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Vaginal douching.
1Florida State University School of Nursing, Tallahassee 32306-3051, USA. bcottrel@garnet.acns.fsu.edu
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|February 7, 2003
Summary
Vaginal douching is common but linked to serious health risks like infections and preterm birth. Healthcare providers should educate women on these dangers and explore beliefs influencing douching practices.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Gynecologic Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Vaginal douching is a prevalent practice among women in the United States.
- The practice is influenced by cultural beliefs and educational factors.
- Understanding these influences is crucial for effective health education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current scientific literature on vaginal douching practices.
- To identify the associated reproductive and gynecologic health outcomes.
- To explore the factors influencing women's douching behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases (1997-2001).
- Keywords included "douche" and "douching."
- Relevant abstracts and references were reviewed and summarized.
Main Results:
- Vaginal douching is associated with adverse outcomes such as bacterial vaginosis, preterm birth, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Increased risks include chlamydial infection, tubal pregnancy, and higher HIV transmission rates.
- Cervical cancer is also a potential adverse outcome linked to douching.
Conclusions:
- Nursing assessments should incorporate questions about vaginal douching practices and beliefs.
- Culturally sensitive educational strategies are needed to discourage douching due to associated health risks.
- Further research is required to understand the determinants of women's douching beliefs and practices.