Is it ok to douche?
Q: My friend told me that to use douches too much is not good for a woman? Is that true? Also if it is alright how often should someone use it? Like every few months?
A: Many doctors and health organizations now agree that there is no reason for douching unless your doctor specifically recommends it. Douching can disturb the normal pH (acidity) and the balance of “good” bacteria in a healthy vagina, leading to infections of unhealthy bacteria (known as bacterial vaginosis). There may be an association between douching and pelvic inflammatory disease because douching could push bacteria from the vagina up into the uterus.
It is not necessary to douche to clean the vagina. A healthy vagina will naturally clean itself. You can rinse your vulva with water in the shower or bath. You should only use very mild soap, if you decide to use soap at all.
Some women douche to change the smell of their genitals. A healthy woman’s genitals do have a smell, but it should not be unpleasant. If a woman notices a strong odor (sometimes fishy) or unusual discharge, it is likely that she has an infection that will need to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Douching might temporarily cover up the symptoms, but it will not do anything to treat the infection. It might even make it worse.