Should I douche?
Dear Dr Mitchell,
My mother and sisters taught me to always douche, especially after my menses. Although I have read countless times that this is not healthy, I don’t feel clean unless I douche. Is there anything natural that I could try instead of the store-bought formulas? I feel cleaner after I douche, but I am afraid of the side effects.
Douching is not a practice that should be undertaken. The vagina is self-cleaning, and there is absolutely no need to introduce chemicals in the vagina to cleanse it under everyday situations. The introduction of chemicals or foreign bodies into the vagina interferes with and alters the acidity of the vagina, thus destroying the normal healthy bacteria that live there. This change in the pH or acidity of the vagina causes overgrowth of abnormal bacteria such as gardnerella vaginalis or bacterial vaginosis. This can result in a fishy, greyish-white discharge which causes soreness or vaginal itching. This will then necessitate the use of antibiotics in the form of tablets by mouth, vaginal pessaries or cream to control the infection. Douching repeatedly can set up a chronic problem.It is sufficient to bathe twice daily and practise using a clear white and unscented soap or liquid to wash the outside of the vagina. You should avoid putting the washrag or other foreign bodies inside the vagina to cleanse it. This is unnecessary and can set the stage for unwarranted infections.If there is an abnormal discharge, then medical assistance should be sought to make a correct diagnosis and get appropriate treatment. The normal vaginal discharge is white and has no odour. A fishy odour, purulent (pus-containing), blood-stained, greyish white, yellow or green discharge is abnormal and should be treated with some urgency. There is no need for home remedies or purchasing chemicals to cleanse the vagina.Best wishes.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax to 968-2025. All responses are published. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only, and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
