The Dangers of Douching

Douching, or the practice of spraying fluids into the vagina for cleansing purposes, is ofen perceived as a hygiene measure. However, medical professionals caution against this practice, citing its potential to disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria.

You think you are cleaning it, but actually you damage the balance of vaginal biomes by killing good bacteria.
Dr. Pratima Thamke,Motherhood Hospital,Pune

This disruption can lead to an increased risk of infections and other health issues.

7 Mistakes to Avoid for Optimal Vaginal Health

Here are seven common mistakes women should avoid to maintain a healthy vagina:

1. Touching the Vagina with Dirty Hands:

   Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the vaginal area. Dirty hands can introduce harmful bacteria and viruses, disrupting the vaginal flora.Ensure any tools used during bathing, such as loofahs, are clean before use.

2. Not Urinating after Sex:

   Urinating after sexual activity helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by flushing out bacteria that may have entered the urethra.

   Sperm is alkaline, and can change the mechanism of vaginal natural protection. Thus,it is indeed recommended to urinate after sex and clean gently.
   Dr. Pratima Thamke, Motherhood Hospital, Pune

3. Excessive Sugar Consumption:

   Consuming too much sugar, especially processed sugars, can create an surroundings conducive to fungal infections in the vagina. Individuals with diabetes should be especially vigilant about their sugar intake.

   Sugar that is not processed is an enemy of vaginal health as it can trigger fungal infections. If you have diabetes, you must be more vigilant.
   Dr. Pratima thamke, Motherhood Hospital, Pune

4. Wearing Synthetic Underwear:

   While synthetic underwear might potentially be aesthetically pleasing, it frequently enough lacks breathability and can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for fungal infections.Tight-fitting underwear can exacerbate this issue.

   Use cotton underwear,especially in summer. If you sweat a lot,do not use ordinary powder that does not contain drugs in the vaginal area as it can increase the risk of infection.
   Dr. Pratima Thamke, Motherhood Hospital, Pune

   Opt for cotton underwear, especially during warmer months, to promote airflow and reduce moisture.

5. Using Scented Products:

   Scented soaps, sprays, and panty liners can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, increasing the risk of infections like chlamydia.

   Soap or fragrant spray can interfere with the vaginal pH balance and cause infections such as chlamydia.
   Dr. Pratima Thamke, Motherhood Hospital, Pune

   It is generally recommended to avoid using scented products in the vaginal area.

6. Improper Cleaning Techniques:

   When washing the vaginal area, always clean from front to back (vagina to anus) to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the vagina, which can lead to infection.

7. infrequent Replacement of Menstrual Products:

   Pads, tampons, and menstrual cups should be replaced regularly to prevent irritation and infection. Prolonged use of these products can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

   Don’t wait untill the pads or menstrual blood tampons because they can cause itching and infection. If you experience heavy menstruation, replace the pads every 4 hours.If menstruation is mild,replace every 6 hours. For tampons, make sure to replace every 4 hours. If you use a menstrual cup, make sure it is clean before it is installed so as not to cause infection.
   Dr. Pratima Thamke, motherhood Hospital, Pune

Expert Insight

Dr. Pratima Thamke, a Midwifery and Content Specialist at Motherhood Hospital in Pune, emphasizes the importance of understanding and avoiding these common mistakes to maintain optimal vaginal health. By adopting proper hygiene practices and making informed choices, women can considerably reduce their risk of infections and other related issues.