Douching And Yeast Infections: What Is The Connection?
Douching is the act of using water or a mixture of fluids to cleanse or wash the vagina, particularly after a period and engaging in sexual intercourse But is this necessary? And does it ultimately do more harm than good? The vagina has a delicate balance of bacteria and organisms. When this balance is disrupted for whatever reason, one is more susceptible to vaginal infections. What douching ultimately does is disrupt this balance, leading to symptoms such as discomfort and vaginal discharge.
Many medical experts will say that douching shouldn’t be done unless a doctor has prescribed it. There is no evidence that it provides any health benefits, and could actually aggravate vaginal symptoms even more. It may feel good, which is probably one reason why women use them, but it’s not natural.
Some women using douching as a way to get relief from yeast infection symptoms, or prevent them. While you might get some temporary relief, it won’t prevent or cure the infection.
Douching is not necessary in the first place because a healthy vagina naturally cleanses itself. It produces secretions that get rid of normal vaginal discharge, menstrual blood, and semen.
Nothing out of the ordinary needs to be done in order to maintain a clean vaginal environment. You can wash using soap and water while bathing.
Douching can not only lead to yeast infections, but other infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vaginal irritation, pelvic inflammatory disease, among others.
Simply put, if you are currently douching or thinking about doing it, then it’s best not to.
