This may contain strong language, sexual content, adult humor, and other themes that may not be suitable for minors. Parental guidance is strongly advised.
The Internet is a wild place and we aren’t exaggerating when we say that you shouldn’t believe everything you see. Most especially when an under-the-radar beauty brand claims to have a feminine wash that can tighten up your vagina. That sounds crazy but surprisingly, there are people who are eating this information up.
In several Facebook posts, Kineza Beauty has been heavily advertising their FiFi Feminine Wash, which retails for P150. They claim that it smells good, can remove vaginal irritation, heal UTI, whitens the vulva and also make it appear “tight.” (Yes, I said vulva and not vagina. Know the difference.) There’s also a post that shows what the vulva would look like before and after using the product, and it’s mind-boggling to say the least.
They’re also sharing anonymous testimonials from buyers, saying that their sex life became significantly better after using this product. So, yay for them, we guess? Though we doubt that the feminine wash had anything to do with their increased libido.
What’s troubling is that Kineza Beauty is registered with the local FDA despite its impossible claims on how their product affects vaginal health. And don’t get us started on their soap that allegedly increases your breast size. This marketing ploy is dangerous, plus it promotes the mindset that “being loose” is unhealthy and unattractive, among other things. So allow us to unpack these #wildt misconceptions.
Feminine washes are for the vulva, not vagina
Princeton University’s The Sexpert explains that the vagina, which is the first part reproductive organ leading to the uterus, doesn’t need to be cleaned. It’s a self-cleaning organ after all. Since the vulva is external, feminine washes are only recommended to be used here. So saying that a product is designed to clean a vagina is a wrong statement already, but we’ll let that slide (for now).
No, “loose” vaginas aren’t problematic
Saying that you need to have a “tight” vagina because it’s supposedly attractive is a myth, and feminine wash certainly won’t give you that. There’s a notion that if you have a lot of sex, your vagina will loosen. Hence, creating a sexist stereotype that a woman is a slut for being “too loose.” News flash, people: The vagina and vaginal canal will return to its normal size after penetration. Heck, it can do that even after childbirth.
Plus, a “tight” vagina, especially during sex, can be problematic because there might be insufficient lubrication. Women might also feel pain during intercourse if this is the case. Healthline also notes that your vagina might have an infection or suffering from trauma if it feels too tight.
If you want to rejuvenate your vagina without having to expose it to chemicals, just do Kegel exercises. It’s said to help you control your urine, and research says it’ll also give you better orgasms.
Can it really cure UTI and irritation?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by various bacteria, and it escalates to gastrointestinal problems and kidney infections. While keeping your vulva and vagina clean and healthy is a priority in UTI prevention, feminine wash isn’t really a necessity in this aspect. In fact, Medical News Today cited a study that found some feminine care products heighten the risk of infection.
As for vaginal irritation, this is caused by various factors, as per Web MD: bacterial vaginosis, STDs, yeast infection, menopause, lichen sclerosis, and chemical irritants. If it’s because of the last one, it’s best to avoid using any feminine wash and not constantly use it as a cure.
Whitening your vulva can be hazardous
Although there are clinics in the Philippines that offer this service, there are still precautions in getting your vulva whitened, especially if you’re doing it at home. If you use an unfamiliar product—whether it’s store-bought or DIY—to do this, you might end up with an infection.
But then again, having a dark vagina isn’t unnatural either. Contrary to what beauty guru Huda Kattan said, one’s weight, skin color, or the amount of activity they do aren’t the culprits. Every woman has different bodies, hence, their privates might differ in color as well.
***
That said, remember that you shouldn’t do something reckless and buy products to cater to your vagina insecurities. Societal standards created the notion of a “perfect vagina,” which is disconnected from the reality that not everyone is built the same. So if someone is offering you a promise of a “tighter, whiter vagina” and magically cure infections, you better do your research first before falling for the ploy.
Art by Marian Hukom
For the latest in culture, fashion, beauty, and celebrities, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Viber
Related stories:
Common vaginal problems you need to be aware of right now
Weird vaginal treatments: Are they really safe?
Eight things you didn’t know about your vagina
Sex causes UTI? We’re breaking down some myths
