Douche HELP!!!

Updated on April 07, 2009
A.T. asks from Dallas, TX
37 answers

Ok ladies, this is really embarrassing. I think I need to douche but I've never done it before. I have a feeling I need to. Lately my boyfriend and I have been very "active" and now there is this slight odor. Is this what I need to do? Help me please!!!!!!

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S.R.

answers from Dallas on

This has happened to me before after being more "active" than usual. I didn't douche to take care of the problem though. I took a daily (sometimes a couple of times a day) bath in Apple Cider Vinegar. Actually, I should clarify.. I put several cups of ACV in my bath water and the water was only high enough to come right above my legs. I soaked for about 30 minutes and by 5 days or so the issues "down there" were gone.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

A. I agree with the other ladies dont douche! You might have an infection called Vaginosis its odd but i had it before here is a website where you can read about it http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/vaginosis/a/bacterialvag.... I Hope this helps i was shocked when i was told that is what i had but it is VERY COMMON IN woman from what my DR said!! But she gave me a Presp and it was gone!!

Good luck

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A.M.

answers from Dallas on

Douching washes out good bacteria you actually need there. You probably have a yeast infection and need to get it treated.

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L.G.

answers from Dallas on

Get yourself to a doctor! The smell means that something is not right!

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R.H.

answers from Dallas on

well, if it were me, i don't know that i would douche; douching really messes with your body's natural processes & can do damage to the population of 'good guys,' so to speak. it could be beneficial to just avoid sugary & white-floury foods/bevs, drink plenty of water, change underwear frequently, and consider taking sodium ascorbate (a more bioavailable, buffered form of vitamin c) and a good probiotic (like HFS, Pharmax, GIProHealth, or Jarrow).
HTH!

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

A.,
Don't douche Dr's don't recommend it. If you don't have money and can't see the Dr. (you can go to General Physician too) You probably have a yeast infection if smells bad, usually it's described like fish. Then you can buy a home test for Yeast Infection at the store (I think is called Yagisil and cost like $10) If the test is positive then can buy Monistat Cream to treat it. You will spend like $20-25 on total doing this. If the Doctors visit is around the same amount of $$$ then ask for Diflucan at the Dr's office. Is a single pill to treat Yeast Infections. I really like this options because you don't have to deal with those creams. They say it can take up to 7 days but I see results the next day (I guess all depends on how strong is the infection). Also, you can eat Yogurt because have the "good" bateria achidophillous that you private area needs. You can even put Yogurt in there (not internally) to help to grow the "good" bacteria. It's recommend it to be sugar free, but I have used the regular ones and worked as well.

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J.B.

answers from Dallas on

You don't need to douche. Fortunatley, your business down there operates like a self cleaning oven. To use some scented or even unscented douche will actually exaserbate the problem in the long run, as it washed out all of the good bacteria that keeps things like odor and yeast growth at bay. Look at whatever you are using for protection first, it may be the condoms (if your using them) or your body's reaction to lubrication (if you're using that..) if not - next step is to watch your diet. But, I strongly disagree with douching. Remember - self cleaning oven.

1 mom found this helpful

B.B.

answers from Dallas on

Like the last couple of posts, I've also heard to never douche. You might want to call your dr. just to make sure there's no kind of infection if washing with soap and water doesn't help. You might also want to take a shower right after having sex. Best bet...call your doc.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.J.

answers from Dallas on

Douching is actually not good for you. it strips your vagina of the good bacteria that its needs to keep itself naturally clean. if there is an odor there is some sort of infection or STD or yeast going on. call your Gyno and go in and have it checked out.

hth
A. J

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

you may want to go to your gyno...it could be something else like an infection

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H.W.

answers from Dallas on

A., I agree with the other Ladies. I thik its o.k. to douche, but I would once a month after a cycle. If your noticing an odor you should take a trip to the Gyno to check it out. You may have a "Bacteria Infection". That is the one that causes a odor. If you douche now not knowing what it is, you may make it worse. "Absolutely no over-the-counter" recommendations. Go to the doctor girl. Good luck!

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T.H.

answers from Dallas on

A., ive NEVER douche at all your body cleans itself out plus if you have a smell you need to go to the dr's! good luck

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

Hey A., no need to be embarrassed. I agree with the others that you shouldn't douche as you need some amount of bacteria to keep you healthy.

