douche

Douche is a term describing a device or procedure that introduces liquid into a body cavity for cleansing. The most common form is vaginal douching, which uses a bottle or bag attached to a nozzle inserted into the vagina to rinse with a liquid solution. The word can also refer to cleansing practices for other cavities, such as nasal or ear douches, though vaginal use is the best known in many contexts.

Historically, douching has appeared in various cultures with herbal infusions, vinegar, or scented solutions. In Western medicine, routine douching gained popularity in the 20th century but declined as understanding of vaginal health improved. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, medical guidelines generally discouraged performing douches for routine hygiene.

Medical guidance and public health organizations advise against regular vaginal douching. Douching can disrupt the natural vaginal microbiota, increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Some studies have also linked douching with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The practice is commonly discouraged except when a clinician prescribes it for a specific medical reason.

If cleansing is medically indicated, products should be simple, isotonic saline solutions and used only under professional guidance. Fragranced or irritant-containing solutions should be avoided, and equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and properly maintained.

Etymology-wise, the term comes from the French word doucher, meaning shower. In English, it can also function as slang: “douche” or “douchebag” as a pejorative label for a person perceived as obnoxious or inconsiderate.