When you say vaginal douche, it is all about washing the area using a mixture. It is used to take away foul odor and cleanse the vagina. Mostly, it is done using a combination of water and vinegar. However, some choose to buy a douche kit in local drugstores with baking soda, antiseptic, and artificial fragrance. According to a survey in 2002, there is one in every four females 15 to 44 years of age who douches daily. Also, it is a common practice for teenagers.
1. How it Works?
To apply a vaginal douche, one needs water and ingredients like vinegar. Then, it is placed inside a bottle or bag and spray upward inside the vagina. Eventually, the fluid will flow out inside.
2. Why is it done?
Many women perform it because of several reasons, such as:
- Take away bad odor
- Avoid pregnancy
- Wash blood after period or sex
- Avoid sex-related diseases
However, the truth is that douching is not useful for any of these reasons.
3. Is it safe?
Furthermore, experts in the field do not recommend it as a means to clean that part. It is because the vagina has a natural way of cleaning. Also, it has its way of maintaining the natural pH inside. Hence, the inside has lots of good bacteria that can kill the bad ones. As a result, it stops infection without doing anything.
Douching does kill not only the bad ones but also the good ones. It will cause a problem, and harmful bacteria will multiply inside.
4. Pregnancy Issues
Women who regularly do it with water and other ingredient are prone to pregnancy problems. For instance, miscarriage, premature birth, and other complications are some. Moreover, it may cause ectopic pregnancy and difficulty in having a baby.
5. Infection
The key to a healthy vagina is a balance between good and bad bacteria. It can stop other problems like the growth of yeast. Damaging the balance may encourage its growth. Therefore, a woman who does it more often can quickly develop an infection than someone who does not. Some think that by washing, they can prevent it from happening. However, it can make it worse and quickly spread in other parts of the body.
6. Pelvic problem
Even douching with water is bad and can lead to an illness that can affect other reproductive organs. One can suffer from Pelvic inflammatory disease. Also, it can increase the chances of getting this illness. Above all, it can result in not getting pregnant.
7. Cervicitis
It is an illness at the cervix and caused by infection from sex. However, douching will not protect you.
8. Safe Cleaning
Instead of douching with water, one can wash it during bath time. The use of soap is not advisable. However, if you want to use one, then make sure it is mild and without scent. Also, you need to wash the outside part and avoid washing the inside. You can do the following steps.
- Using two fingers, form a V shape, and hold the outside skin to open the fold.
- Then, splash the area with clean, warm water. However, if you are using soap, make sure that it is properly washed.
- Also, make sure that the soap will not get inside.
- Dry the area with a clean towel.
9. Doctor Visit
Naturally, the vagina has its odor and discharge. However, there are signs that you need to look out for. Some may include:
- A powerful foul smell
- White or yellow-green fluid
- The odor that does not go away
- Itching and redness of the area
- Pain
10. Prevention
It is better if you can prevent vaginal problems by avoiding douching. There are ways on how one can stay away from the foul odor.
- Always observe personal hygiene.
- It is better to wear cotton underwear.
- Using perfume is not a good solution.
- It is better to avoid cleaner with harsh ingredients.
The vagina does not need inside cleaning at all because it has its way of doing it. In case you experience a strange odor, it is better to visit a doctor.