We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hygiene

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Douche?

A. Pasbjerg
By
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 30,166
Share

A stream of liquid used to clean out a body cavity is known as douche. Usually associated with rinsing of the vagina, which is also known as vaginal irrigation, douching may involve the use of plain water or a solution of water and other fluids such as vinegar. Douching may be done to wash the vagina clean, or it may be done to apply medication internally. The liquid is usually squirted into the body using an apparatus known as a douche bag.

Often douching is used by women as a method of personal hygiene. A variety of douches are typically available for purchase over the counter for this purpose. Douche may be applied to the vagina to clear away the remnants of a menstrual period. Some women use it as a means to control unwanted odors. After sexual intercourse, a douche may be used in an attempt to clean out semen in hopes of avoiding pregnancy, though this is not thought to be a very effective method of birth control and may in some cases force sperm further into the vagina.

In some situations, doctors may use douche to assist in treating a medical issue. Women who suffer from chronic vaginal infections from yeast or bacteria may benefit from this type of treatment. The doctor will prescribe a specific solution, different from those sold over the counter for hygiene purposes, and oversee the treatment in these cases.

Despite the fact that many women douche to obtain physical benefits, most doctors and other medical professionals recommend against the practice. Its primary purpose, cleaning the vagina, is generally unnecessary as the vagina has mechanisms for cleaning itself naturally. The mucous secreted by the vagina helps to remove any unwanted substances, including all traces of menstruation. Any unpleasant odors are usually the result of infection or other underlying issues, and therefore should be treated medically, not by douching.

In addition to being considered unnecessary, douching may have negative consequences as well. The vagina maintains a natural, healthy chemical and bacterial balance on its own; introducing a douche may upset that balance, leading to irritation and infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Infections may also travel up to the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to more serious issues like pelvic inflammatory disease. Due to its potential damaging effects in the reproductive system, douching may contribute to fertility problems and issues during pregnancy.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A. Pasbjerg
By A. Pasbjerg
Andrea Pasbjerg, a BeautyAnswered contributor, holds an MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her business background helps her to create content that is both informative and practical, providing readers with valuable insights and strategies for success in the business world.
Discussion Comments
By dbuckley212 — On Jan 15, 2011

Some people use this as a derogatory term without realizing its etymological origin is the same as that of "duct" or "duchar," which is the Spanish word for shower. It had a latin connotation of conveyance of water or other substance via a duct, and we use the same root to name the "aqueducts" of Roman times.

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg
Andrea Pasbjerg, a BeautyAnswered contributor, holds an MBA from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her business background helps her to create content that is both informative and practical, providing readers with valuable insights and strategies for success in the business world.
Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-douche.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.