Should i douche for bv

Douching can also throw off the natural acidity that protects your vagina against infection. Using a reusable douche can introduce mold and other fungus into the vagina. If you already have BV, douching of any kind can cause the infection to spread. You may inadvertently flush bacteria up into your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

This can cause a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease , which can cause chronic pain and infertility. Additionally, peroxide douching can lead to irritation of the vagina and vulva. In one study on hydrogen peroxide douching, more than 30 percent of participants reported vaginal irritation. It also increases your risk for pregnancy complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight. Treatment for BV involves a course of antibiotics. Douching with hydrogen peroxide can cause vaginal irritation, and douching in general while you have BV can spread the infection further up your urinary tract.

If you think you have BV, make an appointment so you can get started on antibiotics. Can men get or spread bacterial vaginosis? Notice the smell of ammonia around your vagina? Find out what could be causing it and how to prevent it in the future. Some research has shown that regular bidet use could increase your exposure to certain pathogens.

Learn more. Yeast infections are common. Here are seven of the best over-the-counter products to help manage a yeast infection. The Bartholin glands are a pair of glands, near the opening of the vagina. If a duct from one of the gland gets blocked, fluids can build up…. Here, learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent some common STIs. Vaginal swelling can occur for a range of different reasons.

This article examines 14 reasons why a person may experience vaginal swelling, including…. Diet, health status, and many other factors can affect the natural odor of the vagina. Different odors suggest different issues. In this article…. Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms include a grayish discharge…. Learn about nine different causes of a burning sensation in the vagina, as well as treatment options and what happens if they are left untreated.

Home remedies for bacterial vaginosis. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. When to see a doctor Sex and bacterial vaginosis Hygiene Probiotics Alternative remedies We include products we think are useful for our readers. Know when to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms of BV are accompanied by itching, burning, or pain.

Know how sex can cause bacterial vaginosis. Use safe hygiene practices. Share on Pinterest Wearing breathable cotton underwear will help maintain good vaginal hygiene. Try a probiotic. Try an alternative remedy. Share on Pinterest Eating garlic can reduce the risk of BV because it can act as a natural antibacterial. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What you need to know about sexually transmitted diseases STDs. What can cause vaginal swelling? Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. What is bacterial vaginosis? Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. What causes burning in the vagina? Some research suggests that even if a woman who douches regularly doesn't have PID, she will still take longer to conceive than women who don't.

Douching at least once a week has also been linked to a possible increased chance of developing certain types of cancer — including cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. So what is the best way to clean your vagina besides douching? The answer is actually to do nothing. Your vagina, like a self-cleaning oven, is meant to clean itself. The more you interfere with its process by douching or using strong soaps or soaps with fragrance, the more likely you are to experience irritation.

Simply rinse with warm tap water and a washcloth, if necessary. These are not normal processes of your vagina, but are signs that you have some type of infection. On the contrary, douching doesn't prevent any of these women's health problems — rather, it can cause serious health complications. The National Institutes of Health similarly discourages the use of vaginal douching, warning women that: Douching has been associated with many adverse outcomes including pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial vaginosis, cervical cancer, low birth weight, preterm birth, human immunodeficiency virus transmission, sexually transmitted diseases, ectopic pregnancy, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, and infertility.

What is Douching? This elevated pH level caused by vaginal douching can cause immediate health problems for a woman, including: Vaginal Dryness : Douching may remove or alter the natural mucous of the vaginal walls.

Bacterial Vaginosis : A painful inflammation of the vaginal tissue, bacterial vaginosis occurs when harmful bacteria flourish in the vagina, which is more likely if the natural, healthy bacteria are washed away with douching. Yeast Infections : Yeast grows better in less acidic environments.