Vaginal douching practice: Frequency, associated factors and relationship with vulvovaginal symptoms

To determine the frequency, associated factors and relationship with vulvovaginal symptoms and vaginal douching among Turkish women.

The cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted at Merkez Efendi Hospital, Manisa, Turkey, from January to June 2014 using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 17.

Of the total 343 women in the study, 91(26.5%) had reported vaginal douching in the preceding year. Statistically significant relationship was determined between the vaginal douching behaviour and couples who had low educationand low income levels, having unplanned pregnancy and had someone in their neighbourhood who douched (p< 0.05 each). The most common reason for using vaginal douching was reported to be cleanliness by 85(93.4%) women, prevention of genital infections 75(82.4%), cleaning after/before sexual intercourse 72(79%), during menstruation 49(54%), prevention of vaginal discharge 69(76%), decreasing of unpleasant odours 65(71.4%) and religious beliefs 46(50.5%). Self-reported history of vaginal infection was significantly more common for women who douched compared those who did not (p< 0.05).

Healthcare providers should determine the reason and risky groups of women and educate the women to stop the vaginal douching behaviour and harmful effects of vaginal douching.