Vaginal douching is a practice involving washing out the inside of the vagina with a mixture of fluids, typically water, vinegar, or pre-packaged commercial solutions. This method of internal cleansing is often used by individuals seeking to eliminate odor or feel “fresher,” but the practice is widely discouraged by health professionals. Despite being common—with an estimated 20% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 reporting use—douching is associated with significant medical risks. Understanding the physiological effects of douching is important, especially concerning misconceptions about its ability to influence the menstrual cycle.
Does Douching Stop or Alter Menstrual Flow
Douching does not stop a menstrual period, even temporarily, because it cannot influence the physiological process of menstruation. Menstrual flow originates from the shedding of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. This shedding is controlled by hormonal shifts that happen far above the vaginal canal. The fluid used in douching only reaches and flushes the vaginal canal, the passage through which menstrual blood exits the body. Since douching does not affect the uterus or the hormones that regulate the uterine lining, it cannot halt the bleeding from its source. While douching may temporarily rinse away blood that has already collected in the vagina, the underlying flow from the uterus continues uninterrupted.
How Douching Impacts the Vaginal Microbiome
The healthy vagina maintains a naturally acidic environment sustained by a delicate balance of microorganisms known as the vaginal microbiome. This environment is dominated by beneficial bacteria, primarily Lactobacilli species. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which keeps the vaginal pH at an acidic level, typically below 4.5, creating a natural defense against harmful pathogens. Douching disrupts this ecosystem, regardless of whether the fluid used is plain water, a vinegar solution, or a commercial product. The fluid washes away many of the protective Lactobacilli bacteria. This mechanical flushing causes the vaginal pH level to rise, making the environment less acidic. The resulting shift weakens the vagina’s natural defenses, making it susceptible to various infections.
Documented Health Consequences of Douching
The destabilization of the vaginal microbiome creates an environment where harmful microorganisms can thrive, leading to multiple documented adverse health outcomes. The most frequent consequence is an increased risk of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), a condition resulting from an overgrowth of certain bacteria and a decrease in Lactobacilli. BV is associated with an unpleasant odor and discharge.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Douching can also lead to a higher incidence of yeast infections and, more seriously, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Studies have shown that women who douche may have up to a 73% higher risk of developing this condition. The mechanical force of the douching fluid can push existing harmful bacteria from the vagina and cervix upward into the upper reproductive tract, directly contributing to PID.
Reproductive and STI Risks
The practice has been linked to an increased risk of acquiring Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), as the compromised vaginal lining is less able to resist pathogens. Furthermore, frequent douching has been associated with a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, with some studies suggesting an elevated risk of up to 76%.
Experts recommend avoiding douching entirely, as the vagina is naturally self-cleaning and requires only external washing with water.