Maintaining feminine hygiene is very important for the overall wellbeing and health of any woman. However, there is one delicate part of your body you shouldn't attempt to clean out as a lady - your vagina. There are so many misconceptions concerning feminine hygiene and so many false information has been spread with regards to washing the vagina, an act known as vaginal douching.

Vaginal douching is the practice of rinsing the vagina with a liquid solution, often water or a mixture of water and other substances like vinegar. A douche comes in a bottle or bag and is sprayed through a tube upward into the vagina. Despite being heavily discouraged by health organisations and health experts, social, cultural, and educational factors continue to influence douching practices.

Why do women douche?

Many women douche for perceived cleanliness. Besides making themselves feel fresher, women say they douche to get rid of unpleasant odour, wash away menstrual blood after their period, avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases, and prevent a pregnancy after intercourse. Douching has not been shown to achieve any of these aims. Instead, it even poses health risks to women.

Let me carefully address these misconceptions about douching with the truth.

Misconception: You need to douche to clean your vagina.

Fact: The vagina has the ability to self-clean, it will get rid of semen, menstrual blood, and other bodily fluids on its own. It's an internal organ and doesn't need any extra cleansing.

First of all, it is important to distinguish between the vagina and vulva. The vagina is an internal female reproductive organ that has an opening in the perineum- the area of the body between the anus and the vulva. The vulva is the outer area that surrounds the vagina. It includes the opening of the vagina, outer and inner lips - labia majora and minora, and the clitoris. For both for the vulva and vagina, you don't need any special products. You can clean this outer area by simply washing it with lukewarm water. If you wish, you may use a mild, unscented soap. After that, you should rinse the vulva properly and gently pat the area dry as moisture can stimulate the growth of yeast.

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ because it consists of the colonies of bacteria (vaginal flora) that keep the vagina healthy. The vagina is also designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions (vaginal discharge).

Misconception: You need to douche to get rid of unpleasant odour.

Fact: The vagina has a characteristic odour which is normal and is unique to every woman.

Every vagina is supposed to have its own distinct scent. It can be more distinct while sweating or immediately after sexual intercourse and can vary with menstrual cycle. An unpleasant vaginal odour, sometimes described as fish smell, with additional symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, itchiness, redness, or a burning sensation, usually indicates a bacterial, fungal or sexually transmitted infection. Do not douche. You should consult your medical professional.

Misconception: Vaginal douching prevents infections.

Fact: Vaginal douching increases the risk of vaginal infections.

Vaginal infections can be bacterial infections e.g. bacterial vaginosis, or fungal e.g. candidiasis (yeast infection) or could be a sexually transmitted infection. Douching disturbs vaginal pH balance and could lead to inflammation. It also disturbs the balance of vaginal flora. All these increase the risk of vaginal infections. If you are suffering from bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection, douching may push the bacteria further up to other parts of your reproductive system. Furthermore, women who douche regularly are at a higher risk of getting cervical cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Misconception: Douching prevents pregnancy after sexual intercourse.

Fact: Douching does not prevent pregnancy and should not be used as a form of birth control. Oral contraceptives and barrier methods like condoms are some forms of birth control, proven to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Is douching safe?

NO. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AFOG) advise against the practice of douching. Listen to this wholesome truth: Not only is douching of no benefit, it actually causes harm and health risks. These risks have been classified into:

Gynecologic risks (problems with women's reproductive health):

1. Bacterial vaginosis (an imbalance of bacteria causing unusual discharge and odor)

2. Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection with itching and thick white discharge)

3. Higher chance of getting HIV and Chlamydia (sexually transmitted infections)

4. Increased risk of cervical cancer (cancer affecting the entrance to the womb)

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease (serious infection of the reproductive organs)

Obstetric risks (Pregnancy-related problems):

1. Preterm labor (giving birth too early, before the baby is fully developed)

2. Low-birth-weight infants

3. Risk of infertility

4. Ectopic pregnancy (dangerous condition where a fertilized egg grows outside the womb)

Conclusion

There is a tendency for women to be overzealous with their cleanliness but still, douching is never an option. What then are appropriate feminine hygiene practices? Bath regularly. Use deodorants and body sprays. Wash your hands before and after touching your genital area, especially when using tampons or pads. The perineal area should be wiped from front to back after urination/ defecation to decrease the chance of contamination to the vaginal area.

Unscented soap and water can be used to cleanse the perineal area . Vaginal deodorants, sprays, gels, suppositories, powders, or tablets are not recommended for routine hygiene. Examine your external genitalia once a month. A mirror can be used in a sitting or squatting position. Unusual findings should be evaluated by a health care provider.

SAY NO TO VAGINAL DOUCHING.