What is a douche?

A douche is a mixture of fluids and water that is then squirted or sprayed into the vagina. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology doesn’t recommend women use douching products as they can irritate the vagina. What are the risks of douching?

Douching disrupts the body’s natural mechanisms for cleansing and regulating the vagina. Women who douche are more likely to experience early childbirth, miscarriage and other pregnancy complications (National Center for Biotechnology Information). Douching also increases the likelihood of developing a yeast infection, and increases the chances of developing vaginosis by nine times. Chances of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection in the reproductive organs, and cervicitis, inflammation of the cervix, are also increased in women who douche (Healthline).