Why Less Is the Answer

The association between douching and cleanliness is one of the most persistent myths in intimate care. It is also one of the most directly contradicted by evidence. Research has consistently found that douching disrupts beneficial bacteria, elevates vaginal pH, and increases susceptibility to the very concerns it claims to address, including bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and STIs.

What the research says

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, alongside most major gynaecological bodies globally, advises against douching entirely. Studies have found that people who douche regularly are significantly more likely to experience bacterial vaginosis than those who do not.

The practice removes the protective Lactobacillus bacteria and creates conditions where harmful organisms establish more easily.

Why it remains common
Douching persists largely because of cultural messaging that frames the vagina as something requiring correction. It does not. The vagina is self-cleaning. Any odour that is persistent, unusual, or accompanied by other symptoms is a signal to see a doctor, not to douche. Douching masks symptoms without addressing the cause.

What to do instead

• Cleanse the vulva (external) gently with warm water or a mild, pH-appropriate product.
• Do not introduce any product internally unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• If something feels or smells different from your normal, seek professional evaluation.
• The most sophisticated thing you can do is trust the body’s design and avoid working against it.