TO DOUCHE OR NOT TO

DOUCHE?

The Debate Continues….

Presenter: Kristina Grace Posadas

Understanding the Vagina’s Normal
Flora

• The normal flora of the vagina consists of several strains

of both bacteria and fungi, specifically yeast.
• These microorganisms are non-pathogenic once
undisturbed in their natural environment (in this case, the
vagina).
What is Douching?
• Douching is cleaning
the external genitalia
using different
chemical preparations
commonly known as
“feminine washes”.
 Why Do Women Douche?
• Most women are
bothered by their odor
(especially during
menstruation) and
vaginal secretions.
• They associate
douching with
cleanliness and good
hygiene, since it kills
the “bad bacteria”.
 Are we Really DIRTY?

• Of course NOT! The vagina has its own

cleansing mechanism, with pH levels as its
device, vaginal secretions as our indicators.
 The Controversy?
• Douching disturbs the
normal Ph level of the
vagina, washes away
both bad and good
bacteria, and invites
other bad bacteria to
invade it.
 What’s Next for Us?

• The dangers of douching are twofold:

a.) Irritation and inflammation of vaginal tissues…a
portal for pathogens.
 What’s Next for Us?
b.) It may complicate existing infections. It can
push the germs causing the infection up into the
cervix or uterus, therefore aggravating your
situation.
Act NOW!
• SCRAP THE
DOUCHES!
Say NO to those “Not-
so-Fresh” ads or
“Intimate Cleansers”
or even those
claiming they’re “pH
balanced”.
 Act NOW!
• Use only mild soaps and
clean water for your
perineal care.
Be sure to use these for the
external genitalia only.
Rinse well, possibly with
lukewarm water.
Do it frequently, especially
after using the comfort
room and after
intercourse.
 Act NOW!
• Be more observant. Distinguish your normal
from abnormal secretions and odor.

Visit your
gynecologist. He/she
is the only person
authorized to prescribe
herbal or iodine
solutions as douches.