Vanity has always been the woman’s sin, although not exclusively. We just want to be consistently clean, from top to toe, and most especially, down under.

For many women, cleaning by water or simple tissue-wiping are no longer enough. When that particular time of the month comes, there’s usually a dirty feeling because of the discharge. That’s why some women have been cleaning themselves by douching. To douche is to rinse the vagina by forcing water or other cleansing solution inside. This is done to cleanse the vaginal cavity by flushing unwanted impurities.

Some also douche after intercourse. There is a belief that doing so is a form of contraceptive and a preventive measure against sexually-transmitted diseases. Women also douche to get rid of foul vaginal odor and to prevent yeast infection.

Surprisingly, there have been recent studies which have disproved that douching is good for the reproductive health. While douching may reduce chances of getting pregnant, it makes the vagina more susceptible to infections.

Cleansing your area regularly through douching can actually invite new bacteria which can develop into diseases in the cervix, uterus, and even in the fallopian tubes. It has also been found that regular douching has caused several cases of bacterial vaginosis some types of STDs, and PIDs or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can lead to infertility and even death.

Due to these findings, douching may not be the best way to cleanse. What’s best? Let it cleanse itself. Believe it or not, your vagina has the ability to clean out impurities with its secretions. You can help simply by using warm water and the mildest unscented soap on the outer area. For the inner area, let it do things naturally.

Thanks to Anj for the tips.