Can I wash my genital area during menstruation?

Many women in daily life pay special attention to the health of their private areas and engage in outdoor physical exercise to prevent gynecological diseases. They regularly change their undergarments and disinfect or sun-dry them. In fact, numerous women already maintain excellent hygiene habits for their private areas. But a common question arises: Can women wash their external genital area during menstruation?

Can women wash their external genital area during menstruation?

In general, yes—women may gently cleanse their external genital area with warm water during menstruation. Menstrual blood itself serves as an ideal culture medium for bacteria; if not cleaned promptly, the bacteria present in menstrual blood can proliferate rapidly using the blood as a nutrient source, potentially leading to inflammatory conditions. Moreover, sanitary pads used during menstruation—especially in summer—also provide an excellent environment for bacterial growth. Thus, during hot weather, prolonged use of sanitary pads combined with menstrual flow may promote excessive bacterial proliferation, increasing the risk of infection.

During menstruation, menstrual blood can contaminate the external genitalia, and if underwear and sanitary pads are not changed frequently—or if the external genitalia are not cleaned promptly—bacterial overgrowth becomes more likely, raising the risk of vaginitis. Therefore, cleaning the external genitalia during menstruation is not only safe but also recommended. However, when cleansing, focus solely on the external genital area (vulva); avoid inserting fingers or any objects into the vagina, as this may disrupt the natural vaginal flora and increase the risk of vaginitis. Even if full external cleansing isn’t possible, taking a shower remains beneficial.

We recommend that patients cultivate healthy lifestyle habits, including maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding spicy or irritating foods. We hope this information proves helpful.