Proper intimate hygiene is essential for women's health and can help prevent imbalances. But there's a fine line between a routine that provides you with care, freshness, and comfort, and excessive hygiene. On which side of the fence do you think vaginal douches fall?

Thanks to its self-cleaning function, the vagina naturally cleans itself. And yet, vaginal douches exist and are practiced by women even today. Why? You will find out in the next few minutes. Read the article to understand how vaginal douches work, what risks and effects they can cause, but also what alternatives exist for gentler care of the intimate area.

What are vaginal douches?

Vaginal irrigation, also known as vaginal washing or "douching," is a cleansing process that involves using water or other solutions to wash the inside of the vagina. This involves using a vaginal irrigator that pumps the solution into the vagina under pressure.

Many women regularly perform such douches, convinced that they will be cleaner, maintain better vaginal hygiene and avoid infections or unpleasant odors. Over time, vaginal douches have also been said to be able to rinse away the remnants of menstrual blood at the end of menstruation and that they could prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, but these are just myths. These effects are erroneously attributed.

In reality, vaginal douches are very rarely recommended because they can have the opposite effect, increasing the risk of infections and imbalances if performed frequently.

How vaginal douching works

Vaginal douching can be done with water or various over-the-counter or prescription substances, using a special irrigator. This has a long, soft tip for easy insertion into the vagina, and a rubber component with a liquid reservoir of approximately 500 ml.

Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to wash your hands properly and prepare the washing solution with lukewarm water in the tank. After the usual washing of the intimate area, the tip of the irrigator is inserted deep into the vagina and, applying pressure to the rubber component, the liquid is slowly pumped out. Finally, the irrigator is removed, disassembled and washed thoroughly with warm water and soap.

This type of cleaning mainly acts on the vaginal canal and is classified into two types. Home douches can be done at home, with lukewarm water and neutral products, while medical douches are performed only on the recommendation of a doctor, using antiseptic solutions, for example to treat infections or prepare for a surgical procedure.

Why do women choose to do vaginal douches?

Women who douche usually choose to do it at home and without first consulting a doctor for a variety of reasons. Some stem from cultural beliefs, others are based on myths and misinformation about hygiene, contraceptive methods, and how the female body works:

• Cultural and social motivations: In many cultures, intimate cleanliness is associated with self-respect and women choose to do laundry to conform to social norms and feel accepted in the community.
• Pressure related to hygiene and odor: out of fear of unpleasant odors and the feeling of "dirt", women may resort to frequent washing even if this is not necessary or medically indicated.
• Myths about cleaning menstrual debris or semen: Many women douche at the end of their period or after sex, believing that it helps to completely remove menstrual blood or semen. These practices are often motivated by misunderstandings about the natural functioning of the vagina. It does not need cleaning from the inside, but only natural intimate care products that provide comfort, freshness and safety.
• Misconception that they can prevent infections or pregnancy: There is a misconception that vaginal douches can prevent infections or pregnancy, although studies show that they can actually increase the risk of some infections.

• The influence of advertisements and intimate hygiene products: various advertisements for intimate hygiene products can induce the idea that vaginal douching is mandatory for a woman's hygiene and health, just as they do in relation to scented intimate care products, even though in reality they can be harmful.

  

Vaginal flora and natural self-cleaning

The vaginal microbiome is complex, made up of a wide variety of microorganisms. A healthy vagina is generally dominated by beneficial bacteria called lactobacilli, which produce lactic acid and maintain a slightly acidic environment to inhibit the spread of other bacteria or fungi and maintain a healthy vaginal flora.

The vagina also has a natural ability to clean itself. Vaginal secretions carry dead cells and excess microorganisms to the outside, without the need for aggressive douches that can alter the natural pH.

A healthy vaginal pH is slightly acidic, between 3.8 and 4.5, to promote the presence of lactobacilli and prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause infections. Maintaining this balance is essential for intimate health.

But when the balance is destroyed and the vaginal flora is disturbed, for example by frequent douching or using aggressive products, the risk of irritation, itching, bacterial or fungal infections increases. That is why it is advisable to avoid unnecessary interventions.

The risks of vaginal douching

Imbalances in the vaginal flora are among the effects that can be caused by douching, but they are not the only ones. Here are some other risks of vaginal irrigation:

Vaginal douches can cause microbial imbalances and infections

Frequent douching can cause changes in the delicate flora and chemical balance of the vagina, increasing the risk of infection. In addition, during the procedure, various bacteria can be introduced into the vagina, which in turn can spread to the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of:

• Bacterial vaginitis
• Candidiasis
• Vaginosis
• Sexually transmitted infections

Vaginal douches can destroy beneficial flora, which compromises the natural protective process and favors the development of pathogenic bacteria. That is why statistics show that women who douche regularly face infections and irritations more often.

Vaginal douching can cause reproductive complications

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Decreased fertility
• Risk of ectopic pregnancy

• Negative impact on pregnancy (premature birth, neonatal infections)

  

According to studies, vaginal douching can reduce the chances of getting pregnant by approximately 30% over the course of a month and can promote reproductive complications:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): when the natural balance of flora is disrupted, the migration of bacteria to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries is favored.
• Decreased fertility: Recurrent infections and inflammation caused by douching can affect reproductive health, reducing the chances of conception.
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy: injuries and inflammation of the fallopian tubes increase the risk of the fertilized egg implanting outside the uterus.
• Negative impact on pregnancy: using aggressive washing solutions can increase the risk of premature birth, labor complications, and neonatal infections.

