Douching is a practice that is now on the wane largely due to its disapproval by the medical community. The only time that douching is looked upon favorable is when it is part of a treatment regimen.
Douching is the method by which the vagina is flushed out with water. The instrument that is used for this task is a long tube and a rubber bladder from which water is expelled into the vagina. This practice carries with it various problems. One of the main problems is the disturbance of the natural pH balance of the vagina. Naturally and undisturbed, the vagina has a slightly acidic level. This is because of the presence of bacteria called Lactobacillus. This bacterium is one of the most common and most human-friendly bacteria in the human body and is prevalent in the mouth and intestines as well. The main role of these bacteria in the vagina is to protect it from proliferation by other microbes. Lactobacillus multiply faster than most other strains of harmful bacteria and this causes the competition to be at bay. In some situations, like during menstruation and after excessive sexual intercourse, the pH level in the vagina can increase making it less acidic and allow yeast and harmful bacteria to take over. This is the primary criticism of douching. However, its use was demonstrated in a study of people with bacterial vaginosis who were asked to douche with a fluid containing lactobacillus. It was found that the vaginosis was completely cured when douching was done this way.
Douching at home should firstly not be done often. The only time that it should be considered is probably before sexual intercourse. However, after intercourse, you should douche with a solution of milk to restore the pH balance. Never try to douche after menstruation as the pH balance of vagina usually reduces at this time anyway and douching will not help retain the balance. Always avoid using water to douche because no matter how clean your water supply is, there is a possibility of bacterial infection occurring due to pathogens in the water. In addition, the douching instrument itself requires much maintenance and cleaning, as this instrument can also accumulate bacteria. Try to limit intervening in the reproductive system as the complications could be far reaching. One of the reasons that douching is discouraged is the accidental pumping of water into the fallopian tubes. Once this occurs, you are at risk of being infertile.