The Do’s and Don’ts of Douching

Women have used vaginal douches for centuries, but more and more often we are hearing that we should use caution when douching. So what’s all the fuss about?
The purpose of a vaginal douche is to clean the vagina. It is done by forcing water or another solution into the vagina which flushes away any discharge. Over the counter douches are usually used for the purpose of cleaning the vagina. Prescription douches are also available. These are usually used to treat yeast infections or before a medical procedure.
5  Douching Myths uncovered:

1. You should douche to clean away left over menstrual blood after your period ends. Not necessary. The body is an amazing instrument that cleans itself.
2. Douching can help avoid pregnancy or STIs after sex. Simply not true. It does not prevent pregnancy and can actually put you at higher risk of developing infections or STIs.
3. Douching helps avoid odor. If you feel that you have an unusual or strong odor in the vaginal area. You should speak to a doctor. It can be the result of infection, and douching could actually make a possible infection worse.
4. Douching makes you feel cleaner. It might make you feel cleaner, but it is not necessary from a hygienic perspective.
5. Douches can be prescribed by your doctor to treat yeast infections or other infections. True. If you prefer not to douche, Diflucan, an oral yeast infection treatment is available by prescription as an alternative.

Warnings about douching:

1. Douching can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant by up to 30%.
2. Douching makes you more prone to infections.
3. Douching can put you at higher risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease.
4. If you suspect that you might have a vaginal infection, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Do not douche before you go to the doctor. Doing so can remove discharge that could identify your infection to the doctor.