What is douching and why should you avoid it ?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

The French term "douche" means to wash or soak. It is a way of cleaning the vagina using a solution of water and vinegar. Drugstore and grocery shop douches are scented and include antiseptics. A douche comes in a container or bag and is sprinkled into the vagina through a tube.

Women claim they douche to get rid of unpleasant odours, wash away period blood after their period, eliminate sexually transmitted infections, and prevent pregnancy after intercourse, in addition to feeling fresher. Douching, however, is not beneficial for any of these goals, according to health experts. They also warn that it can raise the risk of infections, pregnancy difficulties, and other health issues. Overall, there are many health hazards associated with douching. Douching can result in:

Vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis): Douching disrupts the vaginal bacteria's normal equilibrium (called vaginal flora). These modifications make the vaginal environment more suitable to the development of bacteria that cause many diseases. Bacterial vaginosis increases the likelihood of premature labour and sexually transmitted infections.

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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is a uterine, fallopian tube, and/or ovarian infection or simply called the infections of female reproductive organs. According to research, women who douche have a 73% increased chance of developing PID.

Complications during pregnancy: Contrary to individuals who don't douche, women who douche more frequently have more difficulties getting pregnant. Douching may also raise your chances of having an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies involve the embryo implanting outside the uterus.

Cancer of the cervix: A probable increased risk of cervical cancer has been related to douching at least once a week.

Vaginal dryness: Douching can destroy or damage the normal mucus of the vaginal walls.

It is normal to have some vaginal odour. A particularly strong odour, on the other hand, might be an indication of illness. The vaginal acidity naturally controls germs, and merely bathing the vulva externally with warm water or mild non scented soap is sufficient to keep it clean. Your vagina is designed to clean itself, it is an amazing self cleaning muscular canal. The more you douche, use powerful soaps, or soaps with fragrances to disrupt its process, the more likely you are to feel discomfort.