Why You Do Not Ever Need to Douche

Many of us are in a constant battle with body odor. We are showering, using scented body wash and then layering on deodorant and fragrant body lotion all in the name of smelling fresh and clean.

But when it comes to vaginal odor, there is no need for all that. Has anyone ever told you that douching is a necessary form of hygiene for your vagina? Then you may be shocked to learn that this practice of cleaning your vagina with a solution may be doing more harm than good.

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Molly Gumucio, CNP, explains why we should avoid douching and the best way to keep “down there” clean.

What is vaginal douching?

Douche is a French term that means “wash” or “shower.” Vaginal douching is when you insert a solution into your vagina to flush it out to clean it, explains Gumucio.

You may have come across douching kits online and in stores. They typically contain an antiseptic solution and a bag or bottle to help distribute the solution at a high pressure. Usually, douching involves making a mixture of water, vinegar, baking soda, soap and fragrances to create a “cleaning solution” for your vagina.

This mixture is then added in a bag or bottle and inserted into your vagina. The idea is that by squeezing the bottle or bag, the solution flows into your vagina, “flushing” it out.

What is the purpose of douching?

Most proponents of douching are doing so because they think it helps them keep their vagina clean. They also claim that it helps eliminate any odor and prevents infection (spoiler alert: not so!).

“Often, people choose to douche because they don’t feel clean,” notes Gumucio. “They might have an odor and they’re trying to get rid of it.” She points out that some people also douche to cleanse the vaginal area after menstruation or sex.

Is douching safe?

We’ll get straight to the point. Douching isn’t safe and isn’t recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

“Douching removes the good bacteria and the good flora that is naturally in your vagina,” explains Gumucio. “And then, when your body goes to reproduce more of those bacteria, it overproduces, which can lead to an infection.”

Much like your gut has a microbiome filled with different bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses, so is your vagina. There are about 50 different microbes living inside of your vagina. And if those microbes get imbalanced, it can cause problems like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by the overgrowth of your normal vaginal bacteria and can cause an amine, or fishy odor. A yeast infection happens when candida, a type of yeast, is out of balance in your body.

Both types of infections can cause a vaginal discharge, while a yeast infection can also cause an itchy sensation, redness, swelling and a burning feeling when you urinate.

Is douching with water only, OK?

Although it may seem like a gentler option than using a solution, douching with just water is still not recommended. However, this is a safer option if you must. Just remember, this act of douching still involves putting a foreign substance into your vagina which can cause irritation, the removal of healthy bacteria and disruption of your PH balance.

In fact, Gumucio cautions about over washing the area too much, too. Cleaning down there during your daily bath or shower is fine. But avoid cleaning your genitals multiple times a day as it is not necessary.

Now, let’s talk about how you should keep your vaginal area clean and healthy.

What to do instead of douching

It is simple — just clean the area outside your vagina with soap and water. No flushing or high pressure necessary. And opt for a soap that is gentle and sensitive.

And where you clean is important, too. Most people tend to think of all their genitals as their vagina. But in fact, the outside area is known as your vulva, which includes your clitoris, urethra and labia. Use your hands or a gentle washcloth to gently spread your labia and clean the area.

Your vagina itself is a muscular canal located mostly inside your body; with an opening that’s part of your vulva. There is no need to use soap or water on the inner part of your vagina.

“People tend to clean their vaginal area and vulva too often,” says Gumucio. “Try to avoid using scented body wash and just stick to warm water and gentle soaps that usually don’t strip away all those good bacteria and flora.”

And do not be tempted to buy and use feminine hygiene powders, sprays, or wipes to keep you fresh.“ Some of the over-the-counter products can tend to make your symptoms worse or irritate your skin,” says Gumucio.

When to see your doctor about vaginal odor

If you are having vaginal odor and your symptoms persist for more than a week, then it is time to call your doctor.

Some symptoms may include:

• Smelly vaginal discharge.
• Pain during urination.
• Discomfort or pain during sex.
• Redness, burning and or swelling in or around your vagina and vulva.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may take a sample of your discharge to test. They may prescribe antibiotics, which can be taken as a pill or applied as a cream.

But if you are not experiencing any symptoms, then rest assured that there is no special steps you need to take to keep your vagina and surrounding areas clean. A less-is-more approach will do the trick.

“Our vaginas are self-cleaning,” says Gumucio. “It is something that we really do not need to take extra special care of. Just showering once a day using warm, soapy water to clean your vulva is sufficient.”