Regarding the unnecessary practice of douching: Here's the rationale.
Feeling self-conscious about body odor? You're not alone. We scrub ourselves clean in the shower, slather on scented body wash, and layer on deodorant and lotion - all in an effort for fresher, cleaner-smelling skin. But when it comes to vaginal odor, douching might seem like a quick fix. Well, think again.
Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, sheds light on why douching is a bad idea. Women's health nurse practitioner, Molly Gumucio, CNP, talks all things vaginal hygiene and why douching should be avoided.
Douche Package Deal
Have you ever bought a douche kit online or in stores? These usually contain an antiseptic solution and a bag or bottle for high-pressure distribution. People who douche often use a combination of water, vinegar, baking soda, soap, and fragrances to create a cleaning solution for their vagina.
But here's the thing: douching is doing more harm than good. It's time to ditch this harmful practice and find healthier ways to maintain a clean vaginal area.
Why Bother with Douching?
Douching is typically used because people believe it keeps their vagina clean. They also think it eliminates odor and prevents infection. Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth.
Often, people douche because they feel unclean and may have an odor they're trying to get rid of. Others dou Douche? N-ah, mate. Don't gotta do that. Douching is harmful, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against it. It destroys the good bacteria and flora that naturally reside in your vagina, leading to an imbalance of microbes. This imbalance can result in bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.
The Dealio on Water Douching
Water douching might seem like a gentler option, but it still carries risks. It's not recommended, but if you must, remember it's introducing a foreign substance into your vagina, which can cause irritation and disrupt your PH balance. Best to stick to clean water and gentle soaps.
Leave Your Vagina Alone, for Pete's Sake
So, what should you do instead of douching? Here's the scoop: clean the area outside your vagina with soap and water. No forceful flushing or high-pressure action necessary. Opt for gentle, sensitive soaps and avoid body wash with harsh chemicals.
Pay attention to where you're cleaning, too. Your vulva includes your clitoris, urethra, and labia, while your vagina is a muscular canal inside your body. No need to use soap or water on the inner part of your vagina.
Give it a Rest
Your vagina is self-cleaning, so there's no need to go overboard with cleaning. Shower once a day using warm water and gentle, unscented soaps should do the trick. Avoid cleansing your genitals multiple times a day. It's unnecessary and can disrupt your natural pH balance.
Breakin' a Sweat? Call Your Doc
If you're experiencing vaginal odor that persists for more than a week, it's time to contact your physician. Some symptoms that warrant a call include:
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain during urination
- Discomfort or pain during sex
- Redness, burning, and swelling in or around your vagina and vulva
Your doc may take a sample of your discharge to test, and prescribe antibiotics if necessary. However, if you're not experiencing symptoms, you don't need to take any special steps. Simply let your vagina do its thing.
So there you have it. Douching is bad news and can lead to all sorts of health problems. Remember to keep your vagina clean and maintain its natural balance by gently washing the area outside your vagina with warm water and gentle soaps or products designed for sensitive skin. Your self-cleaning vagina will thank you.
- Despite common beliefs, douching can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and flora in a woman's vagina, potentially leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
- To maintain a healthy vaginal area, it's recommended to clean the area outside your vagina with mild, sensitive soaps, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals or forceful flushing. Let your self-cleaning vagina do its job.
