what is a douche used for

A douche is a device used to introduce a jet of water to the inside of a part of the body so that it can be washed. Vaginal douching is the process of intravaginal cleansing with a liquid solution. In the United States, almost one in five women 15 to 44 years old douche. Women use a douche to try to get rid of vaginal odor and believe that doing so helps to keep the vagina clean. Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. Women sometimes choose to mix the water with other fluids, such as vinegar, or to buy douching products that may contain ingredients, such as baking soda, iodine, antiseptics, or fragrance. However, doctors recommend that women do not douche, as the body naturally flushes out and cleans the vagina, and douching can raise the chances of a vaginal infection or an STI. Any strong odor or irritation usually means something is wrong, and women should talk to their doctor if they have questions or concerns.