Debunking Koochie Myths with an OB/GYN [Part 4 of 5]

We're back with Part 4 of our unapologetic deep dive into vaginal health myths with OB/GYN Dr. Cynthia Fletcher, MD. If you've been tuning in, then you already know Koochie Khronicles is about giving you the real, the raw, and the medically accurate when it comes to your most sacred space.

This time, we're talking about two hot topics that have been floating around wellness circles and old-school advice for years:

🧼 “Do you need to douche to stay fresh?”

🌿 “Are v-steams actually necessary for vaginal health?”

Part 4 of 5

Spoiler alert: your koochie is smarter than you think - and she really doesn't need all that.

Let's break it down.

The Truth About Douching

For decades, douching has been marketed as the ultimate way to "cleanse" the vagina and smell fresh. But let's be clear: douching is not necessary - and it can actually do more harm than good.

Dr. Fletcher explains that douching disrupts your vagina's natural pH balance, flushing out the good bacteria that help protect you from infections like:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

• Yeast Infections

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

  
  

It can also increase your risk of complications if you're trying to conceive, and even raise the risk of cervical cancer with long-term use. Your vagina is self-cleaning - let her do her thing! Warm water on the outside (vulva) is all you need. No scented sprays. No floral soap blends. No harsh rituals.

Your koochie isn't a problem to fix - she's a powerhouse to protect.

The V-Steam Conversation

Now let's talk v-steams (vaginal steaming). You've probably seen the social media clips: women sitting over steaming bowls of herbs in spa robes, claiming detox and divine feminine healing. But is it medically necessary?

Dr. Fletcher breaks it down: V-steams are not required for vaginal health. In fact, the vagina already regulates itself naturally and doesn't need to be "detoxed."

That said, some women enjoy v-steams as a form of self-care or ritual. If you're doing it for relaxation, go for it - but do it safely and don't overdo it.

Steaming too frequently or using overly hot steam can irritate the vulva, increase your risk of burns, or cause dryness and imbalances.

If you're going to v-steam, be mindful and use gentle healing herbs like:

• 🌿 Mugwort – supports circulation and soothes cramps

• 🌼 Calendula – calming and anti-inflammatory

• 🌱 Yarrow – supports tissue healing and toning

• 💜 Lavender – relaxing and antimicrobial

• 🌿 Rosemary – energizing and cleansing

Just remember: Your koochie doesn't need to be purified. You are already whole.

Final Thoughts

Vaginal health isn't about trends - it's about truth.

Douching and v-steaming are often sold as ways to make you feel cleaner, better, or more womanly. But the truth is, your body already knows what to do. With guidance from experts like Dr. Cynthia Fletcher, we're reclaiming our bodies from misinformation and learning how to support our koochies with knowledge and care - not fear and shame.

Watch the full episode of Part 4 on our site, and be sure to join us for the final part of this powerful series soon!