Women often believe that their vagina is a sterile environment and that special cleaning methods are needed to keep it as such. If it were true, then men should have sterilized their penises before penetration, right?
Fact: the vagina is not at all sterile but rather a a host to many type of bacteria, all composing the vaginal flora that promotes vaginal health.
According to Ann S Botasch MD, the composition of vaginal flora changes with age, stress, hormonal influence, general health status, and sexual activity, and disruption of this balance will lead to breakdowns such as irritation, infection, bleeding, etc.
So, ladies — make sure whatever ‘visits’ the vagina is clean and that you keep a balanced vaginal flora, but do not worry about the vagina being sterile.
Women's Therapy Center -- the blog 