Is douching safe for vaginal health. What are the risks associated with douching. How can women maintain proper vaginal hygiene without douching. Does douching prevent sexually transmitted infections. What are alternatives to douching for addressing vaginal odor.

Understanding Douching: Definition and Prevalence

Douching, derived from the French word “douche” meaning to wash or soak, refers to the practice of cleaning the inside of the vagina with water or other fluid mixtures. This process typically involves using a bottle or bag to squirt a solution upward through a tube or nozzle into the vagina, which then flows back out.

In the United States, douching remains a relatively common practice:

• Approximately one in five women aged 15 to 44 engage in douching
• The practice is more prevalent among African-American and Hispanic women compared to white women
• Douching is also common among teenagers across all racial and ethnic groups

Despite its prevalence, medical professionals strongly advise against douching due to its potential health risks and lack of proven benefits.

The Myth of Necessity: Why Douching is Not Recommended

Many women believe that douching is necessary for maintaining vaginal cleanliness and freshness. However, this is a misconception that can lead to harmful health consequences. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that naturally maintains its own balance of flora and acidity.

Why is douching discouraged by medical professionals?

• It disrupts the natural balance of vaginal bacteria
• Douching can alter the vagina’s pH level, making it more susceptible to infections
• The practice may mask symptoms of underlying health issues, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment
• Douching can actually introduce harmful bacteria into the reproductive system

Health experts emphasize that a healthy vagina does not require internal cleaning. The body’s natural processes are sufficient for maintaining vaginal hygiene.

Health Risks Associated with Douching

Research has linked douching to various health problems, raising concerns about its safety and efficacy. While some studies are ongoing to determine whether douching directly causes these issues or if women at higher risk for these problems are more likely to douche, the association is significant enough to warrant caution.

What are the potential health risks linked to douching?

1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Women who douche weekly are five times more likely to develop BV than those who don’t.
2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Douching can push existing vaginal infections up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, potentially leading to PID.
3. Pregnancy Complications: Douching has been associated with preterm birth and ectopic pregnancy.
4. Increased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Including HIV.
5. Vaginal Irritation and Dryness: Frequent douching can disrupt the vagina’s natural moisture balance.

Given these potential risks, healthcare providers strongly advise against douching as a routine practice for vaginal care.

Debunking Douching Myths: Odor Control and Cleanliness

One common misconception is that douching effectively eliminates vaginal odor and promotes cleanliness. However, this belief is not only incorrect but can also be harmful to vaginal health.

Can douching eliminate vaginal odor?

Douching may temporarily mask vaginal odors, but it does not address the underlying causes. In fact, it can exacerbate existing problems by disrupting the vagina’s natural balance. Strong or persistent vaginal odors often indicate an infection or other health issue that requires medical attention.

Does douching improve vaginal cleanliness?

Contrary to popular belief, douching does not enhance vaginal cleanliness. The vagina is self-cleaning, naturally flushing out blood, semen, and vaginal discharge. Douching can interfere with this natural process and potentially introduce harmful bacteria, leading to infections.

Signs That Require Medical Attention

Instead of douching to address vaginal concerns, women should consult a healthcare provider if they experience:

• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Itching accompanied by thick, white, or yellowish-green discharge
• Burning sensation, redness, or swelling in or around the vagina
• Pain during urination
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse

These symptoms may indicate a vaginal infection or STI, requiring proper medical diagnosis and treatment.

Proper Vaginal Hygiene: Safe Alternatives to Douching

Maintaining vaginal health doesn’t require internal cleaning or douching. Instead, women can adopt safe and effective hygiene practices that support the vagina’s natural self-cleaning process.

How can women maintain proper vaginal hygiene without douching?

1. External Cleansing: Wash the external genital area with warm water during regular bathing. Some women may use mild, unscented soaps, but those with sensitive skin or active infections should avoid soap to prevent irritation.
2. Avoid Scented Products: Steer clear of scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays, as these can increase the risk of vaginal infections.
3. Wear Breathable Underwear: Choose cotton or other natural, breathable fabrics to allow air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.
4. Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms to protect against STIs and maintain vaginal health.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in probiotics can support vaginal flora balance.

By following these practices, women can maintain vaginal health without resorting to potentially harmful douching.

