Using baking soda on the vaginal area is a home remedy that some women use to help with odor, itching, and pH balance. Baking soda may provide some benefits due to its alkaline pH, antibacterial properties, and ability to absorb moisture. However, it also carries some risks. This article provides an overview of using baking soda for feminine hygiene.
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, is a white crystalline powder. It is an alkaline substance with a pH of around 8.1, making it slightly basic. Baking soda has some key properties:
- Absorbent – It can soak up moisture, oils, and odors.
- Abrasive – The granules have a gritty texture that can help scrub away dirt and dead skin cells.
- Antibacterial – Baking soda has mild disinfectant and antiseptic capabilities.
- pH balancing – It can help neutralize acidity due to its alkaline nature.
In cooking, baking soda is often used as a leavening agent to help baked goods rise. But it also has many household and personal hygiene uses ranging from deodorizing to cleaning.
Is it Safe to Use on Vaginal Area?
Using baking soda around the vaginal opening and on the external genitalia is generally considered safe and non-toxic. However, application inside the vagina carries more risks and controversy.
Here is an overview of the safety consensus:
External Use on Vulva
Most health experts agree that baking soda is safe for use on the external skin of the vulva. This includes the labia, clitoral hood, vaginal opening, and perineum. It should be diluted in water before applying to avoid skin irritation.
Douching with Baking Soda
Douching inside the vagina with baking soda is more controversial. Many doctors warn against douching in general because it can disrupt the natural bacterial balance. Frequent douching has been associated with increased risk for bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Some natural health advocates believe that occasional douching with a diluted baking soda solution may be beneficial. But the medical consensus is that the potential risks outweigh any proposed benefits.
On Sanitary Pads/Liners
Applying baking soda directly to feminine pads and liners that touch the external genital area is considered safe. However, friction from pads can cause sensitivity, so baking soda may exacerbate irritation. If you experience any discomfort, stop usage.
What Are the Purported Benefits?
Here are some of the ways that using baking soda around the vagina could potentially help:
Odor Reduction
Baking soda is absorbent and helps remove moisture. This makes it effective at reducing various body odors, including vaginal odor. It can help neutralize odor causing acids.
pH Balance
The normal pH of the healthy vagina is acidic, usually around 3.5 to 4.5. The acidic environment helps protect against infections. Alkaline baking soda may help reduce external vaginal odor caused by transient pH elevations.
Itching Relief
Baking soda can have a soothing effect on itchy, irritated skin around the vulva. It may help relieve itching from contact dermatitis, yeast infections, and other conditions.
Gentle Exfoliation
The slightly abrasive texture of baking soda can gently remove dead skin cells and debris when used on external skin. This may help with irritation and ingrown hairs.
Deodorize Menstrual Pads
Sprinkling baking soda onto sanitary pads may help absorb period odors. Change pads frequently and avoid extended skin contact.
How to Use Baking Soda for Feminine Hygiene
Baking Soda Bath
Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to a warm bath and soak for 10-15 minutes. This can help temporarily neutralize external vaginal odor. Rinse off thoroughly after bathing.
Paste with Water
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply it to external skin outside the vaginal opening. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
On Sanitary Pads/Liners
Lightly sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda onto pads or liners to help neutralize odors. Wear for up to 4 hours and change frequently to avoid skin irritation.
Diluted Vinegar or Water Rinse
Some women report using a diluted solution of baking soda and water or apple cider vinegar as a rinse for the vulva area or douching. But doctors strongly advise against baking soda douches.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
Despite being available as an over-the-counter antacid, baking soda is not harmless. Improper use around the vagina can cause adverse reactions like:
Skin Irritation
Baking soda’s gritty texture and alkaline pH make it prone to causing skin irritation, burning, redness, and discomfort, especially with prolonged direct contact. Dilute it well and limit how long it stays on the skin.
Yeast Infection
The high pH of baking soda can eliminate good bacteria and foster overgrowth of the fungus that causes yeast infections. Recurring douching may lead to chronic yeast or bacterial vaginosis.
Vaginal Dryness and Damage
Frequent douching can dry out the sensitive vaginal lining and disrupt natural lubrication. Abrasive baking soda may cause microscopic tears that allow infections.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Douching can push bacteria further up into the reproductive tract and pelvic cavity. This may result in inflammation and infection of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Pregnancy Complications
The pH balance shift caused by douching with baking soda could endanger the pregnancy. Bacteria changes also increase the risk for infections linked to miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight.
Interactions with Spermicides
Baking soda may reduce the effectiveness of spermicide products if used in combination. It can neutralize the spermicide’s acidic pH levels needed to damage sperm.
Professional Medical Guidance
While using baking soda externally around the vaginal opening is relatively safe, douching inside the vagina carries significant health risks. Baking soda and other douches may cause an imbalance rather than treat one.
Consult a doctor or gynecologist before considering an internal baking soda douche. Undergo proper medical diagnosis to identify the underlying cause of symptoms like odor, discharge, itching, or pain.
Your doctor can recommend proven safe therapies. Prescription medications or professional procedures are more likely to resolve vaginal problems without disrupting the delicate microbial environment.
The Takeaway
Here are some key points to remember about using baking soda for feminine hygiene:
- It is generally safe to use externally on the vulva and vaginal opening if diluted and rinsed off properly.
- Frequent or improper use may cause skin irritation.
- Douching inside the vagina with baking soda solutions carries health risks.
- Consult a doctor about proven remedies for feminine health issues instead of douching.
- Maintain good hygiene through mild soap/water cleansing and avoid strong fragrances.
- Know your own body and discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.
Conclusion
Baking soda can provide some odor and pH balancing benefits when used externally around the vaginal area. However, these rewards may not outweigh the risks of irritation, infection, and other side effects. Proper medical treatment is recommended for long-term relief of feminine problems. Always practice gentle hygiene and discuss appropriate remedies with your doctor.