Vaginal health: NHS doc debunks popular myths women still believe

It’s the year 2026, and yet vaginal health is the least discussed, and often surrounded by confusion, embarrassment, and misinformation. Guess who benefits from it - the companies selling special washes, lightening creams, wipes, and even perfumes. Dr Amir Khan, an NHS general practitioner (GP) from Bradford, West Yorkshire, has debunked some common myths about vaginal health that many unfortunately believe. What are they? Let’s take a look.

Many companies are selling scented soaps, wipes, or sprays that claim to 'clean' the vagina, but guess what? You don't need any of these products. Why? "You don't need to clean down there with special soaps, wipes, or sprays. The vagina is self-cleaning," the doctor explained.

He added, "It's got its own perfect balance of bacteria and pH, although scented products can actually mess it up and cause infections. So step away from the scented soap."

Vaginal discharge is often considered a sign of trouble. But here’s the truth. Not all vaginal discharge hints at trouble. “Discharge doesn't automatically mean something's wrong. Most women have discharge every day. It's how the vagina keeps itself healthy. Changes in colour, smell, or texture might need checking, but clear or white discharge? That's usually normal,” the doctor said.

Many women still believe that they are supposed to smell like roses down there. No wonder companies are benefiting from this fear-mongering. Here’s your reality check. It doesn’t mean you are unhygienic or dirty if there is a smell. And no, you are not supposed to smell like roses down there. “Every vagina has a natural scent. It's meant to. If it suddenly changes or becomes strong, then see your GP. But otherwise, you're not supposed to smell like a scented coconut candle,” the doctor explained.

What kind of menstrual products one should use is absolutely a personal choice. However, we cannot overlook the comfort that tampons provide. But many women avoid using them, thinking the tampon might get lost in the vagina. But, that’s not true. “Can a tampon get lost inside of you? No, it cannot. Your cervix, which is at the top of the vagina, is like a closed door. Nothing is getting past it. Sometimes a tampon can get stuck higher up, but it's not lost. And your doctor has seen it all before. So please don't panic, and definitely don't go fishing with a kitchen utensil,” the NHS doctor said.

“So next time someone tries to sell you a feminine wash or tells you a tampon can disappear into your organs, remember, your vagina has been looking after itself perfectly for millions of years. Trust her. She's got it,” Dr Khan added.

From feminine wash to intimate area lightening creams, there are thousands of products that target you, but making informed decisions is crucial, and keeping in mind the above mentioned details may help you in that.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.