Understanding Normal Vaginal Odor and Discharge

Many women turn to douching due to concerns about vaginal odor or discharge. However, it’s important to understand that some level of odor and discharge is normal and can vary throughout the menstrual cycle.

What constitutes normal vaginal odor?

A healthy vagina typically has a mild, musky scent that may become more noticeable during physical activity. This odor can change slightly throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations. A sudden change in odor or a strong, unpleasant smell may indicate an infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What is considered normal vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a natural occurrence that helps keep the vagina clean and healthy. Normal discharge can vary in consistency and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. It may be clear, white, or slightly yellowish and can range from thin and watery to thick and sticky. Changes in discharge that are accompanied by itching, burning, or a strong odor may indicate an infection and should be assessed by a medical professional.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Women should consult a healthcare provider if they experience:

• Sudden changes in vaginal odor or discharge color
• Persistent strong or foul odors
• Itching, burning, or irritation in the vaginal area
• Unusual discharge consistency (e.g., cottage cheese-like or frothy)
• Pain or discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse

These symptoms may indicate an infection or other health issue that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Vaginal pH in Health and Hygiene

Understanding the importance of vaginal pH can help women appreciate why douching is unnecessary and potentially harmful. The vagina maintains a delicate balance that contributes to its self-cleaning properties and defense against infections.

What is the normal vaginal pH range?

A healthy vagina typically has a pH level between 3.8 and 4.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidic environment helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast that can lead to infections.

How does douching affect vaginal pH?

Douching can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance by washing away the beneficial bacteria that maintain this acidic environment. This disruption can create conditions favorable for the growth of harmful microorganisms, increasing the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

Factors That Can Affect Vaginal pH

Several factors can influence vaginal pH, including:

• Menstruation: Blood has a pH of 7.4, which can temporarily elevate vaginal pH during menstruation
• Sexual activity: Semen has a pH of 7.1 to 8, which can temporarily alter vaginal pH
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can affect pH levels
• Certain medications: Antibiotics, for example, can disrupt the balance of vaginal bacteria
• Douching and other harsh hygiene practices: These can significantly alter the vaginal pH

Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH is crucial for overall reproductive health and can be achieved through proper hygiene practices and avoiding unnecessary interventions like douching.

Douching and Sexual Health: Myths and Facts

There are several misconceptions about douching in relation to sexual health, particularly regarding its supposed benefits before or after sexual activity. It’s important to address these myths to promote safer sexual practices and better vaginal health.

Can douching prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Contrary to popular belief, douching does not prevent STIs. In fact, it may increase the risk of contracting STIs by altering the vaginal environment and potentially causing micro-tears in the vaginal tissue. The best ways to prevent STIs include practicing safe sex, using condoms consistently, and getting regular STI screenings.

Is douching effective as a contraceptive method?

Douching is not an effective method of contraception. It does not prevent pregnancy and should not be relied upon for birth control. In some cases, the force of douching may actually push sperm further into the reproductive tract, potentially increasing the likelihood of conception.

The Impact of Douching on Sexual Health

Douching can have several negative effects on sexual health:

• Increased susceptibility to STIs: By disrupting the vaginal flora and pH, douching can make the vagina more vulnerable to infections
• Irritation and discomfort: Frequent douching can lead to vaginal dryness and irritation, making sexual intercourse uncomfortable
• Masking symptoms: Douching may temporarily mask symptoms of STIs or other infections, delaying diagnosis and treatment
• Altering natural lubrication: The practice can interfere with the vagina’s natural lubrication, potentially affecting sexual pleasure and comfort

For optimal sexual health, it’s recommended to maintain good overall hygiene, practice safe sex, and consult with healthcare providers for any concerns rather than resorting to douching.

Cultural and Social Factors Influencing Douching Practices

The prevalence of douching varies across different cultural and social groups, influenced by a complex interplay of factors including traditional beliefs, social norms, and marketing influences.

Why is douching more common in certain communities?

