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Freshness at a cost: When feminine washes help, and when they harm

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Feminine hygiene products have become a staple in many women's bathroom cabinets.

Photo credit: Pool

Freshness, confidence, intimate hygiene. That is the promise splashed across supermarket shelves and social media feeds promoting feminine washes. The products have become a staple in many women's bathroom cabinets, marketed as an essential part of personal care. But according to gynaecologists, most women may not need them at all.

"Generally, feminine washes are not medically necessary for most women. They have a small window where we use them," says Dr Lilian Wangui, a consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist.