Nearly half the world has a vagina, yet myths about feminine hygiene still thrive. But here at we want to share what science – not stigma – says about keeping your intimate area healthy.
So of course, we went full on (sans the beret and facial hair) to bust five big myths about feminine hygiene – and what women should really know to feel confident in their own skin.
58% of people are either embarrassed or unaware of the importance of discussing gynaecological health with friends and family.
Why Do So Many Women Feel Shame Talking About Vaginas?
Feminine hygiene still carries far too much shame, silence and misinformation – even though it’s something every woman should feel comfortable talking about. This lack of open conversation has fuelled myths that can harm women’s confidence, self-image and even their health.
According to a 2024 WHO global report, only 39% of schools worldwide provide menstrual health education, and in sub-Saharan Africa, just 11% have bins for menstrual waste in girls’ toilets. The result? Generations of women growing up with limited information about their own bodies.
Here in South Africa, the issue is compounded by access and inequality. Around 35% of women and girls – that’s about 7.7 million people – cannot afford sanitary products, according to Health-e News, a non-profit, online publication focused on health issues in South Africa. When something as natural as menstruation is still tied to cost and shame, it’s no wonder intimate health conversations lag behind.
But not anymore – so let’s get talking and myth busting.
READ MORE: Is There Anything You Can Eat To Make Your Vagina Smell Good? Plus More Sexual Health Questions Answered
1. Myth: You Need To “Deep Clean” Your Vagina
Fact: The vagina is self-cleaning.
You really don’t. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. It naturally maintains a delicate balance of healthy bacteria and a slightly acidic pH (typically between 3.8 and 4.2) to protect against infections and maintain optimal vaginal health.
According to 2023 research published in the journal Microorganisms, over-cleaning with soaps or using douches can disrupt this natural microbiome, making irritation and infections more likely.
Yet internal cleansing remains common: a 2007 South African household survey found that 63.3% of women reported internal vaginal washing, 61.6% cleansed twice daily and one in five used two or more products.
How To Properly Clean Your Vagina (Without Causing Harm)
Keep it simple. You only need to clean the vulva – the external area – with warm water or a mild, pH-balanced product. Skip the fragranced soaps, wipes or internal washing (which can strip away protective bacteria) and disrupt the body’s natural balance.
Bottom line: Your vagina already knows how to look after itself. Stick to gentle, external care – less is truly more.
2. Myth: If It Smells Or Has Discharge, Something’s Wrong
Fact: Normal discharge is healthy and protective.
Some discharge is completely normal and it may have a slight odour (it shouldn’t be strong or unpleasant though). This is all part of your body’s natural cleaning process. The amount of discharge can vary from person to person, and it can change throughout your menstrual cycle, Pretoria-based ob-gyn Dr Sebolelo Mojaki previously told WH.
The problem starts when people try to “mask” odour with fragranced sprays or scented pantyliners – which can actually disrupt your pH and irritate sensitive skin. If you ever notice a strong, unpleasant smell, itching, discomfort or unusual discharge (aka changes in colour or texture), it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider – not your fragrance shelf. But otherwise, discharge is healthy and protective.
READ MORE: 7 Common Things That Make Your Vagina Smell Strange
Try This Instead: Healthy Feminine Hygiene Habits That Balance Your pH
- Wear breathable cotton underwear
- Change out of damp clothes, activewear or swimwear
- Use gentle, fragrance-free wipes when needed
Bottom line: Discharge means your body’s doing its job – and masking natural scent with perfume is more risky than reassuring.
3. Myth: All Bacteria Are Bad – Use Strong Soap To Stay Clean
Fact: Good bacteria keep your vagina healthy.
Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, good bacteria are your vagina’s best defenders. The vaginal microbiome helps regulate pH and prevents the overgrowth of harmful microbes, according to a 2023 Microorganisms review.
Using harsh soaps or antiseptics can kill both the “bad” and the “good” bacteria, disrupting that balance and increasing your risk for irritation, thrush or bacterial vaginosis.
Do This Instead: pH-Friendly Feminine Care That Supports Good Bacteria
Use a pH-balanced, microbiome-friendly wash that supports your body’s natural healthy flora. Some intimate products, like those from GynaGuard, include pre- and probiotics to encourage healthy bacteria to thrive.
Bottom line: Good bacteria keep you balanced. Choose products that support them – not strip them away.
READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Pap Smear
4. Myth: Feminine Hygiene Is Only For Sexually Active Or Older Women
Fact: Vaginal care matters at every age and life stage.
Intimate care is important at every life stage – from puberty to menopause. Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause all influence vaginal pH and discharge patterns, according to Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.
In fact, even stress, medication (like antibiotics) and lifestyle factors can affect balance, regardless of sexual activity.
Bottom line: Every woman – no matter her age or stage – deserves to understand and care for her body.
5. Myth: Talking About Feminine Hygiene Is Embarrassing
Fact: Open conversations build confidence.
58% of people are either embarrassed or unaware of the importance of discussing gynaecological health with friends and family, according to a 2020 study by The Lady Garden Foundation. And silence breeds stigma. Open, honest conversations about intimate health empower women to make informed choices and feel less isolated.
Healthcare experts, educators and advocates are encouraging women to treat intimate wellness with the same openness as skincare or fitness. And here at , we’re totally on board with that mission!
Why Open Conversations About Vaginal Health Matter
Breaking the taboo means building confidence and giving women the language to talk about their bodies without shame. Talking about vaginal health doesn’t make you “too much” – it makes you .
Bottom line: When you talk about intimate health, you help dismantle shame and make space for confidence, comfort and self-respect.
READ MORE: Why It’s Important To Talk About Your Periods + How To Do It
Confidence Starts With the Facts
When myths are replaced with knowledge, women gain the confidence to care for their bodies – without shame or confusion. Feminine hygiene isn’t taboo. It’s just another part of living a healthy, empowered life.
If you experience irritation, discomfort or changes in discharge or odour, don’t panic – just check in with your GP or gynaecologist for peace of mind.