Research has shown that douching is more prevalent among African-American and Hispanic women compared to white women in the United States. This disparity can be attributed to several factors:

• Cultural traditions and beliefs about cleanliness
• Intergenerational practices passed down through families
• Societal pressures and misconceptions about vaginal odor
• Targeted marketing of douching products to specific demographics
• Limited access to comprehensive sexual health education in some communities

Addressing Cultural Misconceptions

To reduce the prevalence of douching and its associated health risks, it’s crucial to address these cultural and social factors through:

1. Culturally sensitive health education programs
2. Community outreach initiatives
3. Challenging harmful beauty standards and misconceptions about vaginal health
4. Promoting accurate information about vaginal hygiene across diverse communities
5. Encouraging open dialogues about sexual and reproductive health

By addressing these underlying factors, healthcare providers and educators can work towards reducing the practice of douching and promoting healthier vaginal care practices across all communities.

The Future of Vaginal Health: Research and Education

As our understanding of vaginal health continues to evolve, ongoing research and education play crucial roles in shaping future practices and recommendations.

What are the current trends in vaginal health research?

Current research in vaginal health focuses on several key areas:

• The vaginal microbiome: Understanding the complex ecosystem of microorganisms in the vagina and their role in health and disease
• Non-invasive diagnostic tools: Developing better methods for detecting vaginal infections and imbalances without disrupting the vaginal environment
• Alternative treatments: Exploring probiotics and other natural approaches to maintaining vaginal health
• Long-term effects of hygiene practices: Studying the long-term impact of various vaginal hygiene practices, including douching
• Personalized vaginal care: Investigating how individual factors like genetics and lifestyle influence vaginal health

The Importance of Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

Improving education about vaginal health and hygiene is essential for reducing harmful practices like douching. Key aspects of this education should include:

1. Age-appropriate information about vaginal anatomy and function
2. Debunking myths and misconceptions about vaginal cleanliness and odor
3. Teaching proper hygiene practices that support vaginal health
4. Encouraging open communication with healthcare providers about sexual and reproductive health concerns
5. Promoting body positivity and self-acceptance to combat societal pressures

By combining ongoing research with comprehensive education, we can work towards a future where women are empowered to make informed decisions about their vaginal health, free from harmful practices like douching.

Douching | Office on Women’s Health

Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. In the United States, almost one in five women 15 to 44 years old douche. Doctors recommend that you do not douche. Douching can lead to many health problems, including problems getting pregnant. Douching is also linked to vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What is douching?

The word “douche” means to wash or soak. Douching is washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches are sold in stores as prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. The mixtures usually come in a bottle or bag. You squirt the douche upward through a tube or nozzle into your vagina. The water mixture then comes back out through your vagina.

Douching is different from washing the outside of your vagina during a bath or shower. Rinsing the outside of your vagina with warm water will not harm your vagina. But, douching can lead to many different health problems.

Most doctors recommend that women do not douche.

How common is douching?

In the United States, almost one in five women 15 to 44 years old douche.

More African-American and Hispanic women douche than white women.² Douching is also common in teens of all races and ethnicities.^3,4

Studies have not found any health benefit to douching. But, studies have found that douching is linked to many health problems.

Why should women not douche?

Most doctors recommend that women do not douche. Douching can change the necessary balance of vaginal flora (bacteria that live in the vagina) and natural acidity in a healthy vagina.

A healthy vagina has good and harmful bacteria. The balance of bacteria helps maintain an acidic environment. The acidic environment protects the vagina from infections or irritation.

Douching can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. If you already have a vaginal infection, douching can push the bacteria causing the infection up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a serious health problem.

Douching is also linked to other health problems.

What health problems are linked to douching?

Health problems linked to douching include:⁵

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is an infection in the vagina. Women who douche often (once a week) are five times more likely to develop BV than women who do not douche.⁶
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection in the reproductive organs that is often caused by an STI
• Problems during pregnancy, including preterm birth and ectopic pregnancy
• STIs, including HIV
• Vaginal irritation or dryness

Researchers are studying whether douching causes these problems or whether women at higher risk for these health problems are more likely to douche.

Should I douche to get rid of vaginal odor or other problems?

No. You should not douche to try to get rid of vaginal odor or other vaginal problems like discharge, pain, itching, or burning.

Douching will only cover up odor for a short time and will make other problems worse. Call your doctor or nurse if you have:

• Vaginal discharge that smells bad
• Vaginal itching and thick, white, or yellowish-green discharge with or without an odor
• Burning, redness, and swelling in or around the vagina
• Pain when urinating
• Pain or discomfort during sex

These may be signs of a vaginal infection, or an STI. Do not douche before seeing your doctor or nurse. This can make it hard for the doctor or nurse to find out what may be wrong.

