What Is Douching?

Douching is an at-home process of washing out your vagina that is widely advertised but not often recommended. It has been a practice for many generations, and the first douching products hit the market in the early 1900s.

Despite the long-standing tradition of douching, the pros of this practice are often vastly overstated and the cons are rarely discussed. In reality, douching can disrupt the delicate balance of healthy microorganisms in your vagina, causing an array of long-term vaginal health issues. Even worse, douching can also increase your risk of contracting certain health conditions, such as cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections.

Rather than relying on this often dangerous practice, it’s best to avoid douching altogether and instead look at alternative ways to protect and maintain your vaginal health.

Why Do People Douche?

There are numerous reasons why someone may douche, from trying to clean away an odour or discharge, to trying to prevent a pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection.

One of the most common misconceptions about douching is that it can help protect against sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. In reality, douching will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections and may, in fact, increase your risk of contracting them.

When Should You Avoid Douching?

It’s important to remember that you should never douche to get rid of an odour, burning, irritation, or itching. These issues are often indicative of an underlying issue that should be addressed by your doctor, rather than attempted to be treated with an over-the-counter douche.

In addition, you should never douche to prevent or treat a sexually transmitted infection, nor should you douche after having intercourse if you are not already douching regularly.

What Are Some Alternatives To Douching?

If you’re looking for ways to improve your vaginal health, there are a number of alternative methods you can use instead of douching.

Practise Good Hygiene

The most important and simplest thing you can do for your vagina is to practise good hygiene. This means washing your vulva (the area around your vagina) with warm water and if desired, a mild, scent-free soap, outside of the vagina. This can help to keep your vagina clean and healthy while also promoting optimal hygiene.

Use Unscented Menstrual Care Products

Unscented menstrual care products can help to keep your vagina healthy and clean, while also reducing your risk of irritation. This includes using all-cotton panty liners, pads and tampons, as well as natural-fibre underwear that is free of any dyes or fragrances.

Avoid Unnecessary Soaks

You should also avoid soaking your vulva or vagina in hot water or any other solution. This can further disrupt the already delicate balance of bacteria and potentially increase your risk of infection.

Vaginal Moisturizers

If you’re looking for a way to keep your vagina moist and lubricated, try using an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer. These products are specifically designed to help maintain a healthy vaginal environment and can be used as often as necessary.

Conclusion

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and balanced vaginal environment, douching is not a recommended practice. Instead, there are a number of alternative and effective ways to keep your vagina clean, healthy and moisturized without the risk of disrupting the delicate balance of healthy bacteria. From good hygiene practices to using unscented menstrual care products, there are a host of different ways you can protect and maintain your vaginal health — without the risk of douching.