VAGINAL DOUCHE

Overview and Facts

Vaginal douche has been around for several decades and was initially thought of as part of a cleansing ritual that enables women of reproductive age to clean a particular portion of their reproductive organs utilizing the solution of choice.

Douching is common in the Americas, and most of the women are between the ages 15-45 years of age (usually at the menarche or the beginning of menses up to the premenopausal stage). This procedure involves the use of an applicator with a bulb that contains the solution and is inserted into the vaginal canal where the answer is left for a certain number of minutes before rinsing it off.

Women who douche frequently attest that they feel less dirty, especially after sexual contact and during periods to get rid of the unwanted odor when they do such procedure. Specialists, however, have a different take on this practice. 

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Several solutions are used for douching. Some use solutions from that are readily available, while some use solutions that are comprised of items readily available inside the household. Here are some of the components of the vaginal douche that are commonly used:

  • Water
  • Water with vinegar
  • Water with salt
  • Diluted feminine wash

SYMPTOMS

Douching was found in some studies to affect the fallopian tubes (these are paired long tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus, this is also the site where fertilization occurs). Listed below are some of the symptoms associated with improper and frequent use of douche.

    • An increased amount of vaginal secretions
    • Vaginitis– Usually felt as a burning sensation coupled with pressure on the hypogastric area.
    • Infertility or difficulty in getting pregnant- some women find that douching after sexual contact prevents fertilization.
  • The abnormal odor from the vaginal discharge.

 

Diagnosis & Medications

TREATMENT

Restoration of the pH of the vagina is the first step in the treatment of the infection caused by frequent douching. Other treatment options would depend upon the result of the practice of douching. 

Bacterial vaginosis

Use antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria that have colonized the area. Examples of which are: 

  • Metronidazole – this medication is usually taken by mouth but can have an unpleasant metallic after taste, epigastric fullness, and abdominal bloatedness. These side effects can be reduced by making sure to have a full stomach before taking the drug and avoidance of foods that can irritate the stomach. 
  • Clindamycin – Available in oral and vaginal cream form. This type of medication, however, causes gastric upset much higher than what is caused by metronidazole. It can be avoided by taking medications that reduce gastric acid secretion such as ranitidine and omeprazole.
  • Tindazole- Available in oral preparation only. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
  • Avoid using scented soaps to clean the private parts since the mucosa or the lining on this area of the body is very thin and is especially sensitive to changes in pH levels.

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