An estimated 20% to 40% of American women between ages 15 and 44 say they use a vaginal douche. Higher rates are seen in teens
and African-American and Hispanic women. Besides making themselves feel
fresher, women say they douche to get rid of unpleasant odors, wash
away menstrual blood after their period, avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases, and prevent a pregnancy after intercourse.
Yet, health experts say douching is not effective for any of these purposes. They also warn that it can actually increase the risk of infections, pregnancy complications, and other health problems.
What is douching?
The word ''douche'' is French for ''wash'' or ''soak.'' It is a method to wash out the vagina,
usually with a mixture of water and vinegar. Douches that are sold in
drugstores and supermarkets contain antiseptics and fragrances. A douche
comes in a bottle or bag and is sprayed through a tube upward into the vagina.
What are the advantages of douching?
Some
women say douching makes them feel cleaner. There is, though, very
little scientific evidence of benefit from douching. The rare positive
research that does exist often has a downside. One study found that
douching during the six months before pregnancy reduced the risk of preterm delivery. However, in that same study, douching during pregnancy was linked to an increased risk of preterm birth.
What are the disadvantages of douching?
Overall, the risks of douching far outweigh the benefits. Here are just a few of the problems linked to douching:
- Vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis). Douching upsets the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina (called vaginal flora). These changes make the environment more favorable for the growth of bacteria that cause infection. Studies have found that women who stopped douching were less likely to have bacterial vaginosis. Having bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of preterm labor and endometriosis.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. Research has found that women who douche may have a 73% higher risk of getting PID.
- Pregnancy complications. Women who douche more than once a week have more difficulty getting pregnant than those who don't douche. Douching may also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy by as much as 76%. With an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo implants outside the uterus. The more a woman douches, the greater the risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
- Cervical cancer. Douching at least once a week has been linked to a possible increased chance of developing cervical cancer
Should a woman douche?
According
to health experts, including those at the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), you should avoid douching.
Having some vaginal odor is normal. However, if you notice a very strong
odor, it could be a sign of infection. The acidity of the vagina will
naturally control bacteria, and simply washing the vagina with warm
water and mild soap is enough to keep clean.
www.webmd.com
