A douche is a device that is primarily used to introduce a stream of water into the body and is primarily performed either for medical or hygienic reasons. In most cases, the term douche will be a reference to a form of vaginal irrigation where the instrument - a clear, flexible plastic or barrel shaped tube fits onto a smaller, thinner tube - is inserted into the vagina. The larger barrel shaped tube is then gently squeezed in order to push the liquid into the vagina which then runs out taking whatever detritus is present in the vagina at the time, with it. The liquid used in the larger barrel is a premix that is readily and easily available in big stores like Wal-Mart but can just as easily be made in the comfort of your own home. All that is required is to add a little white vinegar to some water. However, care must be taken not to make the solution too potent as it could do considerable damage to the delicate internal walls of the vagina. While performing douche therapy promises a number of benefits, most of them are still unfounded. The treatment promises to clean the vagina of any unwanted odors. Some women also use it before they have intercourse if they if they are menstruating. Some women also choose to use it as a type of birth control option, but this has only a 15 to 25 percent chance of contraception when compared to the 97% likelihood of reduction in conception when it comes to the condom.
While the treatments of vaginal douches have been carried out for a number of years, a few concerns are propping up with regards to the ill effects of the treatment. Certain conditions like yeast infections or bacterial infections seem to, not only be masked by the treatment, but even aggravated at times. Regular douching is also said to increase a woman's likelihood of contracting Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which is also one of the most common and serious complications of sexually transmitted diseases. Some of the symptoms that you may notice with the onset of this condition are a foul smelling vaginal discharge, significant pain during intercourse as well as other times and vaginal bleeding. The pelvic inflammatory disease can also result in a scarring of the fallopian tubes and ovaries which could also result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility and other serious consequences.
answered by G M