Should I douche to clean inside my vagina?

No. Doctors recommend that women do not douche. You do not need to douche to clean your vagina. Your body naturally flushes out and cleans your vagina. Any strong odor or irritation usually means something is wrong.

Douching also can raise your chances of a vaginal infection or an STI. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.

What is the best way to clean my vagina?

It is best to let your vagina clean itself. The vagina cleans itself naturally by making mucous. The mucous washes away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge.

If you are worried about vaginal odor, talk to your doctor or nurse. But you should know that even healthy, clean vaginas have a mild odor that changes throughout the day. Physical activity also can give your vagina a stronger, muskier scent, but this is still normal.

Keep your vagina clean and healthy by:

• Washing the outside of your vagina with warm water when you bathe. Some women also use mild soaps. But, if you have sensitive skin or any current vaginal infections, even mild soaps can cause dryness and irritation.
• Avoiding scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays. These products may increase your chances of getting a vaginal infection.

Can douching before or after sex prevent STIs?

No. Douching before or after sex does not prevent STIs. In fact, douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection. This can actually increase your risk of getting STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Learn ways to prevent STIs.

Should I douche if I had sex without using protection or if the condom broke?

No. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection. This can increase your risk of getting STIs, including HIV. Douching also does not protect against pregnancy.

If you had sex without using protection or if the condom broke during sex, see a doctor right away. You can get medicine to help prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy.

Should I douche if I was sexually assaulted?

No, you should not douche, bathe, or shower. As hard as it may be to not wash up, you may wash away important evidence if you do. Douching may also increase your risk of getting STIs, including HIV. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible. The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) can help you find a hospital able to collect evidence of sexual assault. Your doctor or nurse can help you get medicine to help prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy.

Can douching after sex prevent pregnancy?

No. Douching does not prevent pregnancy. It should never be used for birth control. If you had sex without using birth control or if your birth control method did not work correctly (failed), you can use emergency contraception to keep from getting pregnant.

If you need birth control, talk to your doctor or nurse about which type of birth control method is best for you.

How does douching affect pregnancy?

Douching can make it harder to get pregnant and can cause problems during pregnancy:

• Trouble getting pregnant.  Women who douched at least once a month had a harder time getting pregnant than those women who did not douche.⁷
• Higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Douching may increase a woman’s chance of damaged fallopian tubes and ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg attaches to the inside of the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. If left untreated, ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening. It can also make it hard for a woman to get pregnant in the future.
• Higher risk of early childbirth. Douching raises your risk for premature birth. One study found that women who douched during pregnancy were more likely to deliver their babies early.⁸ This raises the risk for health problems for you and your baby.

Did we answer your question about douching?

For more information about douching, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662.

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Key Statistics from the National Survey of Family Growth.
2. Chandra, A., Martinez, G., Mosher, W., Abma, J., & Jones, J. (2005).Fertility, family planning, and reproductive health of U.S. women: Data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. Vital Health Statistics; 23(25), 1–160.
3. Ott, M.A., Ofner, S.O., Fortenberry, J.D. (2009). Beyond Douching: Use of Feminine Hygiene Products and STI Risk among Young Women. Journal of Sexual Medicine; 6: 1335–1340.
4. Markham, C.M., Tortolero, S.R., Addy, R.C., Baumler, E.R., McKirahan, N.K., Escobar-Chaves, S.L., et al. (2007). Factors Associated with Frequent Vaginal Douching Among Alternative School Youth. Journal of Adolescent Health; 41(5): 509–512.
5. Ness, R.B., et al. (2002). Douching in relation to bacterial vaginosis, lactobacilli, and facultative bacteria in the vagina. Obstet Gynecol; 100:765–72.
6. Allsworth, J., & Peipert, J. (2007). Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis: 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.  Obstetrics and Gynecology; 109(1), 114–120.
7. Baird, D.D., et al. (1996). Vaginal douching and reduced fertility. American Journal of Public Health; 86(6): 844–50.
8. Misra, D. P., & Trabert, B. (2007). Vaginal douching and risk of preterm birth among African American women. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; 196(2), 140 e141–140 e148.

