What Are Vaginal Douches And What Are The Health Risks They Pose?

Vaginal douching is therefore the washing or irrigation of the vagina, that is, the internal part, the canal. For Jesen Hernández, a gynecologist, these are “procedures that supposedly clean the vagina, but they remove the vaginal flora, which can change it and cause constant infections in patients.”

Some say that by doing so, they feel fresh and clean because they perceive a good smell due to the products they use such as vinegar, baking soda, or solutions found on the market. “At some point, intimate soaps became famous and were recommended because the idea was to maintain the correct pH (a measure of alkalinity or acidity) of the vagina. However, marketing adds ingredients to give odor, which could or could not affect the patient’s pH,” adds the gynecologist.

The vagina has a natural protective barrier called “vaginal flora.” According to Dr. Hernandez, this consists of a set of microorganisms whose function is to prevent infections in this area by maintaining a normal pH (a measure of acidity or alkalinity). “These microorganisms must be present at a standard level. If they are too high, they cause infections. If they decrease, there is a change in pH and it could cause discomfort to the patient,” he explains.

According to Carmen Hernandez, a gynecologist, “vaginal douching is not necessary because it removes the good bacteria, sweeps them away, and the vagina becomes prone to infections by fungi and parasites.” In other words, washing or irrigating this area with this type of product alters the pH and eliminates the good bacteria, facilitating the development of infections.

Although women say they feel cleaner after this practice, the opposite happens and their health is at risk. Likewise, if this is done routinely and deeply, the infection could reach the uterus.

Prevent infections

Remember that your intimate area has its natural odor, so if you apply substances or products, you could alter the pH and thus achieve the desired odor, but run the risk of developing infections.

If the smell you perceive from this area is unpleasant, it could be a sign that something is not right and it could be a vaginal infection, so it is advisable to go to a specialist doctor. “The best thing is to consult a doctor when you have symptoms and have your Pap test, as it is a measure to detect recurrent infections, which develop from changes in the flow and could turn into cancer,” adds Jesen Hernández.

Signs or symptoms that may indicate a vaginal infection include odor, itching, vaginal burning, pain when urinating or having sex, and a discharge that is different from what you are used to seeing. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to consult a gynecologist.

Hygiene practices

If you want to practice good hygiene, gynecologist Hernandez recommends that you bathe every day with soap and water, wash your vulva (external part) with soap and water, and do not use vaginal protectors “because they can cause infections.”

Gynecologist Hernandez advises that “take a sample of soap, make it foam, and apply it to the vulvar area, without introducing the soap into the vaginal cavity. If you have itching or a bad smell, the right thing to do is to visit a gynecologist to find out what is happening.”

Also, if you are menstruating, change your sanitary pads at least every 6 hours to avoid bad odor and prevent infections. Also, avoid wearing very tight clothing.

If you are sexually active, urinate after having sex. Carmen Hernandez recommends this because “men have bacteria on their penis. When having sex, they introduce them into the vagina, which is close to the urethra. After urinating, wash with soap and water.”

Remember to practice hygiene responsibly and consult your doctor to prevent any infection.