’t
Your vagina really doesn’t need anything.
Wow! Very nice lesson,we…
Wow! Very nice lesson,we women should she be careful with our private parts, thanks so much
Thank you for your feedback…
Thank you for your feedback Lillian, we appreciate it.
No, as a doctor,Vaseline has…
No, as a doctor,Vaseline has no effect whatsoever
Hi John,
Vaseline isn’t an…
Hi John,
Vaseline isn’t an ideal lube for sex. First, it increases chances of an infection for the woman and also weakens condoms thus affecting their effectiveness at preventing pregnancies and STIs.
pia nmekuwa nkiweka sabuni
pia nmekuwa nkiweka sabuni kwa panty nkishugua nayo kuma since my schooling up to date….naeza kuwa safe stl if i stop it today
Don’t worry too much about
Don’t worry too much about what you have done in the past, just stop from now on.
Thanx for advise
Thanx for advise
You’re welcome!
You’re welcome!
I have use fairness cream on…
I have use fairness cream on my Virgina yes is not working and am having dark spot on it how do I make it smooth and same color with my body
Hello Precious, thank you…
Hello Precious, thank you for getting in touch with us and we are sorry you are going through a hard time. It seems like you have an issue with the difference in color between your vagina and the rest of your body when you should not. This is completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Furthermore, these products can be harmful to your skin and body and should not be used. Is there any reason in particular that you feel that you want to change the color of your vaginal skin?
Hygiene at the intimate is a
Hygiene at the intimate is a must, Is it ok to use product that contain lactic acid like La Wash and Vwash
Nicholas,
Nicholas,
it’s not really necessary to use fancy products.
bn using bar soap to wash it!
bn using bar soap to wash it! italeta shida?
Maria,
Maria,
it’s really not necessary, water is more than enough.
How can I get rid of vagina…
How can I get rid of vagina infections and itching
Hello Ogeh, thank you for…
Hello Ogeh, thank you for reaching out to us. Since this is a medical issue we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
Hi love matters, please why…
Hi love matters, please why is a part of my vaginal wall swollen,,, i just noticed it over months ago, i dont know if its normal but it look strange to me and make me kind of scared about it
Hello Ayomi, thank you for…
Hello Ayomi, thank you for reaching out to us. If this is something you have just noticed then you should consider going to see a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.
Ah I have been using soap and
Ah I have been using soap and sponge to wash my vagina
Are you going to stop using
Are you going to stop using soap, or continue?
Banange
Banange
?
?
which cream is suitable to
which cream is suitable to lumricade when having sex to make it slippery?
No cream, please! They can
No cream, please! They can destroy condoms and aren’t good for the genitals.
Use lubricants made for sex, you can buy them at chemists and supermarkets.
my wife feel pain playing sex
my wife feel pain playing sex claiming analaruka kwa vagina uko na chini na after anafeel kukochoa plz help mi out
Is she very aroused and wet?
Is she very aroused and wet?
If she is and there’s still pain, it will be best to see a doctor.
does lemon course affection
does lemon course affection in vigina,
Jacky,
Jacky,
lemon juice could disrupt the natural environment of the vagina.
However, lemon juice has been used in the past as a spermicide, and research is looking into lemon juice in HIV-prevention, but there is nothing conclusive yet.
i as a man,wat else can i
i as a man,wat else can i use during masturbation tht can make me more aroused.
Whatever you feel like!
Whatever you feel like!
is staying a virgin til 30yrs
is staying a virgin til 30yrs harmful, heard ts nt adviceable, is t true ??
