Vaginal douching; a risky trend for your health

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Do you know someone who boasts about being extremely careful about grooming and raves about vaginal douching? Beware, don't be persuaded. This type of recommendation can be dangerous if not prescribed by an expert. Remember that nowadays it is very common to get carried away by trends that seem good but lack proper medical support.

In addition, this can be especially dangerous during menopause. These routines could increase the changes that occur during this phase. Let us tell you what the experts have to say on the subject.

What is vaginal douching?

The name literally means to wash or soak. It is a method used to cleanse the vagina, usually with a homemade mixture of water and vinegar. But there are also douches sold in pharmacies or supermarkets; some contain antiseptics and fragrances. They may come in bottles or bags and a tube is used to introduce the liquid into the vagina ⁽¹⁾.

Are they necessary?

Woman relaxing in a bathtub with arms raised in a modern bathroom.

The first thing to know is that the vagina has a natural self-cleaning system. Its system and the walls of the cervix generate a small amount of mucus that carries menstrual blood, old cells, and other substances out of this system. These cell layers are continually shed and, in doing so, carry with them the bacteria and viruses present in them ⁽²⁾.

On the other hand, women who use them report feeling clean, eliminating odours, preventing pregnancy, washing menstrual blood or semen, and preventing vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, they are not proven to be useful for any of these things. So, they are not recommended, especially not in menopause. ⁽¹⁾.

Disadvantages of using vaginal douching

The risks of practising them outweigh any benefits you may perceive from doing them. Among its disadvantages we can mention that ^(1,2):

They increase the risk of diseases such as vaginitis and yeast infections because they disrupt the natural balance of bacteria inside the vagina (vaginal flora). Thus, vaginal douching allows the growth of harmful microorganisms that cause infections.

They increase the risk of secondary premature birth and infections.

Increase the likelihood of pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the female reproductive system, which can be accompanied by pelvic pain.

They can affect fertility and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy by up to 76%. The frequency of douching is an important factor that can increase this risk.

They increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer as little as once a week.

They increase the risk of urinary tract infections due to irritation of the urethra, which makes it easier for germs to enter.

Take care of your vaginal hygiene

During menopause, vaginal dryness is a major concern, but you may also experience irritation and other discomforts. Therefore, it is crucial to take special care of this sensitive area. Some tips are ⁽³⁾:

Avoid applying irritating products to the vulva.

Don't wash too often, once a day is enough.

Stay away from vaginal douching and waxing.

Use a soap substitute (an emollient and fragrance-free product).

Do not wash with water alone, as this can further dry out the skin.

Wash carefully, with your hands or a soft cloth.

Do not use wet wipes.

Dry skin thoroughly after bathing.

If you use hormone creams prescribed by your doctor, avoid combining them with other products.

Avoid wearing tight clothing such as jeans and leggings.

Always wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.

Don't scratch.

Apply moisturizer or water-based or silicone-based lubricant if you have dryness.

It should be made clear that vaginal douching after intercourse does not remove semen or any micro-organisms that may have been transmitted. On the contrary, they increase the risk of STIs, as they can damage the skin's natural defence barriers ⁽¹⁾.

Therefore, if you are using vaginal douching, we recommend that you stop and go to your gynaecologist for a check-up to rule out any complications secondary to its use. Remember to always consult with the most qualified people or entities about health issues during menopause.

Bibliographical references

Watson S. Vaginal Douching: Helpful or Harmful? [Internet]. WebMD. WebMD; 2022 [cited 2023 May 4]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-douching-helpful-or-harmful

Dennis Thompson Jr. Do Women Need to Douche? [Internet]. EverydayHealth.com. 2023 [cited 2023 May 4]. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/women-and-douching.aspx

North Bristol NHS Trust. Care of vulval skin [Internet]. Nbt.nhs.uk. 2020 [cited 2023 May 4]. Available from: https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-services/gynaecology/gynaecology-patient-information/care-vulval-skin#:~:text=Avoid%20vaginal%20douching%20and%20hair,a%20soft%20flannel%20or%20cloth.