Menstruation tip – don’t douche or use a scented vaginal wash during your periods

If you are using one, stop right away.

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: January 31, 2018 3:06 pm

A few days back, I shared with the readers of this site some home-based vaginal washes that could do you wonders, like prevent vaginal itching; bad odour and keep the area clean during periods. I still swear by those washes, which are natural and practically have no side-effects. But today, I am here to talk about why douching or using commercial vaginal washes during periods is not a good idea. Here are few menstrual hygiene rules every woman should follow. Also Read - Yoga for periods: 5 asanas for healthy menstrual cycle

Also Read - Vaginal discharge can be a sign of serious health conditions: Home remedies every woman should know

In the recent past, I have met few teenage girls and even older women who were concerned about how to keep themselves clean during their periods. While talking about the same some confided that they took help of vaginal douche or artificially scented vaginal wash to clean the vagina. It was no surprise that they also complained about vaginal itching, soreness and rashes post periods. Now they don t belong to any experimental study groups but are general women whom I know. With my limited knowledge, I did let them know that douching or using scented vaginal washes during periods is not a healthy thing. Here is how neem leaves can help you stay odour free during periods. Also Read - Tampons, Pads or Menstrual Cups: Which is better for your period?

Now, long back my gynaecologist advised me not to use any kind of commercially scented vaginal washes as it could disturb the natural pH balance of the vaginal area and lead to bacterial or fungal infections. This is how I reached out for the homemade baking soda and lukewarm water combination as suggested by her to keep the area clean, periods or no periods. Twice a week washing of the area with baking soda and lukewarm water combination did keep any kind of vaginal problems at bay for me.

When it comes to douching I have never tried it. But after I heard that girls are trying this to keep the vagina clean and fight vaginal infections during periods I did my own research about the same and learnt that it isn t a healthy practice as it puts your vagina into some kind of trauma. Apart from this, it does increase the risk of infections and STDs when used regularly. There are studies that tell us douching during periods proposes more harm than the benefits it promises. Douching disturbs the natural vaginal flora and sets the stage for harmful bacteria to grow. Vaginal environment is composed primarily of lactobacilli which keep the vaginal pH low and prevents harmful bacteria to grow in the area.

But douching even for once in a month can disturb this balance and lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, which can give rise to genital infections, cervical infections, even lead to infection in the gut. This explains why douching during periods might not be a good idea. In fact, the physiology of the woman s body is such that the vagina is actually self-cleaning there is no need to overdo it. However, one needs to maintain good vaginal hygiene too. Using just a mild soap solution or cleaning the area during bath or after peeing with just water is enough. But if you want to be extra cautious use homemade solution or washes.

Reference:

Martino, J. L., & Vermund, S. H. (2002). Vaginal Douching: Evidence for Risks or Benefits to Women s Health. Epidemiologic Reviews, 24(2), 109 124.

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Published : January 29, 2018 1:30 pm | Updated:January 31, 2018 3:06 pm

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