A Urogynaecologist Explains the Link Between Soap and Your Intimate Microbiome
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect around half of all women at some point in their lives, making them one of the most common intimate health concerns. If you've ever searched "Can soap cause a UTI?" or wondered whether your intimate wash or body wash could be making things worse, you're certainly not alone.
The short answer is no, soap doesn't directly cause a UTI. However, certain soaps, fragranced products and even overwashing may irritate the intimate area or disrupt the natural balance of your intimate microbiome, potentially leaving it less resilient.
To better understand the connection, we spoke with Dr Rhiannon Bray, Consultant Urogynaecologist (BSc, MBBS, MD, MRCOG) at New Victoria Hospital London, about what women should know when it comes to intimate hygiene, UTIs and caring for their microbiome.
Understanding UTIs
To understand the potential connection between soaps and UTIs, let's first explore the basics of urinary tract infections. UTIs are often caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally resides in the intestines but can enter the urinary tract through various means.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing a UTI, such as:
- Sexual activity, which can introduce bacteria into the urethra
- Urinary tract abnormalities or obstructions
- Weakened immune system
- Diabetes or other chronic illnesses
- Menopause (due to hormonal changes)
- Catheter use
- Poor personal hygiene
Unfortunately, recurrent UTIs are a part of life for many, and we can’t be expected to stay abstinent or miraculously not experience the menopause in order to avoid UTIs. In fact, of the above factors, only one can really be avoided, which is poor personal hygiene. However, even though using soap is a part of a good hygiene routine, some people are under the impression that soap can actually cause UTIs. Let’s examine the science:
Can Soap Really Cause a UTI?
While there is no evidence that soap itself causes a urinary tract infection, some products can irritate the delicate skin around the vulva and urethra or affect the natural balance of beneficial bacteria that help support intimate health.
Fragranced soaps (that often contain artificial scents), harsh detergents, antibacterial washes and products containing ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and parabens may be more likely to cause irritation for some women. This disruption can create an environment that is more conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of UTIs.
As you can see, it isn’t as simple as saying ‘soaps cause UTIs’ rather, certain soaps can cause a bacterial imbalance or cause the body to react in a way that makes it more susceptible to an infection. Rather than focusing on keeping the intimate area "sterile", experts are increasingly recognising the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome.
"Women are often told they're suffering because they're not clean enough. That's simply not true." – Dr Rhiannon Bray, Consultant Urogynaecologist
Why Your Intimate Microbiome Matters
The intimate microbiome is a community of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that naturally live in and around the vagina and bladder. While that might sound surprising, these microorganisms play an important role in maintaining intimate health.
Some bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, are considered beneficial because they help maintain a healthy environment. Scientists are continuing to learn more about how these beneficial bacteria work alongside the body's natural defences to support intimate health.
"We're learning that it's actually really important in women's health. What's most important is the balance between the good and bad bacteria." – Dr Rhiannon Bray
As research into the intimate microbiome grows, healthcare professionals are beginning to shift the conversation from simply treating symptoms to better understanding and supporting this natural balance.
Can Washing Too Much Cause Problems?
Many women believe that washing more frequently will help prevent infections. However, according to Dr Rhiannon Bray, this isn't always the case. Excessive washing or using harsh cleansing products can sometimes strip away beneficial bacteria and irritate the skin, potentially disrupting the intimate microbiome.
"Women tend to overwash. If you're washing too much, you're actually washing away all the good bacteria." – Dr Rhiannon Bray
Gentle intimate hygiene is an important part of looking after your intimate health, but more isn't always better. The aim isn't to remove all bacteria, it's to support your body's natural balance.
How to Care for Your Intimate Microbiome
Looking after your intimate microbiome doesn't have to be complicated. Small changes to your daily routine may help support your body's natural balance.
✔ Wash gently: For most women, washing the external intimate area with water is enough. If you choose to use a cleanser, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free, pH-balanced product designed for the intimate area or sensitive skin.
✔ Avoid overwashing: More isn't always better. Excessive washing can disrupt the natural microbiome and irritate delicate skin.
