Douching
From Encyclopedia of Sex and Sexuality
The act of irrigating and washing the interior of the vagina using homemade or commercial preparations. The intention is to maintain cleanliness. However, unless recommended by your physician, douching is usually not necessary. The vagina has a natural acid/base balance which keeps the growth of both yeast and bacteria in check. Douching can change this balance and predispose the vagina to infection. Many ingredients in douches are cosmetics, perfumes, or local anesthetics, and these may cause allergic reactions.
