Everyday, and I mean everyday, I see women who tell me that they keep douching (because that is what their mothers told them to do), but they still smell very “fishy” down there. Now, I would tell you a gynecological joke, but you know I’m new to this and don’t want to scare anyone off. So I’ll skip that right now!
In case you didn’t know, (for the chemists out there) the vagina is acidic and the sperm is basic in composition. So when sperm interacts with the vagina, the bacteria (bacterial vaginosis) let out an amine, an organic compound that smells like fish.
Regular vaginal douching changes the delicate chemical balance of the vagina and can make a woman more susceptible to infections. Douching can introduce new bacteria into the vagina which can spread up through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Researchers have found that women who douche regularly experience more vaginal irritations and infections such as bacterial vaginosis, and an increased number of sexually transmitted diseases.
Bacterial Vaginitis (BV) is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally found in the vagina. Symptoms are itching, burning, and a thin, off-white discharge that often smells bad or “fishy.”
You don’t need to douche, ever, because when you do you just get rid of the “evidence” (for the lawyers out there), but you don’t actually treat anything. If you smell “fishy” down there, you need to get checked for bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Even after a period, or after sex, the vagina is able to get rid of blood, sperm, and bacteria, on its own. It doesn’t need any help from the douches sold over the counter. I can’t believe they’re still available. I can’t think of a reason to use them.
Now, if you have trust issues, and you don’t trust anyone, at least trust your vagina. It knows what it’s doing – I promise.