Douching is a common practice, especially among African-American women in the United States. Reports show that as many as 30% of black women douche as a part of their regular feminine hygiene. Most women who douche continue to do so for cultural reasons and are often encouraged to begin douching from their mothers. Yet many women are still unaware of the myths and possible health risks of douching.
What are Reasons Women Douche?
Some of the most common reasons women give for douching include:
- to rinse away menstrual blood
- to reduce vaginal odors
- to avoid getting an STD (sexually transmitted disease)
- to prevent pregnancy
Women who douche on a regular basis often believe that it helps them to feel fresh and clean. Douching is often reinforced by relatives and advertisements in magazines and for feminine hygiene products that claim to eliminate odors and provide a "fresh feeling."
Common myths about douching abound. Women are led to believe that douching reduces infections and diseases and can even prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately women are not aware of the risks of douching until it becomes a habit that is often hard to break.
Is Douching Safe?
A growing body of research on the effects of douching clearly shows that there are numerous risks. The trade-off for "feeling fresh" alters the much-needed acidity in the woman's vagina that controls the level of bacteria. Women who douche alter the healthy balance of vaginal flora. Instead of reducing infections and diseases, douching can actually increase the woman's chance of the following:
- vaginal irritation
- bacterial vaginoses (infection)
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV
- cervical cancer
- endometritus
It is important to note that some of the potential risks of douching do not just end there. Some of the initial health problems caused by douching can lead to additional health problems. For example, pelvic inflammatory disease increases the mother's risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Are There Safe Alternatives to Douching?
Do not be fooled by feminine hygiene products or douches that claim to contain only "natural" ingredients or recipes for home-made douches. The risks of douching are still the same whether a woman uses a home-made vinegar and water douche or a fresh-smelling commercially-sold douche.
One of the simplest ways to avoid all of the risks from douching is to just use a gentle soap and water while showering or bathing. In most cases, a woman's body does a superior job of self-cleaning. The over-use of douching and even highly-fragranced shower gels and bath products can cause more irritation and lead to more infections.
If you douche on a regular basis, consider using a gentle liquid or bar soup instead. Your body will thank you.
References:
Medicine.net
Gazmararian, J. "Why Do Women Douche? Results from a Qualitative Study," Maternal and Child Health Journal, Vol. 5, September 2001.
Cotrell, BH., "An updated review of evidence to discourage douching," American Journal of Maternal and Child Nursing, March-April 2010.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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