Just a dumb cultural thing, or beneficial?
2007-01-06 19:59:24 · 5 answers · asked by gene_frequency 7 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Nice to see some intelligent answers and no flames. You are a different breed!
2007-01-07 17:56:14 · update #1
It's not silly at all to douche as long as you do not do it frequently.
The vagina contains a natural acid producing bacteria to protect itself from infections that's why it's not advisable to douche frequently. Doing so, decreases the numbers of these bacteria that protects the vagina.
2007-01-06 20:06:12 · answer #1 · answered by Jan 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since many women associate douching with cleanliness and good hygiene, it may come as a surprise to learn that douching can actually be dangerous. But the truth is, we're not dirty, and our vaginas can take care of themselves. The best thing to do for our health is to leave our vaginas alone and let our natural system work. There's supposed to be stuff in there -- left to their own devices, they keep each other from overgrowing and promote healthy vaginal pH balance (strong enough for a man, but made by and for a woman!). And there's supposed to be stuff coming out of us, too -- different stuff throughout our menstrual cycle. In fact, vaginal secretions can actually help us know when we're in good health, if we know what to look for.
Occasionally, gynecologists or nurse practitioners may prescribe douches for specific reasons -- under certain circumstances, rinsing the vagina with herbal or iodine solutions may be appropriate. But the kinds of douches that are sold in stores are unnecessary at best. They are part of a whole industry that's financed by encouraging women to feel embarrassed by their natural secretions and odors, and that's where your money goes when you buy douches not specifically prescribed by a medical practitioner. As long as we bathe regularly and are in good health, we don't stink -- we smell like people, which is what we are.
2007-01-06 20:20:35 · answer #2 · answered by Twisted Maggie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
douching throws off the natural balance of things down there. it will lead to a way higher chance of infections, and things will be a lot nastier than they were before. doctors usually say that washing with normal soap and water is the best thing to do.
2007-01-06 20:10:10 · answer #3 · answered by Petitiongirl 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Women don't need to douche. The vagina is self-cleansing. Some women do it to mask odors or to try to feel cleaner, but it's not healthy.
2007-01-06 20:10:59 · answer #4 · answered by severina418 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always heard that it can cause yeast infections.
2007-01-06 20:08:46 · answer #5 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