Adverse effects of vaginal douches

Vaginal douches can have a negative impact on women's intimate health through effects such as:

• Local irritation andcervicitis : because they can irritate the vulvovaginal mucosa and cause inflammation of the cervix.
• Indirectly induced hormonal imbalances: when frequent interventions on the microflora affect the hormonal balance that regulates the vaginal flora and secretions.
• Modification of vaginal secretions : they may alter their normal odor, quantity, or consistency following irrigation.

The right alternative to vaginal douches

The vagina cleans itself, through its own secretions, and normally does not need external intervention.

The recommended alternative is to maintain proper hygiene of the external areas, using water and mild cleaning products. And if the reason you are considering vaginal douching is unpleasant odors, the solution is not excessive and aggressive cleaning, but correct, natural care and consultation with a doctor.

How to do proper hygiene

It is enough to use lukewarm water and a natural, gentle intimate gel , free of allergens and irritating chemicals, to clean the external intimate area, at the level of the vulva.

Avoid using other aggressive products like sprays, powders, or intimate deodorants that promise freshness and a pleasant scent. These only mask the natural odor and can even irritate sensitive tissues.

It is also recommended to use cotton underwear and avoid synthetic materials that can make you sweat and promote a humid environment, increasing the risk of irritation, discomfort, and infections.

Reducing odors naturally

It is important to understand that it is normal to have a specific odor in the intimate area, unique to each woman. It is natural and is not a sign of lack of hygiene. And if it becomes strong, unusual or unpleasant, it may signal an infection or other health problem and that is why it should not be masked with perfumes or aggressive hygiene products.

What you can do to reduce the odor naturally is to:

• Change your underwear frequently.
• Follow a balanced diet, rich in probiotics, to support the health of your intimate flora
• Stay hydrated throughout the day and create a gentle intimate hygiene ritual
• You use irritant-free intimate wipes when you need a quick refresh.

And when these simple habits don't work, it's advisable to talk to your doctor to find out the real cause of the unpleasant odor and receive the right treatment.

When to consult a doctor about vaginal douches

Visit your gynecologist as soon as possible if you notice unusual symptoms that could indicate the presence of a vaginal infection. Persistent odor, discharge with a changed texture, color or smell, pain and itching in the intimate area are clear signs that something is wrong and should be investigated by a specialist.

Vaginal douching and self-medication, without a diagnosis or medical guidance, can worsen existing problems. Only a specialist consultation and correct tests can determine the exact cause of your symptoms and the right treatment, so always seek medical advice to prevent complications and take care of your intimate health in the long term.

Frequently asked questions about vaginal douches

The desire to feel clean and have impeccable intimate hygiene is natural. However, not all "cleaning" methods are beneficial for the health of the intimate area, and vaginal douches are among those that can have serious harmful effects.

It's simple, the vagina has an incredible self-cleaning ability and there's no need to wash it like you do with other parts of your body. But even so, vaginal douching still stirs up confusion and questions, especially due to conflicting information online and myths passed down from generation to generation. So below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about vaginal douching, when and if it should be done, what risks it entails, and what alternatives doctors recommend for safe and balanced care.

What exactly are vaginal douches and how are they done?

Vaginal douching involves inserting a liquid, either water or special solutions, into the vagina to clean it, usually with the help of an irrigator. However, this practice can cause imbalances in the vaginal flora and increase the risk of infections, which is why doctors only recommend it in very rare cases.

Are vaginal douches dangerous?

If done frequently or without medical advice, vaginal douching can be harmful. It can disrupt the natural flora, irritate the lining, and increase the risk of vaginal or pelvic infections, including increasing the risk of infertility and pregnancy complications.

How often can vaginal douches be done?

Normally, there is no need to do vaginal douches. Daily external cleaning, with lukewarm water and a gentle intimate gel, is enough to give you a feeling of freshness and the protection you need. Medical douches are only performed on the advice of a doctor, for short periods and under controlled conditions.

Can vaginal douches prevent pregnancy?

No, this is a myth. Douching after sex does not prevent fertilization or pregnancy. Instead, it can increase the risk of irritation, discomfort, and infection.

What solutions are used for genital washing?

Vaginal douching should only be done on the recommendation of a doctor, with antiseptic solutions or prescribed medications as appropriate, for preparation before surgery or certain treatments. Do not use carbonated drinks, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic or other homemade mixtures, as they can cause irritation and seriously harm intimate health.

Can vaginal douches cause infections?

Vaginal douches can alter the natural pH and remove beneficial bacteria, favoring the growth of pathogenic bacteria and imbalances. These changes can increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.

Is it advisable to douche after sexual intercourse?

No. The vagina cleans itself naturally, and douching can affect the microbiome. Simply wash the external area with lukewarm water and a gentle intimate gel for a gentle cleanse after sex.

How can I maintain a pleasant smell without vaginal douches?

The natural smell of the vagina is normal and varies from woman to woman. But you can support the health of your vaginal flora through simple habits. Create a daily intimate care routine with gentle products, choose cotton underwear and menstrual products with 100% organic cotton, stay hydrated and make sure you have a balanced diet, rich in probiotics. If the smell is strong, unpleasant and persistent, medical consultation is necessary as it may indicate the presence of an infection.

What alternatives do doctors recommend instead of douching?

Gynecologists recommend washing the external intimate area daily with lukewarm water and a pH-neutral product, specially formulated for gentle cleansing, such as Enroush antibacterial intimate gel with 95% natural ingredients.

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