cpalmist disagrees: So are you telling me that all those boxes & bottles of douche at the drug store are HazMats?? Get a grip!!

Vaginal Infection. For women of childbearing age, bacterial vaginosis is the primary etiology of vaginal infection.[14] In bacterial vaginosis, normal vaginal microflora is disrupted, facilitating overgrowth of anaerobes such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella species, or Mycoplasma hominis.[14] Fully 50% of patients are asymptomatic, although others notice a thin, white, homogeneous discharge that has a "fishy" odor.[14] Douching is a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis. In a study of 496 nonpregnant women, risk factors identified for bacterial vaginosis included vaginal douching within the last two months and hormone use within the past six months.[15] Any maternal infection, especially bacterial vaginosis, may impede successful pregnancy.[16] Investigators conducted a study of 454 pregnant women, discovering risk factors for bacterial vaginosis such as douching and number of lifetime sexual partners.[16] The risk of bacterial vaginosis is highest within the first seven days after douching.[17] Bacterial vaginosis also increases the risk of HIV infection, a possible reason for the association between douching and HIV infection.[18,19]

The potential for vaginal infection from douching is not limited to bacterial organisms. A study from Italy demonstrated that douching increases the risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis.[20]

The basics of maintaining a healthy Vagina

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Do not douche. The only exception to this rule which may be acceptable is if you are trying to conceive and are trying to alter your vaginas pH for a greater good. Do it as little as you can and increase the number of lactobacilli in your diet through upping your intake of yoghurt or taking acidophilus tablets
Keeping your vagina healthy

Women who douche may have a higher risk of developing PID compared with women who do not douche. Research has shown that douching changes the vaginal flora (organisms that live in the vagina) in harmful ways, and can force bacteria into the upper reproductive organs from the vagina.
STD Facts - Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Is douching safe?

Most doctors and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggest that women steer clear of douching. All healthy vaginas contain some bacteria and other organisms called the vaginal flora. The normal acidity of the vagina keeps the amount of bacteria down. But douching can change this delicate balance. This may make a woman more prone to vaginal infections. Plus, douching can spread existing vaginal infections up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
What are the dangers linked to douching?

Research shows that women who douche regularly have more health problems than women who do not. Doctors are still unsure whether douching causes these problems. Douching may simply be more common in groups of women who tend to have these issues. Health problems linked to douching include:

* vaginal irritation,
* vaginal infections called bacterial vaginosis or BV,
* sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and
* pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman's uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries. It is caused by bacteria that travel from a woman's vagina and cervix up into her reproductive organs. If left untreated, PID can cause fertility problems (difficulties getting pregnant). PID also boosts a woman's chances of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus). Some STDs, BV, and PID can all lead to serious problems during pregnancy. These include infection in the baby, problems with labor, and early delivery.
Should I douche to clean inside my vagina?

No. Doctors and the ACOG suggest women avoid douching completely. Most experts believe that douching increases a woman's chances of infection. The only time a woman should douche is when her doctor recommends it.
What is the best way to clean my vagina?

Most doctors say that it is best to let your vagina clean itself. The vagina cleans itself naturally by producing mucous. Women do not need to douche to wash away blood, semen, or vaginal discharge. The vagina gets rid of it alone. Also, it is important to note that even healthy, clean vaginas may have a mild odor.

Regular washing with warm water and mild soap during baths and showers will keep the outside of the vagina clean and healthy. Doctors suggest women avoid scented tampons, pad, powders and sprays. These products may increase a woman's chances of getting vaginal infections.
My vagina has a terrible odor, can douching help?

No. Douching will only cover up the smell. It will not make it go away. If your vagina has a bad odor, you should call your doctor right away. It could be a sign of a bacterial infection, urinary tract infection, STD or a more serious problem.
Should I douche to get rid of vaginal discharge, pain, itching, or burning?

No. Douching may even make these problems worse. It is very important to call your doctor right away if you have:

* vaginal discharge with a bad smell
* thick, white or yellowish-green discharge with or without a smell
* burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina or the area around it
* pain when urinating
* pain or discomfort during sex

These may be signs of a bacterial infection, yeast infection, urinary tract infection, or STD. Do not douche before seeing your doctor. This can make it hard for the doctor to figure out what is wrong.
Can douching after sex prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

No. This is a myth. The only way to completely prevent STDs is to not have sex. But practicing safer sex will dramatically decrease your risk of getting these diseases. You can greatly reduce your chances of getting an STD in the following ways:

* using latex condoms or female condoms every time you have sex
* avoiding contact with sores on the penis or vagina
* preventing the exchange of semen, blood, and vaginal secretions
Douching - Frequently Asked Questions

Nonprescription Douche Products. At one time, there were three major lines of douche products in the typical pharmacy. The Betadine product line has been reduced with the elimination of Betadine concentrate. This leaves the Massengill and Summer's Eve disposable douche products. An examination of their ingredients allows the pharmacist to understand their intent. Some douche products (e.g. Summer's Eve Fresh Scent) contain mainly fragrance in water. Lacking a surfactant, they are intended only to leave a pleasant smell. Given the adverse effects of douching, their use is questionable. Other douches (e.g. Summer's Eve Island Splash, Intimate Whisper, or Evening Breeze) contain octoxynol-9, a surfactant that may cleanse by lowering the surface tension of the intravaginal vault. Some products (e.g. Country Flowers, Fresh Baby Powder) contain octoxynol-9 and cetyl pyridinium chloride, another surfactant. The user must be made aware of the potential risks in using these products so she can weigh their purported benefits with actual dangers. Another set of douche products contains vinegar (e.g. Summer's Eve Vinegar and Water, Massengill Extra Mild Vinegar and Water, Massengill Extra Cleaning Vinegar and Water). Vinegar/water douches have been used for decades to restore the vagina to its healthy acidic pH. However, their safety and efficacy are unknown. Further, if the woman has an actual vaginal infection, a vinegar/water douche will be ineffective in combating it. Instead, she should be urged to purchase a vaginal antifungal if the infection is thought to be due to Candida. Otherwise, a physician appointment is necessary.