$Unique_ID{BRK01539}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Is Douching With Products Found in the Drugstore Safe?}
$Subject{douching safety}
$Volume{J-14}
$Log{
PID-Risk Factors*0007901.scf
PID-Pathways of Infection*0007902.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Douching With Products Found in the Drugstore Safe?


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QUESTION:  I need the answer to a question that is not discussed too
frequently in columns like yours.  I would like to know if douching with
products found in the drugstore are safe?  My girlfriend claims she read that
these products are the cause of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and I don't
need more trouble than I already have.  Would you please answer this question
for me?

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ANSWER:  This question, involving feminine hygiene, certainly does deserve an
answer, and I have no problem responding to you in this column.  The simple
answer is that when commercially prepared douching products are used as
directed, and for the purposes indicated in the product literature, they pose
no special problems for the user.  It is possible that there is some link
between PID and douching but it is not considered to be cause-effect
relationship.  Douching may be used more frequently by woman who have multiple
sexual partners, use this as a means of contraception or birth control (it is
not), hope that it will prevent catching sexually transmitted disease (it
won't), or to relieve symptoms of an already existing infection.  It for this
reason we find that both douching and PID may exist in the same populations,
but this fact alone does not establish a one to one tie.  Nor does everyone
who does use this method of feminine cleanliness, have some particular worry
relating to their own sex life.  Since it seems as if you might wish to use
douching for yourself, it is important to become fully informed.  Speak to
your own doctor about the correct method, and ask counsel about products.
Read the labels most carefully, and stick to the instructions that are
provided.  If PID is a worry in your life, then openly ask your doctor about
the disease, and find out just what the risk factors are and how to take
precautions against Sexually Transmitted Disease, the types of infections that
often lead to PID.  Now that I have made the first attempt to provide you with
the information you requested, the next important steps are up to you.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