I get an odor when I'm pregnant. I've been pregnant four times and, each time, there is a noticeable odor when I pee. You might also have an infection, as others have suggested. I think a trip to the gyno is really what you need.

Hope that helps and I hope you find a solution soon.

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A.C.

answers from Dallas on

No to the douche! My ObGyn doesn't recommend it.

See your doctor first.

To prevent any future infections, make sure to pee right away after sexual intercourse. It flushes any bacteria out of the urethra.

Also, you might consider taking odorless garlic capsules daily to help your body fight bacterial and fungal infections.

Good luck!

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L.B.

answers from Wichita Falls on

DON'T DO IT!!! If you have an infection the bacteria could be forced up into your tubes and cause pelvic inflamatory disease. I heard this on "The Doctors" last week. Go to the gyn doc and get checked out. It is probably nothing to worry about, but if it is concerning to you it should be checked out. Good luck.

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A.A.

answers from Dallas on

Aww, dont be too embarrassed. I'm sure 99% of women have had this problem. i have anyways. I went to my ob/gyn she said it was a bacterial infection. She said that its real common and its nothing to worry about. its just the perfect place for bacteria to grow since its dark and damp. But it will get worse if it goes untreated and my dr specifically said during the visit NOT TO douche!!! so if you dont want an embarrassing experience like i had, go get it treated with a precription before ya start really stinkin! haha.

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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

All I know about douche is that it can get rid of the good bacteria that's "down there". We have good bacteria to fight off the bad bacteria- you're just probably out of balance because of all the activity. I would try a powder for a while to help, but If it were me, I would stay away from douching- I've heard it makes things worse. I've never done it in my life. You could have a yeast infection from the activity, also. You might try an over-the-counter treatment for that, especially if there is any itching.

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A.H.

answers from Dallas on

I would say go to dr first. You may have a bacterial inf which smells-as bad as it sounds, it smells fishy. But get yourself checked out, just in case.

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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

Many years ago---yes, they knew about ph balance even then---my doc told me to use an old fashioned douche bag. Take a small cake of Ivory soap and fill the bag by running warm water over the cake of soap. Do this only if you feel you must.

However, due to the great number of STD now, I highly recommend seeing a doctor.

God bless you--stay safe!

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B.S.

answers from Dallas on

I would say NO. Never use it. If you are experiencing an oder, I would go see the OB/GYN.

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L.K.

answers from Dallas on

After you go to the dr., and use what ever they give you, I recommend buying the feminime wash, which it's just like body wash. It's in the tampon section. You just wash your privates with it as if you were using soap and it will keep you fresh. You don't have to stick anything inside. I've been using it for over 15 yrs. Summer's Eve makes it and you can buy the store brand too.

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L.E.

answers from Dallas on

I know - hard topic to discuss. However, if you are regularly having sex and showering afterward and still have any kind of odor, I would highly recommend getting to a doctor. Our bodies just don't work like that. There should be no odor if you are showering and there is no infection. Just get it checked out...it may just be as simple as some antibiotics. Good luck.

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J.J.

answers from Dallas on

If you are noticing an odor after sex and a discharge you may have bacterial vaginosis - it happens when there is an upset in the pH balance of the vagina - typically happens after sex or menstrual cycle, it could also be yeast OR an STD. You need to see a doctor for diagnosis. IF you chose to douche (and I DON'T reccomend it without diagnosis!)- use the medicated povidine-iodine douche daily for 7 days - it is a treatment for BV and yeast - but I still wouldn't douche - see a doctor...

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D.K.

answers from Dallas on

You need to go to the doctor and find out what kind of infection you have and get a prescription. Doctors don't recommend douching anymore, unless it is a prescription formula.

D. Kimbriel
Grandma to 2 beautiful boys

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J.B.

answers from Tyler on

DON'T DOUCHE!!!! My daughter had an odor problem and I took her to our doctor. She'd lost a tampon and it was way up beyone her reach! Get checked out!

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T.K.

answers from Abilene on

ok, personally, I would go see my gyno first. My husband and I are "very active" and we have never had any issues with odor. odor is usually a sign of something not quite right. if you are keeping yourself clean, this is more than likely something to go to the gyno for. good luck!