The Office on Women’s Health is grateful for the medical review by:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff

All material contained on these pages are free of copyright restrictions and maybe copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

Page last updated:
December 29, 2022

Douching for perceived vaginal odor with no infectious cause of vaginitis: a randomized controlled trial

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Randomized Controlled Trial

. 2011 Apr;15(2):128-33.

doi: 10.1097/LGT.0b013e3181fb4270.

Sarmina Hassan 
¹
, Ashwin Chatwani, Herman Brovender, Richard Zane, Thomas Valaoras, Jack D Sobel

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

• PMID:

  21263351

• DOI:

  10.1097/LGT.0b013e3181fb4270

Randomized Controlled Trial

Sarmina Hassan et al.

J Low Genit Tract Dis.

2011 Apr.

. 2011 Apr;15(2):128-33.

doi: 10. 1097/LGT.0b013e3181fb4270.

Authors

Sarmina Hassan 
¹
, Ashwin Chatwani, Herman Brovender, Richard Zane, Thomas Valaoras, Jack D Sobel

Affiliation

• ¹ Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

• PMID:

  21263351

• DOI:

  10.1097/LGT.0b013e3181fb4270

Abstract

Objective:

To demonstrate the effectiveness of medical-grade stainless steel Water Works Douching Device for treating abnormal vaginal odor in comparison with a commercially available over-the-counter plastic douching device.

Materials and methods:

In a multicenter study, 140 women with perceived vaginal odor with no vaginal infection were randomized to either Water Works or control group in a 1:1 ratio and were douched daily for 4 weeks. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the intensity of vaginal odor. Primary outcome included subject assessment of odor improvement and Nugent Gram stain score of vaginal secretions. Secondary outcome compared the efficacy and safety of Water Works with control douching device. Each patient underwent baseline, week 2, and week 4 visits.

Results:

The final analytic sample consisted of 96 women. Success score at 4 weeks was 78% for the Water Works group and 38.5% for the control group. Mean VAS was significantly reduced, and Nugent and Lactobacillus scores were maintained in both groups. In the Water Works group, VAS was reduced from 7. 3 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.6 (p < .001) after 4 weeks. In the control group, baseline versus 4 weeks VAS was 7.2 ± 0.3 and 3.4 ± 0.8 (p < .003).

Conclusions:

Women reported significant reduction of vaginal odor after douching with water for 4 weeks without any alteration of vaginal flora. The Water Works Douching Device was superior to over- the-counter device in reducing vaginal odor.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00417365.

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Vaginal douching for 1,000 rubles in Rostov-on-Don

Many women resort to the procedure of vaginal douching. There is an opinion that this method of cleansing the vagina is necessary to maintain the hygiene of the external genitalia. But is such manipulation safe from the point of view of gynecologists, and what benefits can it bring to the female body? In this article we will consider all the especially important aspects of this issue.

Douching is a process that involves rinsing the vagina with water. Some women for these purposes use not just pure water, but various pharmaceutical products (tantum rose, soda, furatsilin, manganese solution, chlorhexidine, chamomile, miramistin, hydrogen peroxide).

Purpose

Why do women practice vaginal douching? As a rule, the following goals are pursued:

• prevention of unwanted pregnancy
• prevention of sexually transmitted diseases
• desire to get rid of residual menstrual blood at the end of menstruation
• achieve a feeling of cleanliness and freshness
• odor removal
• fulfillment of doctor’s prescriptions for the treatment of genital infections

All goals, except the last one, are clearly in the realm of delusion and misinformation. Douching cannot prevent pregnancy and STDs. Gynecologists around the world are of the opinion that the vagina of a healthy woman is able to cleanse itself, including from the remnants of menstrual blood. Douching does not help to get rid of an unpleasant smell from the vagina (as opposed to timely contacting a gynecologist when this delicate problem occurs).

It makes sense to resort to the douching procedure only in one case – this manipulation was recommended to a woman by a doctor as part of the treatment of a gynecological disease.

