Douching is the practice of washing or flushing the vagina with water or other fluids. It is not necessary, safe, or effective for hygiene, contraception, or infection prevention. Learn about the risks, alternatives, and when to see a doctor for vaginal problems. Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. In the United States, almost one in five women 15 to 44 years old douche. Doctors recommend that you do not douche. Douching can lead to many health problems, including problems getting pregnant. Douching is also linked to vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What is douching? The word “douche” means to wash or soak. Douching is washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina ... Douche usually refers to vaginal irrigation, the rinsing of the vagina, but it can also refer to the rinsing of any body cavity. A douche bag is a piece of equipment for douching—a bag for holding the fluid used in douching. What Is a Douche and Is Douching Safe? Vaginal douching is washing the vagina to eliminate odors and “clean” it. Common ingredients used with water include vinegar, baking soda, iodine,...
