8 reasons why using a vaginal douche is not a good idea

Vaginal douching is the process of cleaning the vagina internally by using a liquid solution. It is either done for hygiene purposes or aesthetic reasons. Some women believe that it can also help to prevent infections and STDs when used during menstruation or after sex. But studies done between the years 1965 to 2002 where researchers tried to explore the benefits of douching, suggest it is not a healthy practice. Here are few reasons why you should think twice before opting for douche

It disturbs the healthy pH balance of the vagina area: The vaginal environment is composed primarily of lactobacilli (bacteria) which produce hydrogen peroxide that protects the area from the invasion of harmful bacteria. It keeps the pH balance of the area low which keeps bad bacteria or other pathogens at bay that could give rise to infections. Studies show that douching the vaginal area even once a month can disrupt this balance and lead to infections.

It could increase the risk of bacterial infections: Smelly vaginal discharge is a sign of bacterial vaginosis which happens when the pH balance of the vagina goes for a toss. Studies have found a link between bacterial vaginosis and douching. It is believed that douching could predispose one to this bacterial infection.

It could increase the risk of STDs: The ingredients used in a douche might not always be harmonizing for your vaginal flora. Irritants in the douche could increase one’s risk of STDs by making one susceptible to infections. With the pH balance disturbed the bacteria in the area would be unable to restrict an STD infection. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are two STD infections that are associated with repeated douching.

It can increase the risk of HIV infection too: Since the risk of suffering from STDs like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia is higher with douching, they also make one susceptible to HIV infections too.

It increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory diseases: STDs, genital tract infections, vaginal soreness all come under the umbrella of pelvic inflammatory diseases which studies state that increases exponentially with douching.

It can interfere with fertility: Suffering from pelvic inflammatory diseases is one of the causes of female infertility. So if douching increases the risk of PID, it will definitely have an effect on the woman’s fertility.

It could increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy: This means a fertilized egg gets attached outside the uterine cavity and not inside. However, pelvic inflammatory disease increases one’s risk of ectopic pregnancy and there are studies to support the same.

It could increase the risk of cervical cancer: Studies could not confirm if there is a direct connection between douching and cervical cancer, but some pointed that women who suffer from STDs can have an increased risk of cervical cancer if they keep douching.