How to Clean the Vulva Area of Women in Menopause

Many changes occur in the body during menopause. These changes, which can be uncomfortable, occur due to changes in hormone levels. Vaginal dryness and irritation is one common experience for women in menopause. When cleaning the vulva area during this time, you should be particularly gentle and careful when choosing your cleaning products.

The vulva area is naturally sensitive to personal cleaning products, but may become more so during menopause. For best health, you should clean regularly, all the while avoiding any chemicals that may irritate the sensitive skin or throw off the area's pH balance.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloth
• Warm water
• Mild natural soap or pH balanced feminine wash

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Instructions

• 1

  Wet a soft, clean cloth in warm--not hot--water. Hot water is too drying for this sensitive area.

• 2

  Apply a small amount of a mild natural liquid soap (one with no dyes or perfumes) or a pH balanced feminine wash (use one that does not contain perfumes) to the wet cloth. You won't need much soap to do the job correctly, so use the smallest amount you can to avoid irritating this area. Overuse of soaps can disrupt the natural pH balance in the vulva area, according to HelpingTeens.org.

• 3

  Gently wipe the vulva area with the cloth. Make sure you cleanse all crevices but do not scrub or rub too hard; doing so may cause irritation to the delicate skin.

• 4

  Rinse the area completely with warm water. Pat yourself dry with a clean, fresh towel. Do not rub the area to dry it. If you are having problems with excessive dryness, now is the time to apply a pH balanced feminine moisturizer to the area.