Should I douche my vagina?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Vaginal douching is simply a form of hygiene to deep clean a woman's vagina. In addition to using clean water, many women also combine cleaning with warm water and acidic feminine hygiene solutions. Vaginal douching feels clean.
Douches sold in pharmacies and supermarkets can contain antibiotics and are scented, often come in sachets or bottles that can be sprayed inside the vagina.

According to research, using enemas to clean the vagina completely has no effect and can even cause problems for women's health. Therefore, do not douche the vagina.
Previous studies have shown that vaginal douching can cause many health problems, including bacterial and yeast infections. In the case of vaginal infections caused by bacteria entering the reproductive organs, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which in turn leads to fertility problems.
If there is itching, odor coming from the vagina, instead of vaginal douching, you should go to the hospital or clinic, medical facility to be examined because this may be a sign of a vaginal infection
In fact, the vagina can clean itself naturally because the acidity in the vaginal environment can naturally control bacteria, so you only need to clean with warm water and mild soap. Bleach is enough to keep the vagina clean.
Usually just clean with clean warm water in the outside area.
In addition, the vagina is a very sensitive area, so it is not recommended to use fragranced products (including tampons and pads), especially if you have sensitive skin, especially not because because even a mild soap can cause irritation.

Bacterial vaginosis:
Vaginal douching regularly will unbalance the natural bacterial flora in the vagina. Vaginal douching accidentally loses beneficial bacteria in the vagina, and at the same time introduces bacteria from the outside environment, creating favorable conditions for pathogenic bacteria. Studies show that women who don't douche are less likely to have vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of premature birth and endometriosis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease:
This is an infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. According to research, women who douche regularly can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease by 73%.
Pregnancy complications: Women who douche more than once a week may have a harder time getting pregnant than those who don't douche. Vaginal douching can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy by 76%. The more you douche, the higher your risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Cervical cancer :
Vaginal odor is very normal. However, it is important to pay attention to unusual and unpleasant odors because it can be a sign of infection, so when you see unusual signs such as itching, a strong smell from the vagina, you should quickly go to the doctor. to the obstetrician-gynecologist for timely examination and treatment.
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