Definition of Douching

Disease Prevention in Women Slideshow

Douching: Using water or a medicated solution to clean the vagina. Vaginal douching has been done for many, many years. However, there is currently concern that it may sometimes cause problems. It may mask, or even worsen, conditions such as bacterial or yeast infection of the vagina. Even more seriously, douching is associated with an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is also associated with an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy (probably due to PID). The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends against douching.

"Douche" is the French word for "shower." French, being a Latin language, took the word from the Latin -- from ducere, ductum, meaning to lead or conduct (water).