Managing genital symptoms
Not all symptoms that you may experience around your genitals are caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Symptoms can be caused by a variety of natural changes in your body as well as infections that are not sexually transmitted.
Urgent advice: Phone 111 if you:
Become very ill and have:
- severe pain
- a high temperature
- nausea and/or vomiting
Symptoms to discuss with sexual health services
Symptoms that aren't usually a sign of anything serious
Genital washing advice
Do
- use a soap substitute (emollient) to add moisture instead of soap – these are available from pharmacies
- use non-soap bath additives such as unfragranced bath oil instead of bubble bath
- treat athlete's foot straight away to prevent it spreading to your genital area when you pull your underwear on
- if you have a penis with a foreskin, always remember to pull back the foreskin gently but fully when washing and dry gently with a towel before replacing the foreskin
Don't
- do not use soap on or near your genital area, it can be drying
- do not let products like shampoo or conditioner run onto your genital skin
- do not use bubble baths, essential oils or soap or shower gels in the bath as they'll get onto the genital skin and may cause irritation
- do not use wet wipes on the genital skin
- do not use feminine washing products – even if they say they are pH balanced as they disrupt healthy bacteria in the vagina
- do not ‘douche’ (wash out the vagina with water or other products) as it damages the healthy vaginal organisms and changes their natural balance
- do not use fabric softeners
Last updated:
17 March 2023
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