I've been reading that it is not wise to douch anymore for fear of infection. Does anyone out there have any wisdom on the subject? Recommendations?

Well i was told different stories form different doctors so i decided since i still get a period i douche after my periods. and why not once in awhile especially you who are sexually active still lol.

I believe in it, I mean we brush our teeth!!

No more than once a week though. A diluted vinegar rinse, to keep the Ph level healthy, or plain water. I used to always do it after a period, and more often, as Terry suggested if you are sexually active.

The vagina is actually "self cleaning" and I've been told you should never douch as it upsets the ph balance in the vagina and actually can set you up for an infection. I never douch because it screws me up...my sister on the other hand is a firm believer in it and does it all the time. She thinks it makes her feel and smell fresher. I disagree. Why would you want to start just out of curiousity?

The generally accepted idea now is that douching is unnecessary and may do more harm than good (unless there's a medical reason you need to do it).

I don’t douche. I never have, BUT my mom did it a couple times a week for YEARS. When she was about 50 she was getting a lot of pelvic pain, and went to the Dr. She had to have emergency surgery to remove over 20 golf ball size benign tumors in her pelvic cavity!! I asked the Dr. what would cause such a situation. He said “douching!”

I’m sure if one did it for some particular reason, it would be fine, but I wouldn't do it as part of your daily (or even weekly) hygiene regiment.

It is a real no-no here in the UK. All the medical advice here from as far back as I remember has always said "do not douche"
I can see why it has an appeal though-we all want to feel squeaky clean these days don't we?
janet c

Yikes!!!!!!

This is true, ladybugs. I worked for a team of gyncologists for several years and this is what they always told the patients...it will upset your normal "flora" and cause more problems than it helps. I took that advice to heart.
I have never douched and I believe I am just as clean as anyone who does!

Thanks everyone!!!

I think douching is a personal choice....i very rarely do because even with the extra mild vinegar/water ones i always get a yeast infection after i do.My mom,on the otherhand,says they soothe and help her when she's having vaginal problems......i think if it doesn't irritate you or cause any other problems it's ok to do sometimes.

I have never douched either. My doctor told me back in the 70s that it's not necessary because the vagina is self cleaning. You can really upset the natural PH of your vagina if you do. I think douches are one more thing manufacturers cooked up to make women feel more feminine. Hogwash!

WriterMom

I do it occasionally, like if I had a really yucky period (sorry, that's gross). But generally speaking, no. And for the reasons already posted -- it messes up the good stuff that's already there. My mom did it for years too. Don't know if she still does. Used to use some scented stuff in these little plastic tubes -- strawberry, apple, citrus, etc. -- and the bathroom smelled like that all the time. My mom has always been a real stickler for "freshness". I remember she used to get a lot of bladder infections. That's probably what was causing it.

I have douched with Peroxide to clear up BV and it worked like a charm

My mother used to douche rather frequently but I think I only have a couple of times in my life to cool things down when I had a yeast infection. The vagina is self cleaning and as most of the ladies on this thread have posted, you can really mess up the nature pH/flora.

Actually, beyond that, I find it offensive that the ads suggest that somehow women are dirty "down there" and need to douche to be clean. If you bathe regularly and pay attention to all parts of your body then you are no dirtier than anyone else, woman or man. When was the last time you saw an ad on TV about jock itch or a product to help men stay clean and fresh "down there"??? The ads for female hygiene products air at any old time of day too! I can't tell you how annoyed I get that it puts the "dirty, unclean" idea into young people's heads. Ok, I'll get back off my soap box now. : )

i think the douche went out with the bush admistrion......

Good one!
Bill brought it to a whole new level!
Have never douched but but just wash carefully with a very mild non-perfumed job.
Seems to work.My Mother would say to me every day "I hope you are wearing clean knickers,!because if you have an accident they will at least know you are from a clean home'
I asked her about what would happen if I died.She said f course that would be terrible but at least I would not feel embarrassed identifying the body"
Thanks Mother!

Stay Well
Elizabeth.
P.S. Last year when I went to visit my mother she said "I hope you are not wearing 'those nasty thongs"They do not belong in such areas!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA !!!!

OMG....... you cracked me up BooHoo!!!

And according to Dr. OZ...the Vajayjay is like a self cleaning oven.....DONT douche...it just causes more problems

Syb you crack me up "vajayjay"!

Don't douche here either.