What kind of douche should i use

There is a common misconception that douching can help prevent vaginal infections or get rid of them. However, the opposite is true. In fact, women who douche are five times more likely to develop vaginosis than those who do not. Using a douche when an infection is already present is also more likely to make it worse and spread to other parts of the reproductive system.

Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection. Women who douche regularly increase their risk of PID by 73 percent. Cervicitis occurs when the cervix becomes irritated or inflamed, and it can cause itching, pain, and vaginal discharge. It is another condition that is usually contracted via a sexually transmitted infection. However, douching also increases the risk.

While a natural vaginal odor and some vaginal discharge are both perfectly healthy, it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a more serious problem. Cleaning with a douche or any hash or disruptive cleaning method is likely to cause damage to the vagina, which in some cases, could be severe. A woman who is worried about vaginal odor or abnormal discharge should contact her doctor to discuss the issue. Using a douche to eliminate these concerns could mask underlying issues and may lead to more severe complications if left untreated.

Keeping the vagina clean is simple. The easiest way is by washing with water when bathing or showering. A non-fragranced wash can be used, or one designed for vaginal use that will not upset the natural pH balance of the vagina. When washing, a person should gently hold the outer folds of the vagina back and rinse or splash with water. Do not scrub the area and avoid getting soap or washes inside the vagina. If using a wash, the individual should make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward and gently pat dry with a clean towel.

By following the above advice, the pH balance and good bacteria in the vagina should remain undisturbed, and infections and odors are less likely to occur. Think you know all there is to know about your lady parts?

After loosening up your butt with a lube finger like a good top, slowly insert the lubed douche nozzle. Squeeze the bulb to slowly squirt in the liquid. Pull out the nozzle. Even if you douche with the right water, the right temperature, and the right equipment, you can damage the lining in your butt that can put you at higher risk for getting an infection from your partner.

There is no magic number of times that makes douching unsafe. But if you can, limit yourself to once a day and only days per week.

Allow some time for all the water you squirted inside yourself to come back out and stay close to a toilet while you wait. Use this time to clean up your place, take your PrEP or your HIV meds, or get your lube and condoms if they are part of your sexual health plan.

Other bulking agents like fiber supplements are OK to take. If you have loose stools or diarrhea, fiber supplements can help. It happens! Get info about everything from douching to fissures with this series on all things anal. Visit sfaf. Anal health. Anal douching safety tips. March 29, 6 Minute Read. About the author. Share this Post. Related Stories.

Living well Our voices. August 26, Community Our voices. August 13, Boxinette is a longtime member of the Black Brothers Esteem program and has done a great Advocacy Community Our voices. Douching is used for personal hygiene or aesthetic reasons, for preventing or treating an infection, to cleanse after menstruation or sex, and to prevent pregnancy.

Douches can be found prepackaged in stores and contain a mixture of water and vinegar, iodine, or baking soda — or they may even contain a chemical mixture. These mixtures are squirted into the vagina using a tube or nozzle. Once a recommended medical practice, vaginal douching is now known to upset the natural pH of the vagina. The vagina naturally maintains an acidic environment with a pH level of 3.

This acidic environment is favorable to the healthy bacteria that naturally grow in the vagina, and unfavorable to harmful bacteria that might try to move in. Douching with vaginal wipes, soaps, and perfumes raises the pH level of the vagina. An elevated pH means that the healthy flora of the vagina may struggle to survive, while harmful bacteria begin to thrive. This elevated pH level caused by vaginal douching can cause immediate health problems for a woman, including:.

Douching can also put women at risk for longer-term health problems. In fact, the US Department of Health and Humans Services notes that women who douche are more likely to have a sexually transmitted disease. Douching can send the harmful bacteria of these infections higher into the reproductive system. Often, women can have chlamydia or gonorrhea without having any symptoms. Women who douche also have an increased likelihood of developing pelvic inflammatory disease PID.