Absolutely no harm done, even
Absolutely no harm done, even if you never have sex in your life.
av been using plain water to
av been using plain water to clean my vigina but some times it itches.I have been treated severally but the problem can’t stop.pliz help
wat can i do i masterbet
wat can i do i masterbet everytime
Hi Sam are you asking how you
Hi Sam are you asking how you can stop masturbating? if so read this article https://lovematters.co.ke/news/cant-stop-masturbating .
hi
hi
I hv been itching my vagina for a while and I notice that I hv some thrash….ma worry is this I haven’t had sex for a year and some month what could be the problem I hvnt gone to hospital coz am scared
Hi Nimz, you need to visit
Hi Nimz, you need to visit the hospital to get treatment. It could be an infection that is not sexually related.
have been using veet for
have been using veet for shaving,is it bad…plz help
Hi Halima, just like many
Hi Halima, just like many other beauty products, if it has been certified by the government for use it means its not harmful.
I put lemon juice on the…
I put lemon juice on the outside of my vagina and it was undiluted… Do I get infections
Hey, this may lead to…
Hey, this may lead to upsetting the balance in your vagina which may also lead to an infection. Check out the following article for more information on leaning the vagina. https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts
watwashing with lemon
watwashing with lemon
Lemon will upset the natural…
Lemon will upset the natural balance of bacteria, which may encourage infections. Check out this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts
I normally use soap to wash…
I normally use soap to wash my Virgina…should i stop?
Hi Sofia, If you do use soap…
Hi Sofia, If you do use soap, choose a mild baby soap without strong perfumes. Check this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/female-body/staying-clean
Hi. Been rubbing my vagina…
Hi. Been rubbing my vagina using a warm wet towel. Am i safe?
Hi Ayden, Wiping your vagina…
Hi Ayden, Wiping your vagina with a warm (water) towel is alright. Check this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/female-body/staying-clean
I put dettol in te water is…
I put dettol in te water is it bad
Cate, the vagina self…
Cate, the vagina self regulates the right PH and bacteria for it to remain healthy you then do not really need to use Detol or any other strong soaps. All you need to do to keep your vagina clean is to rinse it with water in the shower. If you must use soap, get baby soap. Upsetting the PH can lead to infections. Check this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/female-body/staying-clean
Have been using lemon juice…
Have been using lemon juice to wash it is
it necesery?
Hi Carol, It is not…
Hi Carol, It is not necessary using Lemon will only upset the PH and interfere with the balance of bacteria in the vagina which will result to infections. All you need to do to keep your vagina clean is to rinse it with water in the shower. If you must use soap, get baby soap. Check this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/female-body/staying-clean
Hi,ave been having during…
Hi,ave been having during sex in tat cannot withstand it for two days wat could be te problem plz help
Hi Mercy, your question is…
Hi Mercy, your question is not clear please rephrase so we can support you appropriately.
What causes some sort of…
What causes some sort of pimples around the vagina and are itching they come and disappear
Hi Sharon, This could be an…
Hi Sharon, This could be an infection. It is important you get checked at a medical centre. Those two including pain while urinating, painful intercourse among other are common signs of Sexually Transmitted Infection. Visit a medical centre for tests and treatment.
I had a period which has a…
I had a period which has a bad odour and wen l was through l used lemon to clean my vagina n the smell is gone….L’s there any effect on that?
Hi Rosemary, It is normal to…
Hi Rosemary, It is normal to have a different smell from your Vagina when you are on your periods. It is really not necessary to clean the vagina with lemon because this smell will go away after the period. Check out this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts
Thanks for the insight.so…
Thanks for the insight.so helpful
You are welcome.
You are welcome.
I have taken semen but taken…
I have taken semen but taken I pill more than 6 Times… Will I will never get pregnant in future I am suffering from PCOD & hormonal imbalance please reply..
Hi Sunidhi, PCOD may make…
Hi Sunidhi, PCOD may make conceiving for you challenging. It is important for you to consult a Specialist for more advice.
Your advice is of great help…
Your advice is of great help. I have neva used anything on my vagina and upto now I feel good and am sure my hubby gets enough satisfaction since I feel it during the game. I also side withyou, no lemon on the vagina. just clean it and let you man prepare it for the game and thats all
Hi Esther, Thank you for the…
Hi Esther, Thank you for the feedback. We are glad that you find the information here useful.
