Does vaginal douching have an effect on HIV transmission?
Some women douche or wash the vagina after or before sex. Women use various combinations that include water, soap, lemon juice, vinegar and antiseptics. The most common reasons given by women as to why they douche are to: • clean the vagina; • rinse away blood after their monthly periods; • get rid of odour from the vagina; • prevent pregnancy; • reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Research has shown that douching is not an effective method to prevent pregnancy nor does it provide protection from sexually transmitted infections. In fact studies have shown that women who douche typically have more sexual health problems than those that do not. One reason for this may be that douching can alter or kill the “friendly” bacteria that protect the vagina. In addition, the use of antiseptic or acidic liquids such as rubbing alcohol or lemon juice can irritate the lining of the vagina and can create microscopic tears that HIV can pass through.
