Ms. Chen (pseudonym), 45 years old, sat in the gynecology clinic with a hint of unease and confusion.

Over the past six months, she had been experiencing intermittent itching in the vulvar area. She tried various washes and ointments herself, but the condition fluctuated and never fully resolved.

It wasn't until recently, when she felt a small, hard lump, that she finally decided to go to the hospital for a thorough examination. The results left her stunned in an instant: Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN), a precancerous condition of vulvar cancer.

Under the doctor's detailed questioning, the picture of Ms. Chen's lifestyle habits slowly unfolded. One "bad habit" that had persisted for over twenty years surfaced, becoming a key area of concern.

Her experience may serve as a vital health warning for each of us, especially women.

This Neglected Bad Habit: Treating "Washing More for Better Health" as a Daily Ritual

Ms. Chen is an extremely clean individual, even bordering on having a bit of "cleanliness obsession."

She firmly believes that "washing promotes health," and not only does she clean her private area with plain water daily, but she also regularly uses various gynecological washes on the market that claim to have "antibacterial, anti-itch, and refreshing" functions.

She believes this is building a strong line of defense for her health, unaware that this "defense line" is being eroded from within.

Why are excessive washing and the overuse of washes so harmful?

The female intimate area is a delicate micro-ecosystem, inhabited by a large number of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus.

These "health guardians" help maintain an acidic vaginal environment (pH between 3.8 and 4.4). This slightly acidic condition effectively inhibits the overgrowth of other pathogenic microorganisms.

Frequent and long-term use of feminine washes, especially antibacterial ones, is akin to launching a "carpet bombing" campaign.

While it may kill a small number of potentially harmful bacteria, it indiscriminately wipes out the protective Lactobacillus in large quantities. This disrupts the micro-ecological balance, raises the pH of the intimate area, and renders the acidic defense barrier ineffective.

Once the defense line is breached, a prolonged "chronic war" begins. Without the regulation of beneficial bacteria, various pathogenic bacteria and viruses (such as high-risk HPV) seize the opportunity, making it easy for recurrent infections and inflammation to occur.

Long-term, chronic inflammatory stimulation serves as a key driver in causing genetic mutations in local cells, ultimately leading to the development of precancerous lesions or even cancer.

The doctor sadly noted: she could have avoided it

The gynecological chief physician who saw her felt deeply regretful. Ms. Chen's precancerous lesion was still at an intervenable stage, where its progression to cancer could be effectively prevented through surgery and other methods.

But if she had learned about this knowledge a little earlier and changed her cleaning habits, she might not have ended up in this situation.

A Guide to Intimate Health for All Women

Cleaning Principles: Water as the main method, with appropriate frequency. Daily cleaning can be done with cool to lukewarm water, once or twice a day. Avoid using overly hot water and strongly irritating soaps or shower gels.

Cleansing Method: Gently wipe, do not douche. Only cleanse the vulva. The vagina has a self-cleaning function; under no circumstances should douching be performed, as it severely disrupts the delicate micro-environment.

Product Choice: Mild and breathable, avoid irritation. Choose cotton, breathable underwear and change it frequently. Avoid wearing overly tight pants to keep the genital area dry.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Address abnormalities promptly and seek help. If persistent itching, unusual odor, abnormal discharge, pain, or any newly appearing growths, ulcers, or lumps are observed, the correct course of action is to immediately stop self-medication and promptly visit a gynecology department at a regular hospital, allowing a doctor to provide professional diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Health is not always a result of how much "extra" effort we put in, but rather whether we respect the body's intrinsic rhythms.

A woman's intimate health doesn't require forceful "intervention" but rather attentive "maintenance."

Leaving behind that habit you thought was "healthy" and learning to coexist harmoniously with your body is the highest form of self-love.

Ms. Chen's story serves as a warning, hoping to prompt more women to examine their daily habits and use scientific knowledge to protect their own health defenses.