✔ Be mindful of ingredients: If you're prone to irritation, check the ingredient list and avoid products containing harsh surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), as well as heavily fragranced formulations. These ingredients may irritate the delicate skin around the vulva and urethra and disturb the natural bacterial balance.
✔ Wipe from front to back: After using the toilet, wiping from front to back helps reduce the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urethra and is a simple habit that may help lower the risk of UTIs.
✔ Urinate after sex: Passing urine after sexual intercourse may help flush bacteria from the urethra. While it isn't a guarantee against UTIs, it's a commonly recommended habit as part of good urinary hygiene.
✔ Avoid antibacterial washes and douching: Antibacterial products don't just remove harmful bacteria – they can also affect beneficial bacteria that naturally help support intimate health. You only want to get rid of the bad guys, not the good ones too! Douching is also not recommended, as it can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome.
"The first thing is actually to just wash only with water, try to reset the vaginal microbiome, and you would be amazed at how many patients get better." – Dr Rhiannon Bray
The Bottom Line
Soap doesn't directly cause a UTI. However, harsh cleansing products and excessive washing may irritate the intimate area or affect the natural balance of your intimate microbiome.
As our understanding of the microbiome continues to evolve, experts like Dr Rhiannon Bray are encouraging women to move away from overly aggressive cleansing routines and instead focus on supporting their body's natural balance.
"We're at a time now of rapid developments in research... I think over the next years we're going to see massive improvements for women." – Dr Rhiannon Bray
Looking after your intimate microbiome is about working with your body, not against it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can scented soap cause a UTI?
Scented soaps don't directly cause UTIs, but some fragrances and ingredients may irritate the intimate area or affect the natural balance of your microbiome. If you're prone to irritation, a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser may be a better option.
2. Are antibacterial soaps safe to use for genital hygiene?
Antibacterial soaps aren't generally recommended for routine intimate hygiene. While they're designed to reduce bacteria, they don't distinguish between harmful bacteria and the beneficial bacteria that naturally help support your intimate microbiome. For everyday intimate care, many healthcare professionals recommend keeping cleansing simple by washing the external intimate area with water or, if preferred, using a gentle, fragrance-free, pH-balanced cleanser designed for sensitive skin.
3. Can body wash cause a UTI?
Body wash doesn't directly cause a UTI. However, some body washes contain fragrances or harsh cleansing agents that may irritate sensitive skin. Using a mild cleanser and avoiding excessive washing may help reduce irritation.
4. Can feminine wash cause a UTI?
Most feminine washes do not directly cause UTIs, but some products may disrupt the natural balance of the intimate microbiome or irritate delicate skin. Many healthcare professionals recommend keeping intimate cleansing simple and avoiding unnecessary products.
5. Can laundry detergent cause a UTI?
Laundry detergent doesn't cause a UTI itself, but some detergents can leave residues that irritate sensitive skin. If you notice irritation after changing detergents, consider switching to a fragrance-free option designed for sensitive skin
6. Can soap get into the urethra?
Soap can sometimes irritate the urethral opening if it comes into direct contact with it, particularly if it contains fragrances or harsh ingredients. Rinsing thoroughly and avoiding heavily fragranced products may help minimise irritation.
7. What are some other risk factors for developing UTIs?
Aside from soap choices, other risk factors for developing UTIs include sexual activity, urinary tract abnormalities or obstructions, weakened immune system, diabetes or chronic illnesses, menopause, catheter use, and poor personal hygiene.
8. How can I maintain proper hygiene to prevent UTIs?
Maintaining proper hygiene includes wiping from front to back after using the restroom, urinating before and after sexual intercourse, avoiding douching and excessive use of feminine hygiene products, and keeping the genital area clean without excessive cleaning.
9. Is it necessary to see a doctor for every UTI?
While mild UTIs may resolve on their own with home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, we always advise that you consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, if you experience the symptoms of a UTI.
10. How can I get in touch with Dr Rhiannon Bray?
If you'd like to learn more or book an appointment with Dr Rhiannon Bray, she sees patients at New Victoria Hospital in southwest London.
