I recently came across an article showing a positive association between the use of intimate care products, including genital talc and ovarian cancer. It prompted me to investigate further. The question is what’s the real truth about intimate care products for women? Why is it that women feel the need to clean the genital area and have it smell pretty? After doing a Google search I found so many sites stressing the need for genital hygiene and to keep that part of the body “ship-shape’ to keep infections away and prevent sexually transmitted disease. Advertisements advise women to use feminine products such as an Estee Lauder’s dusting powder that will leave the skin smooth and comfortable as well as smell like opulent flowers, rich spices and precious woods!?? And then there’s the recommendations for douching, or using pre-moistened wipes and towelettes, and deodorant sprays for cleanliness and odor control. Surfactants are compounds used in soaps, detergents, shampoos, hair conditioners, toothpaste and cosmetics. Sodium laurel sulfate is the strongest surfactant and strips natural oils necessary for healthy lubrication in the vagina. You can use these washes on your skin but not near your genitals- they cause irritation and dryness to those sensitive tissues. Another category listed to help women absorb excess moisture is talc and dusting powder. What’s the real truth about intimate care products for women?
I also looked up whether men should clean their genitalia and came across sites recommending daily washing with soup and water. How many men read these articles?
Genital cleaning products not only cause symptoms that were not there before but now studies show they can be associated with cancer risk by pushing harmful pathogens up the reproductive tract.
Women do not need to wash their vaginal or vulvar areas. It is like your own natural rainforest with healthy microbes that are in perfect balance. It is your own “self-cleaning oven” that needs no outside washing, scrubbing, dusting or douching. It maintains an ideal PH level and a harmonious bacterial environment by having its own microbiome. It sheds dead cells and produces its own natural lubricant. It’s natural acidic PH acts as a protective shield against harmful bacteria and yeast.
Genital cleaning products not only cause symptoms that were not there before but now studies show they can be associated with cancer risk by pushing harmful pathogens up the reproductive tract. Some vaginal douching products may have potential carcinogenic chemicals, such as phthalates and volatile compounds. Douching has been associated with risk for bacterial vaginosis, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Observational studies have documented associations between douching and HPV cervical lesions which can lead to cervical cancer. Genital talc can also contribute to cervical cancer risk and as mentioned in my initial statement has been shown to possibly raise ovarian cancer risk. Talc applied to underwear, sanitary napkins, diaphragms or directly to the perineal area can enter the vagina and travel up the reproductive tract. These particles may act as irritants triggering an inflammatory response and affect the susceptibility and response to HPV infection. More adverse effects could occur if the talc contains asbestos, a known carcinogen mined in the same locations as talc.
In the list of ingredients, talc can be listed as talcum, talcum powder, cosmetic talc or magnesium silicate.
My recommendation is to use water and a gentle washcloth while in the shower when washing the genitalia. Let the soap that you’ve used to clean the rest of your body flow over the area and rinse well.
References: O’Brien, K et al. The Association Between Douching, Genital Talc Use, and the Risk of Prevalent and Incidental Cervical Cancer. PMC PubMed Central. Sci Rep, 2021; 11:14836.
Practice Update. Genital Talc Use Positively Linked to Ovarian Cancer. Primary Care, May 22, 2024