DOUCHING: Might not be a rescue for all your intimate hygiene woes

 

Ladies!

One in every five women douches! It makes them feel fresher, cleaner, helps eliminate any unwanted odour and protects against any infections or sexually transmitted diseases. However, almost no doctor recommends douching. Why is that so? And what is douching in the first place? Let’s find out…

Douching is the process of cleaning the vagina. No, it isn’t the external cleansing of the vulva, it is the internal cleansing of the vagina itself. One could do this using various techniques and products like plain water, or water mixed with vinegar, or use various antiseptics or other solutions. It may involve simply washing with a cleaning liquid or it could involve forcing liquid at high pressure into the vagina using a bag that is available in the market for douching.

You can get premixed douches in the market which contain baking soda, vinegar, antiseptics, and fragrances. It comes in a bag-like bottle and is sprayed through a tube upward into the vagina. The water then comes out of the vagina.

Depending on the technique and product used, the possible risks of douching will vary. Using plain water and simply rinsing is the safest, yet it is not recommended by most physicians. Douching with any technique where the liquid is forced into the vagina is likely to cause the liquid to enter the cervix and up into the uterus.  This method is particularly risky.

WHY IS DOUCHING BAD FOR YOU?

 

Even though many women swear by this method for keeping themselves clean down there, there is little to no evidence that douching is beneficial.

Douching can disturb the natural balance of the bacteria and pH of the vagina which can lead to severe problems like Bacterial vaginosis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy complications, vaginal irritation or dryness, STI’s and sometimes, cancer.

The imbalance in the natural pH and flora of the vagina is known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). Women who douche are five times more likely to develop a BV than women who do not.

Douching can also lead to pregnancy complications like having trouble conceiving, ectopic pregnancy and preterm birth.

Pelvic Inflammatory disease causes the reproductive organs to swell up and is an infection linked to infertility. Douching can force microorganisms into the vagina which can cause inflammation and eventually lead to secondary infertility. In fact, douching is a major cause of secondary infertility. Secondary infertility is when a couple who conceived earlier is no longer able to conceive.

So why do so many women choose to douche despite it being so harmful?

 

Women often choose to douche because they believe it’s beneficial, that it protects against infections and STDs, prevents unwanted pregnancy, cleans leftover period blood or they’re just concerned about the ‘odour’. While some odour and discharge are normal, if it gets too strong, if it is persistent, fishy accompanied by thick discharge and/or pain, you might have an infection.

So how should you wash and clean your pubic region to keep it fresh and free of odour?

 

The best way is to wash with plain water. However, if you want to use soap, opt for a mild, fragrance-free, pH-balanced intimate wash to clean the area. Intimate washes are formulated to be gentle and effective for this area. Choose washes with ingredients like Lactic acid, which help soothe, rejuvenate, and protect the delicate region. 

Another great way to prevent infections and odours is to use intimate wipes to clean the area during the day or after using the toilet. 

Maintaining proper hygiene is a must if one wishes to lead a healthy life. So, choose the correct method to keep yourself clean and… don’t douche, just rinse!

 

BY 

NT. HEENA GUPTA