Does your intimate hygiene fluid kill sperm?

Washing after sex is a pretty good idea. The vagina, of course, cleans itself , but the intimate areas cannot handle sweat and secretions on their own. The problem begins when washing with a liquid is treated as a form of contraception. Or when someone gives up washing with an intimate hygiene liquid under the pretext of trying to have a baby.

Intimate hygiene fluid – who needs it?

Although the use of special gels or fluids for intimate hygiene is not necessary , many people do not feel fresh and clean with plain water. Intimate hygiene fluid works great here, as long as it has a safe, simple composition .

It is best for intimate hygiene products to be made from natural ingredients. It is not recommended to use regular soap or shower gel. They often contain irritating additives that destroy the acidic vaginal environment and weaken the biological protective barrier of intimate areas.

During menstruation, it is worth reaching for the most gentle product possible : free from SLS ( sodium lauryl sulfate ), SLES ( sodium laureth sulfate ), dyes, chemical preservatives, parabens, alcohol or artificial fragrances.

I think that once you bought with your eyes. Liquids had blue dyes to associate them with freshness and cleanliness. Now it's a bit more difficult - liquids are transparent, and the labels are full of associations with ecology and naturalness. Fortunately, we are an increasingly conscious society , we know how to read the ingredients and choose what is really good for us.

Oh, one more, extremely important issue: do not apply any intimate hygiene product inside the vagina , even if the composition is only good!

What else not to do?

Vaginal douching is a harmful and unnecessary procedure. Interfering with the natural system is not only not a way to prevent pregnancy , but can also lead to unpleasant consequences, such as infections, which in turn can damage the mucous membrane - and from there, a direct path to serious ailments (including viral ones).

It is also worth emphasizing that a slight, natural vaginal odor is normal and does not need to be washed away .

You can read about contraceptive methods here:"All contraceptive methods – which to choose?" .

Does intimate hygiene fluid kill sperm?

In short: no, intimate hygiene fluid or gel does not kill sperm . Intimate hygiene products are cosmetics used externally. They do not penetrate the reproductive system, are not absorbed through the skin, and do not have contraceptive or abortive properties.

Washing after sex is not a way to prevent pregnancy. By washing we get rid of any remnants of intimate gel, sweat or sperm that comes out of the vagina if a condom is not used. We do not wash the inside of the vagina!

Intimate hygiene fluid and trying for a baby

Intimate hygiene fluid can be used when trying for a baby , as long as its composition is gentle and safe. Many people refrain from using intimate hygiene products on fertile days, fearing that the pH of the vagina will change to an unfavourable one for sperm, which would weaken their capabilities. This is not right, because – as I mentioned – properly used intimate hygiene fluid does not come into contact with the vagina, but only with the labia and pubic mound. At the same time, it does not penetrate the reproductive system, so it is not able to disrupt the process of potential fertilisation .

What about gel?

On forums I often come across the question of whether intimate gel can interfere with trying for a baby. Here I hasten to explain that... IT DEPENDS. Intimate hygiene gel is the same product as intimate hygiene fluid, so the answer is in the above paragraphs ( it does not interfere with trying for a baby!).

As for lubricants that are supposed to make intercourse easier, according to some sources they can reduce the likelihood of conception (although they do not exclude it, so they are not contraception ). Another category of products are special lubricants that are supposed to make it easier for sperm to move. They are recommended for people who have been diagnosed with problems with sperm quality.

To sum up, proper intimate hygiene is very important and choosing the right washing product plays a key role here , but none, even the safest one, can be applied to the vagina, is not a spermicide and does not affect the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg.

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Y. Cheng, E. Bruning, J. Rubino, SE Eder, Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage , "Womens Health (London)" 2017, vol. 13, i. 3, p. 58-67, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7789027/ [accessed on 11/05/2022].
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