To douche or not to douche, that is the question.

Douching ... Yay or nay?

There is an estimated that roughly 20% to 40% of women from 15 years old to 44 years old that have said they use some form of douche. Some reasons given when asked are to make themselves feel fresher, to get rid of any unpleasant odor that may be present, washes away any left over menstrual blood after their period, to avoid the chances of getting STD's and a pregnancy prevention after sexual intercourse. Experts have been saying that douching is not an effective way to handle any of the reasons stated above. Experts actually tell women not to do it because it may actually bring on infections, complications during the pregnancy process and some more health issues.

There are several kinds made that have some form of fragrance, vinegar and antiseptics that are sold on the market to all customers and possible customers. You can find them more commonly in a bottle, less common in a bag. There is no real advantage to using a douche of any kind at any point, even though some women feel otherwise. However, there are far more negative effects when it comes to douching; douching has been shown to throw off the PH balance in a woman's vagina, they also turn the natural balance of the vagina's bacteria and can cause infections. Another down side to douching is an increased chance of getting PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) up to around 75%; PID is an infection of the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. Douching may also cause complications with pregnancy (more commonly seen with women use a douche more than one time a week) such as ectopic pregnancies; for the women who use a douche more then once week may also be putting themselves at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

If a woman is worried about her vaginal odor, it best for her to go to her doctor. There are other options when it comes to wanting to keep an odor down (or away) or just keeping your vagina clean in general. It's as basic as water and scent free soap, or even a vagina specific soap that won't put a woman's natural PH in a spin. Avoid scrubbing too hard and DO NOT put soap inside your vagina. By washing your vagina regularly, you should not have an odor (if you do, go see a doctor, do not try and doctor it yourself); breathable materials for underwear help (not too tight and cotton fabric - avoid anything that will choke your lady parts out and cause bacteria to grow).

So ladies, in the end, it is all up to you whether you want to assist your own body for whatever your personal reasons may be. If it's not broken, why fix it? We only have one body and one chance to be kind to it, all of it.