My fiancé believes that washing her vagina with soap and water is bad for her. Is this true? I am concerned because nobody has ever talked to her about feminine hygiene. This is a problem because she has chronic infections and odor. She has been to the doctor but they haven't taken care of the problem.

Washing your vagina with anything can be harmful to anyone. However, it is important that she cleanse her labia and gentle us of a mild "soap" is usually okay. Odor may be from chronic infections. Be cautious when stimulating her, try not to contaminate her vagina with bacteria from the anal area, orally or manually. You might also want to cautiously mention to her the importance of wiping herself post-urination from front to rear. Chronic infections should be treated by her doctor. Unpleasant odor is most likely infection related. Hopefully you're not expecting her genital area to smell like a flower garden. Stay in touch!- Answer provided by Tim Britton, Ph.D., AASECT, ABS, timbritton@yahoo.com.

Though it is true that a woman's vagina is a self-cleaning mechanism - it is physiologically able to "clean" itself, most women at certain times (during certain days of their menstrual cycle, when they sweat excessively, etc.) appear to radiate certain odors from their vagina. And yes, infections also sometimes contribute to a foul smell. Let your partner know that there is nothing "bad" about washing her vagina with water. While washing, she should take special care to wash between the folds of the labia (inner and outer vaginal lips). Such attention will reduce the bacteria growing in this part, and hence will most probably eliminate the odor. I would not recommend soap since many soaps could alter the Ph level of your partner's vagina, and in fact cause infections. One natural treatment to eliminate this odor is for her to pour about a half teaspoon of white vinegar into about a liter of water, which she could then use to wash herself with. Another tip is to trim or shave off the pubic hair since hair harbors sweat and consequently emits odor. If your partner, however, is constantly getting some form of infection (i.e., yeast infection), she should consult a medical specialist to explore her physiology more closely. From your question, it appears that "this is a problem" for you as well. You could go with her to the specialist as support, or try having a romantic bath with her and wash her genitals for her. That may be great foreplay. - Answer provided by Faizal Sahukhan, Ph.D., A.C.S., R.P.C., AASECT, drfaizal@multiculturalromance.com, www.multiculturalromance.com.

Washing the vagina is needed. The important issue here is rinsing. Soap and water are great and will not cause infections. The only issue is rinsing the vagina well after putting soap and water on the vagina. Infections tend to come when women use deodorants, not soap and water. - Answer provided by Michael Gonzales, Ph.D., mfgonzal@speakeasy.net, www.upasoc.com.

There is nothing bad about washing one’s vagina with soap and water, however douching is not necessary. The vagina is a naturally self-cleansing body part and will do well with soap and water. If your fiancé is continuing to have chronic infections and odor it may be a sign of something else. I recommend she go to a gynecologist and have an exam.
- Answer provided by Jason S. Quintal, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, DrJ@RelationshipSpecialties.com, www.RelationshipSpecialties.com.

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