Douching is the practice of washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. Some women use a douche to try to get rid of vaginal odor and believe that doing so helps to keep the vagina clean. However, doctors recommend that women do not douche, as it can lead to many health problems, including problems getting pregnant, vaginal infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) . Douching can remove good bacteria from the vagina, change its pH balance, and allow bad bacteria to multiply, leading to infections. Additionally, all douche formulations, except for the pure saline varieties, contain ingredients that could trigger an adverse or allergic reaction.
Here are some key points about douching:
Positive:
- Some women believe that douching helps to keep the vagina clean and eliminates unpleasant odors.
Negative:
- Doctors recommend that women do not douche, as it can lead to many health problems, including problems getting pregnant, vaginal infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) .
- Douching can remove good bacteria from the vagina, change its pH balance, and allow bad bacteria to multiply, leading to infections.
- All douche formulations, except for the pure saline varieties, contain ingredients that could trigger an adverse or allergic reaction.
Ingredients or materials:
- Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine.
- Some prepackaged douche products contain antiseptics and fragrances.
