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They found that many women across the world are misinformed about the role of vaginal moisture and the vaginal microbiome, which can affect intimate comfort and overall wellbeing. Various cultural practices differ widely, but range from cleanliness, health, and sexual pleasure for the male or female.

One of the most interesting aspects of this study was the focus on "exploring the broader implications of the practices as they relate to hygiene, health, and notions of a preferred vaginal state for sexual intercourse, and how they may reflect women's agency and power over aspects of their sexual life." Whilst studies have looked at aspects of female sexuality, or hygiene, or culture, this study aimed to look at the level of agency that practices can give women.

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953609006996