Personal and intimate hygiene is important for the human being. Over the years, more people have resorted to different means, with a single goal, to obtain adequate cleaning in their intimate areas.
However, this has its cons, since many cleanings of the genital areas are carried out with products that are harmful to health, very harmful and irreparable, such as damaging the correct PH or the physiological PH.
For this reason, in this article we will learn about douching and what its effects are on female health, that is, on girls and adult women.
What is a vaginal douche?
The vaginal shower, said in simple terms, is a process of cleaning the vaginal area in women, which is done with water and other hygienic products, in order to clean and make the vagina look different inside, it also eliminates bad smells.
This process is done manually, by choice, since vaginal douches can be purchased in packages that are already pre-mixed with chemicals or other products, such as water with vinegar, sodium, and even iodine.
Important: According to several specific studies “Some researchers have found that douching alters the normal protection of the vaginal flora, inducing women to develop Bacterial Vaginosis.” (1)
Medical opinions regarding douching
The medical community is very much against douching, they do not recommend it due to the amount of germs, microbes and viral or sexually transmitted diseases that can be acquired with these products. s.
In this sense, institutions such as the College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of the United States (2) warn that the use of vaginal douches increases the risk of suffering from uterine cancer and diseases such as HIV.
While medical personalities such as Elise Ross (3) are in charge of promoting education, mentioning that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ , for which external manipulation is not necessary , since it alters the functioning and eliminates important hormones from the vagina.
Effects associated with douching
The effects of douching are very negative , the results are varied and the majority of sick patients with an inactive sexual life usually have a douche as the cause. Here are the most noticeable effects:
bacterial vaginosis
It is the main consequence of the use of vaginal douches, bacterial vaginosis is a virus that unbalances the functioning of the flora of the vagina and everything that surrounds it.
It causes vaginal fluid, a very putrid odor and most of the time they can be asymptomatic. This also affects the cervix and decreases the correct PH in the body, as it is related to Gardnerella vaginalis .
Note: Thanks to a study, it is known that “There is controversy among authors that BV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), since it can be found in sexually inactive women.” (4)
Pelvic inflammatory disease
It is a very unusual pathology , it is a disease that is accompanied by abscesses of the fallopian tubes and ovaries and inflammation of the vaginal tract. It is caused by fungi and bacteria that cause inflammation and irritation. It often occurs due to unprotected sexual intercourse, also altering the delicate sexual balance.
sexually transmitted infections
Mainly, douching is an easy means for the passage of sexually transmitted diseases, not only HIV, others such as hepatitis, gonorrhea and even vaginal herpes. They are some of the best-known diseases that can be acquired with these methods, which serve as a surprise box.
Vaginal irritation and dryness
Irritation is not far behind, since it is the cause of pelvic inflammatory disease , and it can also be painful and uncomfortable. While, on the other hand, it can also cause vaginal dryness, that problem related to low vaginal mucus, urinary tract lesions and even burning in the uterine system.
difficulties in pregnancy
Diseases, fungi and bacteria, can be transmitted to a developing fetus or baby if douching devices are used. Which can be harmful to the unborn, while it is in the womb.
Increased risk of cancer
Douching, as stated above, can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus or of the vagina in general, a problem that can be very serious if not treated properly. It can be accompanied by bleeding in the urine, pelvic pain, and strange lumps.
How to maintain intimate hygiene safely?
There are many alternatives to maintain intimate hygiene , safely and without resorting to external methods that can be aggressive. These means are easy to apply and can be done from the comfort of home, just give them a try:
Regularly wash the outside with lukewarm water
You should get used to washing your genitals with warm water, especially on the outside, since this type of water drains all the microbes and germs that exist in the environment or that you find in places like the toilet.
Tip: You can do it during a warm shower.
Avoid using fragranced products
Flavoring products, even perfumes that are used directly in the vagina, is not a very ideal recommendation, it is a sensitive organ, fragrances contain acids and chemicals that can irritate the mucous lining of the vagina, becoming infected and causing inflammation. Avoid them completely.
Avoid wearing very tight clothing
Tight clothing can damage the walls of the vagina and the outer labia of the same, wearing comfortable and light clothing is not the same as wearing extremely tight clothing, think about your comfort and health, rather than an unnecessary appearance.
Wear cotton underwear
Get used to, at least during working hours, wearing cotton clothes or underwear or a super comfortable and pleasant texture. In order not to put pressure on the vagina, without damaging the lips of the vagina and maintaining comfort or proper functioning of this organ.
Use barrier methods to avoid infection
Barrier methods are a good means of protection to prevent the passage of infections . Although intimate health is the decision of each person, and the body is yours, you should at least consider a means of protection such as condoms, in order to prevent the entry of microorganisms or bacteria.
Go to the doctor if necessary
If you have any problem with the hygiene of your intimate area, do not hesitate to call and see a doctor, especially a gynecologist.
All this in case you have little information about the personal use of a vaginal douche or that you have used one before and present uncomfortable symptoms.
Note: It is always necessary to have a complete medical check-up.
Key Findings
- Vaginal douches are internal cleansing means for the vagina.
- They are not highly recommended by doctors.
- They can transmit viral diseases , sexually transmitted infections, bacteria, or germs.
- There are many cleaning alternatives, even at home, to maintain proper intimate hygiene.
- Douching negatively affects a large percentage of older and younger women. The recommendation is to avoid them.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.