Do you use feminine washes?

( Image from freefotopia.com )

I first got to know about feminine washes from my cousin sister when I was staying with her during my college days. Before that, I don't even know the existence of feminine washes! I was brought up with the knowledge that 'all we need is soap'. I use the soap for my entire body, face and even hair! Can you believe it? Anyway, those were the days.

So can you imagine the first time when I was introduced to feminine washes? I was like "What?" You even need special gel for that part of the area? I was intrigued and started to use them....and I never looked back.

I have been using feminine washes regularly since I was first introduced. I don't use douches ( those that need 'special cleansing devices'..I always go back to those in liquid form that washes externally. I must admit that feminine washes has become a part of my everyday routine..it has become as important as my facial cleanser to me.

I have tried many, many washes and the worst that I've tried was a brand called Lactacyd, while the best that I've tried ( and still using ) is Sebamed Feminine Intimate Wash ( p.h 3.8 ). 

However, I have read some articles that state that feminine hygiene products are almost always unnecessary. 

"Feminine washes are often marketed to women as a means of cleaning out the insides of the vaginal canal, but they can be more harm than good, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services( HHS ). Inserting any products into the vagina may disturb the natural bacteria that keep the area healthy" ( Source from HERE )

As I read the article carefully, the device that they are mentioning is douches. The word "douche" means to wash or soak in French. Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina (birth canal) with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches are prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. You can buy these products at drug and grocery stores. The mixtures usually come in a bottle and can be squirted into the vagina through a tube or nozzle. ( Source here )

Then...how to clean?

According to this source, your natural discharge and oils are an important form of protection against infections, according to the University of Iowa. The vagina produces its own natural discharges as part of it self-cleaning process. Excessive washing, douching, or using harsh cleaners and soaps strip away this protective barrier, leaving you more vulnerable to infections that cause odor and discomfort. Rinse your external genitals with warm water and use only a mild soap if necessary. Never attempt to clean inside the vagina.

After reading all these articles, I do feel a bit freaked out actually. Thank God I have never used douches and only wash externally. Though all the reading sounds intimidating, I still believe that personal female hygiene is important. To be on a safe side, I now change my routine to washing my area as suggested by them with warm water and use my trusty mild feminine wash sparingly. 

So, do you use feminine washes on a regular basis and do you think that it does more harm than good? Do share!