The practice was linked to a whopping 50 percent decrease in monthly fertility in women between the ages of 18 and 24, and a nearly 30 percent decrease in fertility among women aged 25 to 29. Those who douched more than once a week had the lowest pregnancy rate. For pregnant women, douching poses other dangers. Researchers discovered that in a group of nearly 4,700 women, the 650 who douched two to three times a week had a 40 percent greater chance of delivering underweight babies than women who didn't douche. Some experts have speculated that this is because a woman who douches is more likely to get an infection that can penetrate the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the fetus.
Some doctors occasionally recommend douching for certain vaginal infections.
In the majority of cases, they suggest a douche consisting of Lactobacilli-rich Acidophilus, which can be found in health food stores. The best advice is to douche only if your doctor recommends it. This Web site is a free resource for everyone in Minnesota. Links to certain services are available only to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota members. All rights reserved.