Vaginal Discharge, Infections, & Odors and Douching / Question
Published: June 26, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I've heard a lot of things that say that douching does this and douching does that. What exactly is douching?
Signed: Confused About Douching
Dear Confused About Douching,
Douching is the act of using water or some type of liquid inside the vagina. Many women believe this is a form of cleaning the inside of the vagina with the use of a tube and a bottle along with this solution to be inserted and sprayed into the vagina. The idea is that it would make the vagina a cleaner and less odorsome place. However, this is not true and unless medically recommended should not be done!
A female's vagina has a natural cleansing and lubrication process that does not need to be altered. All women have a certain natural smell. If you are in good health and wash regularly (see below), this is completely normal. When a women starts douching and using other vaginal deodorants, the vagina's acidic and alkaline balance can change. This can lead to vaginal infections and an increase in your present discharge.
Some women also believe that douching is a method of birth control and STD protection. Douching does not work for either of these. As far as preventing pregnancy, sperm are pretty quick and swim much faster than you can douche. Also, douching may increase a woman's chances of getting pregnant by forcing the sperm into the cervix quicker. Douching does not offer any good protection against STDs either. For more information on birth control or STDs, see Why Both Condoms & The Pill and What's Herpes?.
So, the best advice is not to douche!
So now you are saying, "but I want that clean feeling". The best cleaning that you can do is to wash the outside of your vaginal area daily with warm water and a mild soap. Sometimes tub baths may allow you to clean your vaginal area more thoroughly then showers. Just remember that your body's secretions and smells are a natural part of you.
Remember, if you have an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge or change in smell of your discharge, make an appointment with your doctor. Both of these can be symptoms of an infection, which need treatment.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens with untreated depression are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to higher rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
