Important lifestyle advice for women – Avoid Vaginal douching

Vaginal douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. In the United States, about one in four women 15 to 44 years old douche. Doctors do not recommend douching as it can lead to various women’s health issues.

There are many debates in regards to the pros and cons for vaginal douching. For example, US research suggests vaginal douching exposes women to potential hazardous endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

A clinical study examined urine sample from over 700 women. Results showed urine samples obtained from women who regularly douched had a greater concentration of phthalate metabolites present in their urine which also affect hormonal action.

Not only is vaginal douching harmful, but also the use of other fragranced products utilised around the vaginal area have adverse effects. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), are both common constituents found in fragranced products. Both the constituents are associated with having adverse effects on reproduction, the developmental system and the endocrine system.

Another survey analysis was conducted by the researchers to investigate the use of feminine hygiene products in females aged 20 to 48. From the results, 52% of the women who douched within the last month had a significant increased concentration of DEP metabolites in their urine when compared to women who had never douched. Also, as douche frequency increased, the concentration of DEP metabolites in the urine also significantly increased. As shown by the results, women who douched twice a month or multiple times, they had 152% higher metabolites in their urine.

Other external feminine products such as tampons, sanitary napkin, sprays and wipes were also examined. Fortunately, no links were established between phthalates and such feminine products. On the other hand, intravaginal products are associated with an increased risk to hazardous chemicals.

In conclusion, the cons of douching outweigh the pros of douching. So the best lifestyle advice for women is to limit the use of vaginal douching, as it is hazardous and can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, cervical cancer, bacterial vagionisis and other women’s health issue.