1 Know that your body cleans out vaginal discharge, blood, and semen on its own. Many women douche in order to clean themselves after a period, rinse out vaginal discharge, or to clean out semen after sex. The great thing about the human body though, is that it is built to do these things on its own. The vagina cleans itself without douching, meaning that you don’t have to refer to man-made soaps and rinses in order to keep your vagina in healthy, working condition.[2]

2 Douche at your doctor’s suggestion. The last few years of studies have offered up important research that shows that douching can be more harmful than beneficial to your body. The vagina naturally cleans itself with its high acidity and natural mucous, which douching removes. As a result of douching, you are more likely to suffer from a yeast infection or other bacterial infection. Talk to your doctor before you decide to douche, and do so at their discretion.

3 Don’t douche to remove itching or burning sensations. Some women feel like they need to douche in order to get rid of itching or burning they feel near or inside their vagina. These are symptoms of an infection though, and douching simply covers them up. Rather than trying to wash away these symptoms, meet with your doctor and explain what you’re experiencing.[3]

4 Don’t douche to remove a strong odor. Although the vagina may have a very mild, constant odor, if you are experiencing a strong odor (outside of your menstrual cycle), it is likely a symptom of a possible infection. Instead of trying to rinse out the odor, talk to your doctor and ask for their advice. They may or may not support the idea of douching, but it is best to go to them first rather than possibly making things worse.

5 Don’t douche in attempts to prevent STDs or pregnancy. Douching is not an alternative to a condom or other contraceptive; its primary goal is to ‘clean’ the inside of the vagina. Therefore, don’t douche in attempts to prevent an STD/STI or pregnancy after sex, as it will be ineffective.[4]