Boric acid is a natural compound that is found in seawater and has been used for over 100 years by physicians for neutralizing odor. In its purest form, boric acid is a white powder that is both colorless and odorless. Boric acid is a common and safe ingredient. It is used in a variety of cosmetic products as well as feminine care products to help control vaginal odor.

The vagina. Half the population of the world has one, so you’d think there would be plenty of accurate common knowledge circulating about it. However, vaginal myths, stigmas, and inaccuracies are extremely common. Oftentimes, things are completely normal issues, but sometimes you should check in with your healthcare provider. This article will answer your questions so you can learn more about the vagina and beneficial vaginal facts that every woman should know.

The vagina and the vulva are not the same

When talking about the nether regions, most people refer to the vagina like it is all-encompassing. But that is not the case. There are two main parts of the female genitalia: the vulva and the vagina. The vulva consists of the external genital parts, which are the inner and outer labia, clitoris, urethra, and mons pubis (the rounded mass of fatty tissue over the pubic bones). The vagina is the internal genitalia, which includes the vaginal canal and cervix, which separates the vagina from the uterus.

It is important to know the difference between these two anatomical parts because care for each area has different needs.

Vaginas are all unique—no two are alike

Vulvas and vaginas are as unique as the person to whom they belong. Sure, they all have the same parts, but like the people who have them, their appearances can come in several shapes, sizes, colors, and even smells.

The labia of the vulva are often the most uniquely defining part of the female genitalia. There are two sets of labia, or “lips,” on the vulva: the labia majora and the labia minora. The labia majora are the exposed outer lips and the labia minora are the inner lips that are a darker tone of skin and wrap along the sides of the vaginal opening. The labia can appear asymmetrical, curved, have more prominent inner or outer lips, be long and dangling, small and open, or small and closed. All of these are variations of a normal and healthy vagina. But if you experience any pain or discomfort because of the appearance interfering with your daily activities, sexual health, or feminine hygiene routine, you should check with your healthcare provider.

The genitals are unique in other ways as well, including the clitoris, pubic hair, and vaginal smell.

The clitoris glans is located at the top of the vulva where the two labia minora meet and it is covered by a hood of skin. This part is unique in the size of the clitoris glans, and the hood may be large or small.

Pubic hair is another unique feature. Depending on testosterone levels (yes, women produce testosterone, too—just in much smaller amounts than men do), pubic and body hair may be thick, thin, all over the vulva or only on the mons pubis, and it may or may not “match” the hair color or appearance of the hair that grows on your head.

A vagina fact you should remember is that it also has a natural odor (more of which will be discussed later). And, in the same way individual people each have their own unique scent, so do vaginas.

It is normal for vaginas to have a smell

Speaking of the unique smell each vagina has, since the vulva and vagina are located at a warm, dark, and moist part of the body, it is natural for this area to have a mild odor and produce some normal vaginal discharge. The vulva and vagina have beneficial bacteria, called a microbiome, that keep the area at a healthy vaginal pH level, which is slightly acidic. This acidic environment makes the vagina inhospitable to harmful bacterial and yeast overgrowth.

If you notice a smell that is not like your normal scent, or it becomes particularly strong and unpleasant or has a “fishy” smell, you should consult with a health professional. Otherwise, it is best to just let things be.

However, if you want to know how to get rid of vaginal odor at home, pH-D Feminine Health offers several holistic products for vaginal health and odor control such as a vaginal odor rinse.

If you want to know how to clean your vulva the most effective thing to use is a cleaner that is pH-balanced for the vulva. Showers are preferential over baths for vaginal health because bathwater can expose the vaginal wall and tissue to scented soaps and oils. If you do opt for a bath, rinse the vulvar area thoroughly with fresh, warm water afterward.

pH-D has a selection of pH-balanced boric acid foam washes that can be used in the shower. And if you have sensitive skin, you can use pH-D sensitive feminine wash to support your most intimate areas and overall vaginal health.

It’s not possible to “lose” something in the vagina (like a tampon)

Life gets busy sometimes and distractions happen, and then suddenly you remember you had put a tampon or a menstrual cup in several hours ago—or even a day or two ago (or longer)! Or maybe, when it comes to your sexual health, you were in the heat of the moment with your significant other or sex partner, and the condom slipped off inside you during sexual intercourse. There’s no need to worry things can get stuck or lost inside your vagina because the vaginal canal is closed off by the cervix. Imagine an inflated balloon that is tied off and placed atop a toilet paper tube. The tied end of the balloon would be the cervix and the inflated part would be the uterus, and the inside of the tube would be the vaginal canal. So, there is only one way into the tube and one way back out, and the space inside it is limited.

If something gets forgotten or accidentally left in the vagina, it can very likely be easily removed by washing your hands and then using your fingers to reach inside and get it out. However, suppose you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of vaginal infection, such as a putrid, rotten, or fishy smell or abnormal vaginal discharge. In that case, you should see your doctor so they can check to see if any pieces of the item that was in the vagina were missed if it broke apart while it was in there. They can also prescribe you the appropriate medications if needed.

More from pH-D Feminine Health for your vaginal wellness

As previously mentioned, regular scented soaps and body washes shouldn’t be coming in contact with your vagina. Attempts to clean or freshen up this way could backfire. These products contain chemicals or fragrances that can be harsh on the delicate tissue of your vagina and vulva or strip away natural oils. This can lead to vaginal dryness, itching, or burning for some women, and it can be hard to know what products can support your feminine health and control odor without causing more harm than good.

Luckily, you just need to look for products with holistic, vulva-safe ingredients that include boric acid. This goes for everything from a boric acid suppository  to a wipe, spray, and wash. pH-D has each of these solutions in our family of products, and each contains enough boric acid to support your vaginal health without stripping your body of its moisture and supporting overall vaginal health. There’s a boric acid product for everyone, whether you prefer to insert a suppository at night or use an on-the-go wipe throughout the day.

We also have a product line of holistic oral womens supplements to support your vaginal health and your overall health, too.

• Our Women’s Health Probiotic supplement is a holistic oral supplement for daily support of your digestive, urinary, and vaginal health. The addition of cranberry fruit extract has acidic properties that are proven to help promote vaginal health.
• Our Holistic Menstrual Support oral supplement promotes the reduction of menstrual discomfort, irritability, bloating and swelling. These capsules contain Alpha-GEE®, which is proven to reduce inflammation* (*activity induced).
• Our Holistic> Menopause Support oral supplement promotes the reduction of hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, night sweats and brain fog. These capsules contain CON-CRĒT®, which assists with cellular energy to support optimal brain health.