Why do women douche

Methods: We conducted focus groups between July and December with 34 black and 27 white women enrolled in a managed care plan in Memphis, Tennessee.

Participants were at least 18 years of age and had douched at some time in their lives. Five groups were held with black women and five with white women. Results: The focus groups identified 13 themes that fell in four broad categories: general perceptions about feminine hygiene, douching behavior, factors perpetuating douching, and health information. Any strong odor or irritation usually means something is wrong. Douching also can raise your chances of a vaginal infection or an STI.

If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor. It is best to let your vagina clean itself. The vagina cleans itself naturally by making mucous. The mucous washes away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge. If you are worried about vaginal odor, talk to your doctor or nurse. But you should know that even healthy, clean vaginas have a mild odor that changes throughout the day. Physical activity also can give your vagina a stronger, muskier scent, but this is still normal.

Douching before or after sex does not prevent STIs. In fact, douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection. Learn ways to prevent STIs. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection.

Douching also does not protect against pregnancy. If you had sex without using protection or if the condom broke during sex, see a doctor right away. You can get medicine to help prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy. No, you should not douche, bathe, or shower. As hard as it may be to not wash up, you may wash away important evidence if you do. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible. Your doctor or nurse can help you get medicine to help prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy.

Douching does not prevent pregnancy. It should never be used for birth control. If you had sex without using birth control or if your birth control method did not work correctly failed , you can use emergency contraception to keep from getting pregnant.

If you need birth control, talk to your doctor or nurse about which type of birth control method is best for you. Department of Health and Human Services. ET closed on federal holidays. Breadcrumb Home A-Z health topics Douching. Douching Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. What is douching? How common is douching? Why should women not douche? What health problems are linked to douching? Health problems linked to douching include: 5 Bacterial vaginosis BV , which is an infection in the vagina.

Women who douche often once a week are five times more likely to develop BV than women who do not douche. Should I douche to get rid of vaginal odor or other problems? Call your doctor or nurse if you have: Vaginal discharge that smells bad Vaginal itching and thick, white, or yellowish-green discharge with or without an odor Burning, redness, and swelling in or around the vagina Pain when urinating Pain or discomfort during sex These may be signs of a vaginal infection, or an STI.

Should I douche to clean inside my vagina? What is the best way to clean my vagina? Keep your vagina clean and healthy by: Washing the outside of your vagina with warm water when you bathe.

The Bartholin glands are a pair of glands, near the opening of the vagina. If a duct from one of the gland gets blocked, fluids can build up…. A cyst may form if…. If you have vaginal atrophy, you may wonder if it can be reversed. With treatment, some women find that their symptoms improve. Although antibiotics can help treat bacterial vaginosis BV , it often comes back. There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of….

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Michael Charles, M. How does it work? Is it safe? Risks of douching. How to safely clean your vagina. When to see a doctor. How to prevent vaginal odor. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What Causes Sticky Vaginal Discharge? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.

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