Is it bad to use dettol?
Is it bad to use dettol?
Hi Carol, like soap Dettol…
Hi Carol, like soap Dettol soap or antiseptic will upset the bacterial balance in your vagina. It can lead to itching, infections among other discomforts. If you feel the need to use soap, use mild baby soaps that don’t have strong perfumes. Check out this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/female-body/staying-clean
How do i know whether i have…
How do i know whether i have pelvic inflamatory infection that will lead to inferterlity due to using of soap to wash the vagina
Hi Alice, maybe you need to…
Hi Alice, maybe you need to stop using soap and use mild baby soap if you must use soap. As for whether you have an infection, visit a Gynecologist for a check up. Check out this article;- https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/female-body/staying-clean
PLS WHAT IF I INFECTION AND…
PLS WHAT IF I INFECTION AND WANNA USE FEMININE WASH
Hello, what kind of an…
Hello, what kind of an infection? Any infection in your vagina should be treated with medication that has been prescribed by a doctor. Remember use of Feminine wash may cause spread of the infection in other areas of your reproductive system.
My hubby like licking my…
My hubby like licking my pussy, wen l wake up in the morng l feel pain when l pee…. Can this licking be the cause of that pain
Hey Grace, does his happen…
Hey Grace, does his happen only when you have oral sex? Pain during or even after sex can be caused by a number of reasons including dry sex, where penetration happens before the vaginal is sufficiently lubricated, the position during sex or an infection-Urinary Track Infections (UTIs)-in the vagina. Oral sex which is just licking like you mentioned is not likely to result in pain. You may want to visit a medical centre for a check up and tests to see if there could be an infection that might be causing the pain while urinating. In the mean time have a look at this article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/sex-problems-how-to-overcome-them/painful-sex-time-to-listen-up
what if someone is having…
what if someone is having thr echin,what one can use to stop it
Hi Jameel, vaginal itching…
Hi Jameel, vaginal itching is usually not a major concern. One of the causes may be an issue with the kind of underwear one puts on. Usually cotton underwear is recommended since it helps absorb sweat as compared to other materials. When the itching is persistent, it may be a sign of an infection and for this reason it is important to seek the advice of a health provider. If the itching has been persistent, seek the services of a health provider for possible tests and treatment.
Have been using lemons to…
Have been using lemons to tighten my pussy coz can’t have sex with my partner more than 5mins Ka Cija mwaga..,is it okay?
Hi there, putting lemon into…
Hi there, putting lemon into your vagina will upset the natural balance of bacteria and make you more likely to get yeast (fungal) infections. There is no evidence that lemons will help tighten the vagina. Perhaps what you need to focus on is controlling the orgasm, for instance taking breaks in between intercourse especially when you feel the urge, asking your partner to take shallow and slower thrusts as opposed to deep and fast ones and also, you can distract yourself by thinking about other non-sexual things. Orgasms has more to do with sexual excitement as opposed to tightness of the vaginal. Check out the following article;-
https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/the-miracle-that-is-vagina
https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy
I used a mixture of lemon…
I used a mixture of lemon and lime in water to wash my pussy and its really itching and causing discomforts,,what will I do??
Hi Bingol, cleaning your…
Hi Bingol, cleaning your vagina with lemon and lime upsets the natural balance of bacteria which makes you prone to yeast infections. All you need to do to keep your vagina clean is to rinse it with water in the shower, if you must use soap use the mild kind like baby soap. The discomfort should go away just use water moving forward.
Is it safe to use lime…
Is it safe to use lime,vinegar or baking soda on my intimate area?
