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How Do I Choose the Best Douche Products?

Jennifer Leigh
Jennifer Leigh

Douche products are used for a variety of purposes including cleaning the vagina, removing odors and attempting to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When attempting to choose the best douche products, it is necessary to find out whether the ingredients are harmful or irritating, as body chemistry varies among individuals. Reading ingredient labels and talking to a physician can be helpful when deciding which products are best.

Baking soda, vinegar, water and iodine are common ingredients in douche products. These are natural ingredients that do not cause harm to the body and deodorize effectively. Those interested in using douche products should read the ingredient labels in order to choose the best one for their needs. Scents are sometimes added to these mixtures that can irritate the body, so it is best to stick to a simple and natural solution. Reading the label before purchasing the products provides a better knowledge of the product and its directions for use.

Douching may cause some women to develop bacterial vaginosis.
Douching may cause some women to develop bacterial vaginosis.

It is also important to understand that douche products do not protect against pregnancy or STIs, so they should not be used for these purposes. They can cause irritation if they are used too often and can strip the body of the natural and healthy organisms that help prevent infections from occurring. Utilizing douche products can actually increase the risk of infections in some people. Reading the directions regarding how often they should be used is important when choosing the best product.

A douche bulb is often reusable, although many may be disposable as well.
A douche bulb is often reusable, although many may be disposable as well.

If possible, those interested in using douche products should speak with a physician first. A physician can recommend products that are healthy for the body and explain how often they should be used. This can be a helpful step when determining the best product for individual needs. If something is more seriously wrong with the body, the physician can also recommend alternative treatments to fix the cause of the problem that is leading to the need for douching in the first place.

Some douche solutions may dry out the vaginal tissue, causing irritation.
Some douche solutions may dry out the vaginal tissue, causing irritation.

When problems develop in the body after these products are used, the product likely had an ingredient that irritated the body. Therefore, this choice was not the best and you should explore another alternative, whether a different type of douche product or another type of treatment. Since this is a personal hygiene product, there is no correct fit for everyone who uses it.

Discussion Comments

fify

I use a medicated douche from the pharmacy when I have a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection. It has an antiseptic, antibacterial medication in it. The douche also has a pH level that's equal to the pH level of the vagina. So it helps fight infections without causing too much harm to vaginal flora.

literally45

@donasmrs-- I have never tried a vinegar douche but my sister-in-law used a douche with apple cider vinegar for her chronic yeast infection. It didn't work, and apparently burned a lot as well. I think vinegar has to be diluted with a lot of water when it's used as a douche. Even then, it may be irritating. I don't think it's the best remedy for a yeast infection.

Instead, I recommend you to use a douche with propolis. There aren't many studies on this, but the few studies that were done showed that a douche with propolis can treat yeast infections without side effects. I'm not sure where this douche can be found or if you have to mix it yourself at home. But it sounds like a great option.

donasmrs

Has anyone tried a vinegar douche for a yeast infection?

I've been dealing with a yeast infection for a few months now and nothing seems to help. Should I try a vinegar douche?

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    • Douching may cause some women to develop bacterial vaginosis.
      By: lusielia
      Douching may cause some women to develop bacterial vaginosis.
    • A douche bulb is often reusable, although many may be disposable as well.
      By: Africa Studio
      A douche bulb is often reusable, although many may be disposable as well.
    • Some douche solutions may dry out the vaginal tissue, causing irritation.
      By: kocakayaali
      Some douche solutions may dry out the vaginal tissue, causing irritation.
    • Women who douche regularly believe that it cleans the vagina, gets rid of odor and rinses away blood after menstruation.
      By: reineg
      Women who douche regularly believe that it cleans the vagina, gets rid of odor and rinses away blood after menstruation.
    • Douche products do not protect against pregnancy.
      By: Pavla Zakova
      Douche products do not protect against pregnancy.