The makers of vaginal hygiene "fixes" have preyed on women's insecurities — sometimes at the expense of their actual vaginal health — for years. Now, doctors are warning anyone with a vagina to steer clear of a product that some are claiming reduces vaginal odor (or at least steer clear of applying it on their labia or in their vaginas).
Last week, the Daily Mail and The Sun reported that several online message boards and blogs were touting Vicks VapoRub, which is meant to help with suppressing coughs or relaxing minor joint pain, as a vaginal health product.
What does it supposedly do down there? Commenters allege that it cleans the nether regions, gets rid of vaginal odor, and calms itchy skin. In actuality, vaginas are self-cleaning. It's not unusual for them to have a slight smell, while a strong odor or itchy skin may be indicative of a larger issue that may require medical attention.
Additionally, Taraneh Shirazian, a gynecologist and assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Health, tells Allure that using products like Vicks VapoRub can actually lead to more health issues, such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. "Even in that moment [if women] feel like [Vicks VapoRub] helps a little, it has the potential to cause an overgrowth which then will make [an existing] infection last longer or bring about another infection," she says.
Shirazian also notes that women need to remember that healthy vaginas naturally have both bacteria and yeast. "The vagina’s not a 'clean' space," she says, noting that it won't "smell like flowers." If you've used Vicks VapoRub in the vaginal region and feel uncomfortable, Shirazian recommends cleaning it off with (unscented) soap and water; next time, she says, use a mild hydrocortisone cream for itching (although not internally) and Nystatin for yeast infections. While many infections clear up on their own, she says to see a gynecologist if itchiness, irritation, or general discomfort persists.
Vicks VapoRub isn't the only product you should consider keeping away from your vagina: Things like mint body wash and bath bombs can also throw the vagina's pH balance off-kilter and create health problems.
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