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M.W.

answers from Dallas on

Hi there. First of all, don't be embarrased. We're all women here and most of us have had this happen from time to time. I would suggest calling your GYN doctor because it could be just a plain odor and douching may help. However, my doc and most others suggest NOT douching because it can take away the good bacteria in the vagina that IS needed. The other thing is that you could be setting up a yeast infection or vaginitis. If that's the case they will instruct what to do. Good luck. P.S. Enjoy the "activity!" ;)

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M.C.

answers from Dallas on

See your doctor first before masking symptoms with a douche. It could be a yeast infection that needs to be treated. Also, if you do douche, avoid the perfumy kind...just vinegar and water, and no more often than once every two weeks. That way, you won't upset the natural PH balance and create more challenges "down there."

Blessings,

M.
"Our pediatrician misses us. So does the pharmacist."
Visit my Mamasource profile to find out why!

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

My Dr. has always told me NOT to douche. I know a lot of people do it and think it is a great way to "clean".

Per Dr. there are good and bad bacteria and when you douche you wash EVERYTHING away, leaving yourself more susceptible to infection. He says to simply wash yourself with soap and water.

If soap and water does not help, then you need to be checked for a yeast or bacterial infection. Make sure to treat those before it ends up being a UTI.

Personally, I drink at least 1 Danactive a day, first thing when I get up. I can tell a HUGE difference in my body. I have had no yeast beast and I am very susceptible to those....being at the beach, taking a bath, etc. I recently went 2 weeks without DanActive because we were on Spring break, etc and I noticed the difference.

I would see my Dr. before I self medicate the problem.

Best wishes!

PS...Brenda is right....shower before and after, especially after. Also make sure you urinate afterwards as soon as you can.

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E.S.

answers from Dallas on

Most doctors will tell you not to douche because like others have said it kills both the good and bad bacteria in the vagina which can leave you more succeptible to infections. You should also note if your having an other symptoms besides the odor such as itching, burning during urination, redness, sensation to go but not being able to, or blood in the urine. Those are all usually signs of an infection and you should see a doctor. I pretty much would reccomend at least calling your doctor to check with her/him before doing anything. A lot of sexual activity can cause several infections such as yeast infections, bacterial infections, UTI's, or STDs. I hope everything works out for you and good luck!:)

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A.M.

answers from Dallas on

If the odor is bad smelling you may have an infection, especially if you also have a discharge that is other than clear or white. Douching isn't good for your vaginal flora. You are more likely to make yourself susceptable to infection. You probably need to go to the docotor to get checked out especially if you are having sex without a condom. Venereal diseases are on the rise. Good luck.

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C.T.

answers from Dallas on

You should never use a douche unless you're doctor tells you to. You could make a real problem worse. Go see your gyn before you do anything or at least give her office a call and ask a nurse.

E.C.

answers from Dallas on

Don't be embarrassed! We've all been there in some way or another!

Douching can actually make an odor worse. It gets rid of all the GOOD bacteria that naturally grows there and can cause more of an odor.

If you are smelling something, you might want to go to your doctor. It is really, probably nothing serious. You might have a yeast infection... but if you have never had one before it is best to get checked by your doctor just to make sure.

Don't be embarrassed - just go to your doctor to find the cause of the odor!

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A.G.

answers from Abilene on

I have never done it. My doctor told me that as long as you are using soap and water you are fine. Besides I think that is for girls that have a lot of partners. However, you could still ask your doctor.

N.H.

answers from Dallas on

Yes you most likely need to do so. As long as you are not having any itching or burning with the odor you should just need to douche. It's very simple but make sure to do it while in the shower because it's a cold liquid that comes out and you'll want to wash off good. Just grab any box at the grocery store, read directions and go from there......again, it's very easy to use so you shouldn't have any trouble. They usually come in a box of 4 under $5. If you continue to be sexually active, you should douche about once a month to help with the odor.

Take care!

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J.W.

answers from Dallas on

Do not douche! It could push whatever is causing the odor (likely an infection of some sort) further in and then you could have worse problems! Please contact your Dr for advice. You may need to be seen.

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S.E.

answers from Dallas on

I notice the other ladies say not to but I use the old fashion douche bag with water, I had a Dr. tell me that it was ok if I just used water only and it seems to do the job. Another suggestion is to go to the bathroom after you have intercourse because that works also. If I don't do one of those two things I have the same problem

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