Separately, it is worth mentioning such a myth as douching in order to increase the likelihood of conception. Women who practice this procedure try to clear the vagina of secretions in order to make the path of spermatozoa to the uterus freer and more open. What do gynecologists think about this? Experts talk about the senselessness of such actions. Natural vaginal discharge does not prevent the onset of conception during sexual activity. If a woman has abnormal vaginal discharge, to eliminate them, it is necessary to determine the cause and undergo treatment. Douching will not only not help get rid of the discharge, but will also contribute to the penetration of the infection into the uterus, which can have serious consequences, including infertility.

What happens when douching

Vaginal rinsing by injecting water can have the following negative effects:

Gynecologists consider vaginal douching with ordinary clean water to be the safest. But the use of various pharmaceutical products can cause much more harm to the female body. Of particular danger are douching with products that are dispensed in a pharmacy without a prescription and solutions prepared at home on their own. Often the result of vaginal douching, which women “prescribe” to themselves, is endometriosis, bacterial vaginosis, ectopic pregnancy, and even premature birth.

Contraindications

There are a number of situations in which vaginal douching is not only not recommended, but is strictly contraindicated:

• vaginal itching
• Vaginal malodor
• vaginal discharge that is cheesy or thick, yellowish green or white
• pain when urinating
• congestion or burning of the vulva

The fact is that all of the above symptoms are signs of serious diseases and dangerous conditions that are not treated by douching.

A woman with such complaints should consult a competent and experienced gynecologist who will diagnose and prescribe an adequate treatment for the clinical case.

Many women who practice douching are convinced that they are thus taking full care of themselves. However, modern gynecology argues that douching not only does not bring any benefit, but can also harm female reproductive health by disrupting the normal microbial and chemical balance of the vagina. If there are problems, these procedures will not only not give the desired effect, but can also lead to a worsening of the situation.

Alternative

If you are concerned about vaginal odor, discharge, itching, discomfort, rash, vulvar hyperemia, not getting pregnant, the best step is to make an appointment with your doctor. In our Rostov medical center “Best-Clinic” qualified gynecologists who have extensive experience in the successful treatment of all diseases of the female reproductive system conduct appointments. The price of a specialist appointment in our center is one of the most affordable among Rostov-on-Don clinics. Contact us, we will help you restore health and joy of life!

Attention! Please check the prices before visiting a specialist!

Vaginal odor: how to solve such a delicate problem?

Question: Lately I have had an unpleasant smell in my intimate area. Even a regular shower does not save. What could it be and what do these symptoms indicate? Can I get rid of the smell without going to the doctors.

Answer: Hangeldova Karina Grigoryevna – obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, ultrasound doctor, Ph.D.

Causes of bad breath from the vagina

The appearance of an unpleasant “fishy” odor from the vagina, which is especially acute during sexual intercourse and the use of soap for hygiene purposes, is most likely caused by a disease such as gardnerellosis. The cause of this disease is the reproduction of the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis. A small number of these opportunistic microorganisms are part of the normal microflora of the vagina, but in some cases (decreased immunity, poor hygiene, change of sexual partner, use of antiseptics for douching, etc.) they begin to multiply actively, causing inflammation in the genitourinary system.

There are two forms of this disease: vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. Their symptoms are somewhat different. In the first case, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor appears. They are often gray in color and are accompanied by genital itching. In the second, inflammation and discharge do not bother, but the “fish smell” from the vagina remains.

It is worth noting that this disease does not pose a great danger to a woman’s health, the spread of infection in the body is unlikely. However, it requires treatment, as a sharp unpleasant odor significantly changes the quality of a person’s sexual life. In addition, a woman and her sexual partners contribute to the spread of infection.

How to get rid of vaginal odor

It is worth noting that gardnerella lives in the body of both women and men, only in the stronger sex the infection does not manifest itself. The course of treatment is carried out simultaneously for both partners. The process of getting rid of this disease is quite simple. It comes down to the use of antibiotics or topical drugs. But the doctor should prescribe a course of treatment after examining the patient and determining the degree of development of the disease.

As a result of the activity of gardnerella and antibiotic therapy, the species composition of the vaginal microflora is very strongly disturbed, therefore, after the course of treatment, it is necessary to correct it with the help of probiotics (that is, to populate the vagina with useful lactobacilli). This procedure will also be carried out by specialists of our clinic.

In addition to gardnerellosis, there are other causes of vaginal odor, so you should not self-medicate and start drinking hastily bought antibiotics.