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| Is douching OK? |
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No. The vagina is a self cleaning organ. Just like you would not want
to use harsh chemicals in your self cleaning oven, douching the self
cleaning vagina can lead to problems.
All that is needed for upkeep and maintainace is local care and
cleaning as showering and cleaning the vulva. The vagina sheds
old cells and creates a normal discharge that we call "physiologic" -
it's supposed to happen.
Some women have heavier discharges than others, and the pill can
change your discharge as well. Discharge changes throughout the
month depending on where you are in your cycle and can range
from clear and stretchy (spinnbarkheit) midcycle, to yellow
and thicker in the later part of the cycle after ovulation.
If you are douching because of an abnormal color, smell, or discomfort you
may have an infection, and you should be seeing your gyn right away.
Douching can actually take a superficial vaginal or cervical infection
and turn it into a serious upper pelvic infection. The vagina
normally contains a host of bacteria that live there on an
every day basis.
The uterus and fallopian tubes, however, should not have
any bacteria and are sterile. Douching can actually force
the vaginal bacteria up into the sterile uterine cavity and
fallopian tubes, causing a serious infection and potentially
fertility impairing situation.
Bottom line is - it's not necessary and it can actually hurt you.
Shower or bathe for day to day maintainance, and if it doesn't look,
smell or feel right, go right to the gyn.
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Wendy Fried, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is an OB/Gyn with Northern Obstetrics and Gynecology, PC in North Hills, New York
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