Hey Lina, No it’s not safe…
Hey Lina, No it’s not safe. Using warm water to wash your vagina is sufficient, it’s not a good idea to use soap, lime, vinegar or baking soda especially inside your vagina. These can upset the natural balance of bacteria and lead to infections. It can also be a cause of itching and irritation or pain during intercourse. You can use soap but choose the gentle ones without strong perfumes. Check out this article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts
I need to be sexy every day
I need to be sexy every day
Hello Jane, Yes its good to…
Hello Jane, Yes its good to be sexy, but ensure you do not do the eight things listed above. There are many other ways that you can make yourself sexy. Check out this article: https://lovemattersafrica.com/love-relationships/are-you-sexy
please is it necessary to…
please is it necessary to use any intimate wash for vagina.please help me out she is secretly using one and i have fine out.
Hey Mohammed, what makes you…
Hey Mohammed, what makes you feel she is secretly doing it? Using warm water to wash the vulva is sufficient, it’s however not a good idea to use soap, antiseptics, especially inside the vagina. You may need to talk with your partner about this because using such products may unset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina leading to infections. Have a look at the following article for more information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts
Myself have been using water…
Myself have been using water and detol liquid
Hey, you don’t need to use…
Hey, you don’t need to use detol liquid or any other antiseptic since they are likely to upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina resulting to infections. All you need is water and a mild, unscented soap. Check out the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy
What about using feminine…
What about using feminine wash have been using it for awhile
Hey Alice, all you need to…
Hey Alice, all you need to keep your vagina clean is water and a mild, unscented soap like baby soap. Check out the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy
Can lime clean varginal
Can lime clean varginal
Hey Gloria, you do not need…
Hey Gloria, you do not need to use lime to clean the vagina, all you need to keep your vagina clean is water and if necessary a mild, unscented soap like baby soap. Check out the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy
Am waiting for response pls.
Am waiting for response pls.
Hey Gloria, we have…
Hey Gloria, we have responded to your question.
ThIs is helpful
ThIs is helpful
Glad to know this is useful…
Glad to know this is useful for you Halpiny.
What about spirit
What about spirit
This will also upset the…
This will also upset the natural balance of the vagina exposing one to infection including causing a burning sensation which is likely to make the vagina very uncomfortable. Additionally, have a look at the following article for more tips to keep your vagina healthy and happy;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy
I have been using lemon to…
I have been using lemon to my vagina can it cause infection or I am safe
Hi Lilian, lemon affects the…
Hi Lilian, lemon affects the natural balance in your vagina and this will cause infections. All you need to do to keep your vulva clean is to rinse it with water in the shower.
Have used lemon water into…
Have used lemon water into my vagina n have been having this lower abdominal pain,,,help me plz
Hi there, lemon water is one…
Hi there, lemon water is one of those things that you should not put in your vagina since it interferes with the natural balance in you vagina leading to infections. All you need to do to keep your vagina clean is water and a mild, unscented soap. Have a look at the following article on how to keep your vagina healthy and happy;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/8-tips-to-keep-your-vagina-happy-and-healthy
Pls What Can I Do To Keep…
Pls What Can I Do To Keep Clean ?
Hi Vicky, cleaning your…
Hi Vicky, cleaning your vagina with soap disrupts the bacteria balance in there and this can cause lots of side-effects including infections. Soaps can make your vagina itchy and uncomfortable and give you yeast infections, which can create a burning sensation. All you need to do to keep your vulva clean is to rinse it with water in the shower. Check out this article for additional tips;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts
Can original honey be use on…
Can original honey be use on vagina
Hello pretty, honey is a…
Hello pretty, honey is a natural antibiotic/ antifungal. Small studies show that when yogurt with honey is inserted vaginally it can help a yeast infection in some patients, but is far inferior to antifungal treatments available over the counter.
You wash it from inside with…
You wash it from inside with water or how do i wash it pliz
Hi Clemency, this is called…
Hi Clemency, this is called douching and the article says “
A douche squirts water (sometimes scented) inside the vagina in order to ‘clean’ it. However, it can cause health problems. The pH balance (bacteria) in the vagina is very fragile and squirting water into it not only introduces unwanted bacteria in the vagina but can also push bacteria further up into the reproductive organs.
