Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:53
Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice
Published on: December 4, 2020
Women's douching practices and related attitudes in eastern Turkey
Emel Ege1, Sermin Timur, Handan Zincir
1Department of Nursing, Konya School of Health, Selcuk University, Turkey. emelege@hotmail.com
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research
|June 21, 2007
Summary
Vaginal douching is common among women in Malatya, Turkey, with over 60% practicing it, often for hygiene. Douching is linked to education, income, marital age, sexual activity, and genital infections.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Gynecology
- Sociology
Background:
- Vaginal douching is a widespread hygiene practice globally.
- Despite its prevalence, the underlying beliefs and attitudes driving douching behaviors are not well understood.
- This practice is associated with significant health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and determinants of vaginal douching practices among women in the Malatya province of eastern Turkey.
- To identify factors associated with vaginal douching in this specific population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 465 married Muslim women aged 15-49 years.
- Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire in June 2004.
- Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of vaginal douching was 61.5%, with 47.6% reporting douching for feminine hygiene.
- Key associated factors included higher education levels (OR=1.991), family income (OR=0.996), marital age (OR=0.402), frequency of sexual intercourse (OR=2.335), and presence of genital infections (OR=1.813).
Conclusions:
- This study offers initial insights into vaginal douching practices and attitudes in the Malatya region.
- Findings can inform healthcare practitioners in educating women about the adverse health effects of vaginal douching.
- Further research is needed to explore the complex interplay of factors influencing douching behaviors.
Related Concept Videos
02:07Oogenesis
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The pre-procedure steps of handwashing include removing jewelry and rolling up sleeves. However, many organizations allow staff to wear wedding rings.
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...