Burn when douche

Rather than providing protection, douching sets up an environment that makes it easier for infections to develop. Douching can also lead to health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and vaginal irritation too. Additionally, all douche formulations — except for the pure saline varieties — contain ingredients that could trigger an adverse or allergic reaction. Once you stop consuming the food or other products, the odor usually goes away.

Washing the outside area — the vulva — with deodorant soap can decrease the natural odor, but it may also dry out the sensitive tissue, so use those products with caution. Some odors may occur due to a health issue. These odors and accompanying symptoms can arise due to a serious infection like gonorrhea, trichomoniasis , or chlamydia. Bacterial vaginosis , an imbalance of the various kinds of bacteria found in the vagina, can cause discomfort and odor as well.

If you have this problem, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic, which selectively affects only the anaerobic bacteria bacteria that live without oxygen and leaves the healthy bacteria intact.

Yeast vaginitis is what most people refer to as a yeast infection, but really occurs because of a bacterial imbalance that allows the yeast to flourish. Your doctor will prescribe one of several medications to treat the abundance of yeast and put the natural balance back in place. Foreign objects like a tampon , condom or toilet paper can sometimes get stuck in your vagina and cause odor or discharge.

Regular douching may mask or hide underlying problems. It can also lead to serious complications down the road. Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and common occurrence. Some types of discharge, however, could signal something more serious. Learn about…. Learn what it means if your vaginal discharge has increased in volume, changed texture, or has an unexpected color or odor.

Learn when to call your…. If you experience discomfort in your genital area or when you urinate, you may have an infection. Urinary tract infections and yeast infections…. Some research has shown that regular bidet use could increase your exposure to certain pathogens. Learn more. Yeast infections are common. Here are seven of the best over-the-counter products to help manage a yeast infection.

The Bartholin glands are a pair of glands, near the opening of the vagina. If a duct from one of the gland gets blocked, fluids can build up…. A cyst may form if…. If you have vaginal atrophy, you may wonder if it can be reversed.

With treatment, some women find that their symptoms improve. Although antibiotics can help treat bacterial vaginosis BV , it often comes back. There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Michael Charles, M. How does it work? Is it safe? Risks of douching. If you are worried about vaginal odor, talk to your doctor or nurse. But you should know that even healthy, clean vaginas have a mild odor that changes throughout the day.

Physical activity also can give your vagina a stronger, muskier scent, but this is still normal. Douching before or after sex does not prevent STIs. In fact, douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection.

Learn ways to prevent STIs. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection. Douching also does not protect against pregnancy.

If you had sex without using protection or if the condom broke during sex, see a doctor right away. You can get medicine to help prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy.

No, you should not douche, bathe, or shower. As hard as it may be to not wash up, you may wash away important evidence if you do. Go to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible. Your doctor or nurse can help you get medicine to help prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy. Douching does not prevent pregnancy. It should never be used for birth control. If you had sex without using birth control or if your birth control method did not work correctly failed , you can use emergency contraception to keep from getting pregnant.

If you need birth control, talk to your doctor or nurse about which type of birth control method is best for you. Department of Health and Human Services. ET closed on federal holidays. Breadcrumb Home A-Z health topics Douching. Douching Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. What is douching? How common is douching?

Why should women not douche? What health problems are linked to douching? Health problems linked to douching include: 5 Bacterial vaginosis BV , which is an infection in the vagina. Women who douche often once a week are five times more likely to develop BV than women who do not douche. Should I douche to get rid of vaginal odor or other problems? Call your doctor or nurse if you have: Vaginal discharge that smells bad Vaginal itching and thick, white, or yellowish-green discharge with or without an odor Burning, redness, and swelling in or around the vagina Pain when urinating Pain or discomfort during sex These may be signs of a vaginal infection, or an STI.

Should I douche to clean inside my vagina? What is the best way to clean my vagina? Keep your vagina clean and healthy by: Washing the outside of your vagina with warm water when you bathe. Some women also use mild soaps. But, if you have sensitive skin or any current vaginal infections, even mild soaps can cause dryness and irritation. Avoiding scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays. These products may increase your chances of getting a vaginal infection. Can douching before or after sex prevent STIs?

Should I douche if I had sex without using protection or if the condom broke?