Do Not Douche As Treament For Bacterial Vaginosis

Although periodic or frequent cleaning of an irratated or infected area would seem like the logical thing to do, one should not douch as a treatment for bacterial vaginosis unless under srtict doctor's supervision. For that matter one should give up douching altogether.

So Why Do Women Douch Anyway?

-To rinse away any remaining menstrual blood at the end of the monthly period.

-Some women douche following sexual intercourse to avoid pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Douching is neither a contraceptive, or preventatives measure against STDs or other infections.

-To reduce vaginal odors. Women who have an unusual vaginal odor need to see their clinician for proper diagnosis, using a douche may only intensify the problem.

-Women sometimes don't feel they are clean unless they use vaginal douches regularly.

Simply stated, douchingis not healthy and can actually be a cause of bacterial vaginosis.

According to a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, douching may reduce a woman's chance of becoming pregnant during a particular month by approximately thirty percent. Regular vaginal douching changes the delicate chemical balance of the vagina and can make a woman more susceptible to infections. Douching can introduce new bacteria into the vagina which can spread up through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Researchers have found that women who douche regularly experience more vaginal irritations and infections such as bacterial vaginosis, and an increased number of sexually transmitted diseases.

Furthermore, regular users of vaginal douches face a 73% greater risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) -- a chronic condition that can lead to infertility, or even death, if left untreated. Bacterial vaginosis and PID can have serious adverse affects on pregnancy including infections in the baby, labor problems, and preterm delivery.

For these reasons, douching is no longer recommended as a safe or healthy way to routinely clean the vagina. The only safe and healthy way to clean the vagina is to let the vagina clean itself. The delicate chemical balance of the vagina is very sensitive and easily disrupted by routine vaginal douching. The vagina cleans itself naturally with its own mucous secretions. When bathing or showering use warm water and gentle unscented soap to cleanse the outer areas of the vagina. Feminine hygiene products such as soaps, powders, and sprays are not necessary and may lead to irritation of sensitive tissues. One should try one of several natural remedies which can be quite effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis.

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