I'm 28, and have been douching twice a week since I was 16. I've never experienced any of the problems I've heard about from other women, so I'm not convinced it's as bad as everyone says. I began because I have a vaginal odor that is quite unpleasant if I don't. In the past 10 years, I've only had one yeast infection. I am currently sexually active.

I've tried douching twice. The first time I tried it, it burned slightly then burned the next time I urinated. I bled for the next few days, but it was time to get my depo shot and I usually bleed around that time, so I assumed it was that. I tried it again the next week to clean after the bleeding, and once again there was a burning feeling. The burning went away when I was done, but I spotted a little the whole next day.

I am 50 years old. I've been douching since the 90s since I developed thrush. I just feel cleaner. I do it every time I shower and before and after have sex, but have had really bad pains in my abdomen for years. I now realize through conversation with other female friends that it's not the norm to douche.

I was considering doing a vaginal douche only after my period to get rid of the last bits of blood and to feel fresher. But after reading the information here and elsewhere which supports what is written here, I am now much more reluctant to do it. I still want the cleanliness but guess I will rely on the vaginas natural cleansing process. Plus as I will be trying for a baby within the next few years I do not want to put my fertility levels at further risk as I am 36 already. I'm glad I looked up this information before I did it. Thank you.

I am a twenty four year old woman who rarely uses douches. In the past five months I began using them and have for the first time contracted a bacterial vaginosis infection. I definitely feel it was a consequence of changing my vaginal pH levels.