Research suggests that douching significantly increases the chances of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. If left untreated this can cause infertility.”
I always push a finger to…
I always push a finger to wash it to remove the white fluids, z it right
Hello Winnie, thank you for…
Hello Winnie, thank you for reaching out to us. It really is not advisable to try and wash out your vagina by sticking your finger in and trying to clean it out. Remember that your vagina is self-cleaning and by doing this you could push in bacteria and get an infection.
I tried washing my virginia…
I tried washing my virginia with water but it still smell.. l went to the clinic, i’ve been geven pills, still my virginia is smelling
What next please help?
Hello Anonymous, thank you…
Hello Anonymous, thank you for reaching out to us. Since this is a medical issue we strongly advise you see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Here is a list of health institutions that should be of help
https://lovemattersafrica.com/get-help/clinics
What if you use baking soda…
What if you use baking soda so as to tighten your virgina,will it brings problem
Hi Beryl, it really is not…
Hi Beryl, it really is not advisable that you put anything in your vagina. Especially something like Baking of soda that could mess with the pH.
How do I stop my vagina from…
How do I stop my vagina from smelling
Hi Anonymous, thank you for…
Hi Anonymous, thank you for reaching out to us. There could be many causes it would be best that you see a medical practitioner at your earliest convenience for a complete diagnosis and advice on the way forward.
I’ve been using soap, my…
I’ve been using soap, my vagina would smell if I stop using it. Pls how do I make it odorless(I know it can’t be completely odorless) but I don’t want it to have a bad stench
Hi Fay, vaginal odors occur…
Hi Fay, vaginal odors occur for a variety of reasons. Click here to find out more: https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/vaginal-discharge-and-odour-top-facts
Furthermore, click here to find out more about how to maintain good genital hygenie. https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/genital-hygiene-dos-and-donts
Let us know what you think regarding the information above and have a wonderful week ahead!
Ukitaka kuma ikuwe tight…
Ukitaka kuma ikuwe tight unafanya nini
Sasa Joyce, tumeshukuru…
Sasa Joyce, tumeshukuru umekuja na umetuuliza swali mzuri sana. Kama unataka kuma yako ikuwe tight, iko tizi flani inaitwa kegals unaweza kufanya kukusaidia ikuwe tight. Click hapa kufind out more habari ya hi tizi: https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/ok-ladies-now-lets-get-into-kegels
i have been using sponge and…
i have been using sponge and soap to wash round my pussy,sometimes i see thick discharge dat i dont feel comfortable with,now dere are some things dat looks like rashes and i dont know anything about it.
Hi Marylyne, thank you for…
Hi Marylyne, thank you for getting in touch and we are so sorry you are going through a hard time. There is no need to clean the vagina using a sponge and soap. Simply using clean, warm running water can do the job. The vagina will clean itself inside your body with natural vaginal secretions (the discharge you experience). The reason you are experiencing rashes is probably that your body is reacting to the soap that you are using so you should stop doing this. Click on the following link to learn more about your vagina:
https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/female-body/vaginal-discharge-and-odour-top-facts
We hope the information above helps and keep us posted!
What do you mean mithuro?
What do you mean mithuro?
I have been experiencing…
I have been experiencing something like water coming out from my vagina and it is smelly how can i clean it? Is it safe to clean a vagina using a lemon fruit by pouring a lemon water into the vagina?
Hello Saka, thank you for…
Hello Saka, thank you for reaching out to us. This is very much a health issue and we strongly suggest that you see a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward. We strongly advise against putting foreign objects and liquids in your vagina.
Sure things .
Sure things .
Great! Thank you for…
Great! Thank you for visiting Love Matters. Keep it here for more informative content.
Thanks
Thanks
You’re welcome, Joy!
You’re welcome, Joy!
Thanks for your understanding
Thanks for your understanding
You’re welcome, Tosin!
You’re welcome, Tosin!