Vaginal douching, is it safe for women?

A significant number of women that are aged between15 and 44 say they use a vaginal douche. Most women say that douching makes them feel fresher, and also get rid of unpleasant odors, wash away menstrual blood  after their period, some also say it prevents them from getting sexually transmitted diseases, and prevent a pregnancy after sexual intercourse. But are this assumptions true?  Despite the fact that 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?

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. Douche also 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 labour
• Pelvic inflammarory Disease (PID). PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. Research has found that women who douche 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 also increases 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 an 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.

 Dr Tango is Consultant Physician with facts and Figures Email- caremed001@gmail.com Blackberry Pin -74282d21.Follow us on twitter @Care_Med